By Davina C.
The menopause is a seminal moment in every woman's life, a natural time of ageing, where her periods stop and her ovaries lose their reproductive function. Between the ages of 45 and 55 is considered the usual time span but according to research by the NHS, in the UK, the average age is 51. But what is still largely unknown or not talked about is that around 1 in 100 women experience the menopause before they reach 40 years.
There has been a growing awareness around the menopause the last few years - as women are finally finding platforms to share their symptoms and experiences.
Oestrogen is a hormone mainly produced in the ovaries and is responsible for controlling many functions in the body including the production of an egg each month (ovulation). As a woman gets older, their store of eggs in the ovaries naturally declines. Menopause occurs when your ovaries stop producing eggs and your body’s oestrogen levels fall. As a result, there are many changes that can occur to the body including no longer having periods and the symptoms we associate with the menopause.
The Board of the International Menopause Society (IMS) has decided to create the theme, bone health, for World Menopause Day 2021. Osteoporosis and associated fractures are the most common chronic metabolic bone disease and represent a major global health problem, contributing to 8.9 million fractures worldwide on an annual basis. Worldwide, there are marked variations in the rates of hip fracture and major osteoporotic fractures. Fractures associated with osteoporosis cause not only increased morbidity but also an increased mortality.
Our in-house nutrition expert, Ella Owen, offers some guidance on products that can help navigate the menopause day to day.
Nature's Answer Sage
Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a popular culinary herb with a long history of traditional use in supporting a reduction in night sweats and hot flushes. Nature’s Answer Sage is a Holistically Balanced® concentrated, alcohol-free herbal extract. Being in a liquid form, it provides fast and efficient absorption.
Shop it: Nature’s Answer Sage
Nature's Answer Milk Thistle Seed
Milk Thistle herb may be useful in improving the quality of life during menopause. In a recent 12 week, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial study, researchers found that this herbal extract significantly reduced the frequency and severity of menopausal hot flushes. This Nature's Answer Milk Thistle Seed Extract is super concentrated at 200mg - take daily.
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Nature's Answer Red Clover
Increasing the intake of phytoestrogen-rich foods, such as flaxseeds, chickpeas, alfalfa and fermented organic soy, as oestrogen production declines may bring about supportive benefits. Red Clover herb naturally contains phytoestrogen isoflavones and has a long history of use within traditional healing systems. Nature’s Answer Red Clover Tops supplies 530g of this alcohol-free concentrated extract per 2 drops serving.
Shop it: Nature’s Answer Red Clover Tops
References: Saberi, Z. et al. Evaluation of the effect of Silybum marianum extract on menopausal symptoms: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Phytotherapy Research. 2020; 1-8.
* The claims mentioned in this blog are based on clinical research, are not aimed to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Food supplements should be used within the framework of a healthy lifestyle and not used as substitutes of a varied and balanced diet.
