Menopause is a natural phase and significant milestone in a woman’s life that typically starts between early-40s to mid-50s. It marks the end of their reproductive years, menstrual cycle and for most women, that’s a blessing! It’s not a medical condition or health problem, it’s a new phase of life which brings various changes to your body, mind, and mood or emotions.
Many menopausal symptoms are due to declining levels of reproductive or sex hormones in your body, namely oestrogen and progesterone. With time & age, menopause tends to hit each woman differently in terms of the range, pattern, frequency, severity & duration but usually includes hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, fatigue, anxiety, irritability, poor sleep, fuzzy thinking or brain fog, poor memory, drying and thinning of hair, skin and nails, weight gain, vaginal dryness, low sex drive, bloating, water retention, high cholesterol levels, joint pain, and osteoporosis.1,2
Why do some women go into menopause early?1
Anything that causes damage to the ovaries or blocks oestrogen production can lead to early or premature menopause, which is described as the onset of menopause below age 40.1
- Nutrient deficiencies or undernutrition due to biological, socio-economic, & cultural factors
- Having your first period before age 11
- Surgical removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy) or uterus (hysterectomy)
- Prolonged use of certain hormonal contraceptives
- Family history of early menopause
- Smoking cigarettes
- Excess intake of alcohol
- Severe infections
- HIV or AIDS
- Autoimmune disorders
- Certain genetic features or chromosomal abnormalities
- Chemotherapy or other cancer treatments
Here are some of the most well-studied herbs and supplements that may act as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy:3,4
- Fat soluble vitamins such as vitamins A-D-E and calcium is necessary to support good mood, energy, vision, skin, heart, brain, thyroid, muscle, and bone health.4 See Vitamin D3 Capsules
- Water soluble vitamins like vitamin C and B-complex helps maintain healthy skin, immunity, bones, and nerve function4 . See Menopause Support
- Red clover is an herbaceous flowering plant that is rich in isoflavones which are structurally similar to the hormone oestrogen and may exert weak oestrogenic effects in your body. Dong quai, also known as female ginseng, is an Asian herb that is thought to support reproductive system and women’s health, ease symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause.
Studies suggest that ginseng and soy may help boost energy, sex drive, mood, and general sense of well-being in menopausal women.5
Did you know that Nativa Complex® Menopause Support contains a high dose of synergistic blend of herbals and plant-based oestrogens including red clover, soy, dong quai, ginseng as well as vitamins like D3, E and B-complex? You only need to take 1 capsule in the morning and 1 capsule in the evening (not more!) to counter menopausal symptoms.
References:
Valinda Riggins Nwadike and Rachel Nall (5 May 2023). Medical News Today: How do I recognize menopause? Accessed 22 November 2023 Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317615
Stacey A Henigsman and Lindsey Todd (10 August 2023). Medical News Today: What are the 34 symptoms of menopause, and what helps? Accessed 22 November 2023 Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-are-the-34-symptoms-of-menopause
Traci C Johnson (20 November 2022) WebMed: 11 Supplements for Menopause. Accessed 22 November 2023 Available from https://www.webmd.com/menopause/ss/slideshow-menopause
Debra Rose Wilson and Annette McDermott (26 June 2023). Healthline: Can Vitamins Help Alleviate My Menopause Symptoms? Accessed 22 November 2023 Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/vitamins-for-menopause#takeaway
Jillian Kubala and Ansley Hill (30 September 2022). Healthline: 10 Herbs and Supplements for Menopause Accessed 22 November 2023 Available from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/menopause-herbs
