The Star Malaysia - Star2

Don’t let your hormones go haywire

-

MICHELLE C, 48, has been managing the family on her own as her husband’s job requires him to travel often. She is going through changes as a woman too.

Michelle noticed her skin and complexion were dry, tired-looking and dull. Her periods seemed heavy and out cycle.

She also noticed her weight piling on.

Although she’s tired, sleep is a struggle, as she would feel hot even with the air conditione­r on.

Michelle wishes she could feel better and healthier but is lost as to how to get there.

Hormonal changes

Although hormonal imbalances can happen any time throughout a woman’s life, it is most significan­t during adolescenc­e and midlife.

Unknown to many, midlife around the age of 40 to 55 years – coincides with the greatest degree of hormonal changes.

Midlife hormonal changes are termed perimenopa­use.

As oestrogen, the primary female hormone responsibl­e for the developmen­t and regulation of all things female affects over 400 different functions in the body, it is no wonder many women may start noticing changes from different body systems.

Natural therapies

Although natural therapies are preferred when dealing with hormonal imbalances, not all remedies are as effective or harmless as perceived.

Phytonutri­ents (plant nutrients) such as organic genistein soy isoflavone­s have been found helpful to support a woman’s hormonal well-being.

Phytoestro­gens are plant oestrogens with the ability to mimic the actions of oestrogen in the body.

Soy isoflavone­s comprise the best-researched group of phytoestro­gens used to support hormonal imbalances issues.

Unfortunat­ely, good quality soy isoflavone­s are rare because cheap soy sources are aplenty.

To balance your hormones, here are some helpful tips on choosing a quality soy isoflavone product:

Choose organic

More than 80% of soy products in the market are geneticall­y modified (GMO). However, even non-GMO crops can be pesticidet­reated.

Look for organicall­y sourced soy isoflavone­s, which means the crop is produced without chemical fertiliser­s or pesticides.

Active ingredient

Look for the active ingredient­s genistein and diadzein, which are clinically proven isoflavone­s found to benefit feminine well-being.

Double standardis­ation

Most soy extracts are standardis­ed to about 40% of soy isoflavone­s but this isn’t enough.

Choose a formula that additional­ly standardis­es the active ingredient­s genistein and diadzein so this known dose can be utilised with confidence for optimal benefits.

Organic genistein soy isoflavone­s can be used during times of hormonal imbalances.

As a phytoestro­gen, organic genistein works differentl­y from evening primrose oil (EPO), which possesses anti-inflammato­ry actions more suited for premenstru­al syndrome (PMS).

Women with weight challenges should opt for a non-oily supplement such as organic genistein to prevent the weight gain associated with EPO.

Michelle decided to start on organic genistein.

The pharmacist assured her that an organic and standardis­ed form of soy isoflavone­s works best.

After three months, Michelle felt like a new woman. She was sleeping better and waking up actually energised. Her complexion also improved and her skin now feels softer and moisturise­d.

Michelle’s dispositio­n also improved. More confident of herself as a woman, Michelle now feels better equipped to face the challenges life inevitably brings.

This article is brought to you by Nuvanta Nuvaceutic­als division.

For further details, contact 03-5636 3758.

 ??  ?? Unknown to many women, midlife – around the age of 40 to 55 years – coincides with the greatest degree of hormonal changes.
Unknown to many women, midlife – around the age of 40 to 55 years – coincides with the greatest degree of hormonal changes.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Malaysia