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Menopause & Hormone Imbalance

Menopause is a time of great change in a woman's body. Dramatic hormonal changes can produce physical and emotional symptoms. This process is unavoidable, but you can do several things to address it.

  1. What is Menopause?

    • Menopause is the end of menstruation. Ovulation stops and a woman can no longer have children. This is a result of declining estrogen production that takes place over a number of years.

    Implications of Decreased Estrogen

    • Hormones play many important roles in the body. Once estrogen production declines, several changes occur and result in symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain, insomnia and vaginal dryness. It also raises the risk for certain health problems.

    Estrogen Replacement

    • Talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. Supplemental estrogen can relieve many symptoms of hormonal imbalance, but it carries certain risks. Ask your physician if it is an appropriate treatment for you.

    Dietary Suggestions

    • Certain foods can exhibit estrogen-like effects and reduce symptoms that accompany these hormonal changes. They include whole soy foods like soy milk, soy nuts, tempeh and tofu and flaxseed. As of 2009, eating these foods is probably safer than supplementing.

    Staying Healthy

    • Hormonal changes can increase the risk of certain health issues like osteoporosis and heart disease. Get 1,500 mg of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D daily for bone health. Exercise and eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fat to ward off heart problems. These measures can also reduce symptoms of menopause.

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