Understanding Hormonal Imbalance During Menopause
Menopause marks a period of great change when it comes to hormonal balance in a woman’s body. As a woman moves through her 40’s, the changes in her body can be extreme, primarily due to the decline of estrogen and other hormones.
To understand the changes in hormones, one must first understand the hormone levels of a pre-menopausal woman. Estrogen is the primary hormone in this case. It is responsible for helping to regulate the menstrual cycle, and for maintaining the health of the reproductive organs.
The Role of Estrogen in Menopause
Estrogen levels drastically decline after menopause, leading to various uncomfortable menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and more. A decline in estrogen also leads to an increase in the risk of diseases such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and dementia.
Managing Hormonal Imbalance
Fortunately, there are ways to manage and balance hormone levels in the body during menopause. Diet, lifestyle, and supplements can all help to balance hormones.
Diet is key to managing hormones during menopause. Eating whole, natural foods can boost the body’s nutrient intake, while avoiding foods with additives and preservatives. In addition, a diet rich in fiber, healthy fats, and phytoestrogens can help to balance hormones.
Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, getting regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol and drugs can also be beneficial.
Supplements such as herbal supplements and multi-vitamins can be a helpful tool for addressing hormonal imbalance during menopause. Supplements that contain phytoestrogens, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, and herbs can help to keep hormones in balance.
Menopause can lead to an array of uncomfortable and unpredictable symptoms, but understanding hormonal imbalances and managing them through diet, lifestyle, and supplements can be an effective step towards finding relief.
