Understanding perimenopause

MANY women are still in the dark about perimenopause. A condition that affects women between the age of 40-56 years, it is a period (often years) that leads to menopause. During this stage, women’s hormone levels change, more than what they experienced during puberty. Rather than initiation, perimenopause is more of an exit from child-bearing years. Perimenopause is also often linked to “mid life crisis” as women are known to experience significant changes, both physiologically and psychologically.

HORMONAL YO-YO Hormones are instrumental to a woman’s reproductive health. The female hormones estrogen and progesterone are responsible for regulating menstruation, fertility, menopause and libido.

During perimenopause, estrogen starts to “behave erratically”, its levels fluctuating, which causes havoc to a woman’s body, mind and emotions. This is due to the fact that estrogen affects more than 400 different bodily functions. Various symptoms and signs of perimenopause include: nance becomes an arduous task unlike during the younger years. 40% more likely to report forgetfulness. works in a different manner from hormone-type drugs and hormone replacement therapy drugs. Instead of “adding” hormones to the body, genistein helps “regulate erratic hormone levels” by filling in the gaps when estrogen levels are low, at the same time, competing with estrogen in the body when levels are high. By doing so, genistein effectively regulates such hormonal ups and downs in the body.

The actions of genistein is different from the more popular “hormonal balance” supplement - evening primrose oil (EPO). EPO’s actions are anti-inflammatory in nature and more suited for women experiencing pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). It relieves symptoms such as cramps, headaches and breast tenderness. The oily nature of EPO may actually add on to fat-management woes in mature women hence, it is suited more for younger women with PMS.

Organic genistein also displays fat-regulating benefits, owing to its ability to prevent fat formation, reduce belly fat and inhibit fat accumulation in the body. With genistein, women will find that their weight management programme is more responsive as the hormonal component contributing to weight gain is better managed.

Being a selective phytoestrogen, organic genistein also has benefits to the brain, bones and heart, and does not cause any adverse effects on breasts or uterine tissues.

As 80% of soy products in the market today are genetically modified (GMO), be sure to select genistein supplement that is derived from 100% organic soy and one which is non-genetically modified.

This article is brought to you by Nuvanta Nuvaceuticals division. For further information, please contact 03-5636 3758 or email pharmacist@ nuvanta.com