Insights into perimenopause

MIDLIFE is generally considered the phase between the ages 40 and 55 years. For women, midlife is a time strongly driven by hormonal changes as women transition into menopause. It is a phase scientifically known as perimenopause. During this time, women may still be having their periods but would also be going through a host of changes. This is because hormone levels will undergo the greatest degree of change during perimenopause. Many times, perimenopausal changes can be so dramatic that it is labelled as midlife crisis. Although most women have some understanding of menopause, many are in the dark when it comes to perimenopause and what to expect.

HORMONAL YO-YO Hormones are instrumental to a woman’s reproductive health. The female hormones estrogen and progesterone is responsible for regulating menstruation, fertility, menopause and libido. During perimenopause, the female hormone estrogen starts to behave erratically, with levels going up and down, causing distress to a woman’s body, mind and emotions. This is due to the fact that estrogen affects more than 400 different functions in the body. The various symptoms and signs of perimenopause include: Increase in belly and body fat: Metabolism slows down while a fat re-distribution takes place causing fat to move preferentially to the belly area. One may also notice a sagging of the bustline (breast cells mainly comprise fat). Body weight also increases whilst weight maintenance becomes an arduous task unlike in the younger years. Temperature instabilities and hot flushes: Hormonal changes during midlife affect the thermostat region of the brain. This change alarms the brain which assumes that something is wrong with the body. A surge of adrenaline is thus sent out, to prepare the body for action by increasing blood flow, resulting in that sudden hot, sweaty feeling. Nearly 75% of women entering perimenopause experience hot flushes or flashes which can last anywhere between 30 seconds and a few minutes. These are a common side effect of hysterectomy, whether or not the ovaries have been removed. Mood swings: Hormone fluctuations can have an impact on mood but during perimenopause, a greater degree of hormonal ups-anddowns increase the chances of feelings of sadness, irritability, anxiety and depression. Women with chronic PMS are more likely to experience depression during perimenopause, developing symptoms such as hot flushes and menstrual cycle changes. They usually begin the transition earlier than those who have never experienced depression. Memory and concentration abnormalities: Estrogen affects the cognitive functioning of the brain; it helps to regulate functions such as memory, concentration and mental flexibility. Studies show that perimenopausal women are 40% more likely to report forgetfulness. Beauty and intimacy: The balance of estrogen levels is conducive in maintaining skin youthfulness and moisture. When estrogen levels are erratic, skin dryness and fine lines start to set in. Often times when women begin to notice changes in their skin (wrinkling, sagging, dryness, flaking), there are similar changes occurring in the skin surrounding the genital area leading to vagina dryness, irritation and infections. Psychological stress: As women age, the list of stress-producing factors seem to grow. These include tiffs and misunderstandings with their adult children or adult siblings, divorce from their spouse/partner, unnecessary anxiety and worry that can cause career changes and financial dilemmas. Stress adversely affects hormone levels resulting in negative moods.

MOTHER NATURE IS A WOMAN TOO Phytonutrients (plant nutrients) such as genistein soy isoflavones have been found helpful in assisting women navigate through times of hormonal imbalances experienced during perimenopause. Genistein is an allnatural, phytoestrogen–antioxidant and metabolic-regulating complex.

One of the main actions of phytoestrogen is to “mimic” the properties of estrogen in a safe, selective and gentle manner. As a natural phytoestrogen complex, genistein works differently from hormone-type drugs and hormone replacement therapy. Instead of “adding” hormones to the body, genistein helps regulate erratic hormone levels by filling in the gaps when estrogen levels are low, whilst competing with estrogen in the body when levels are high. By doing so, genistein effectively regulates hormonal ups and downs in the body.

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

Organic genistein on the other hand, 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 will be more attainable as the hormonal component contributing to weight gain is better managed.

As a “selective” phytoestrogen, organic genistein will bring benefit to areas of the brain, bones and heart, without causing any adverse effects on breast or uterine tissues. A 100% organic source of genistein is certainly a better supplement choice to one which is genetically modified (GMO) as close to 80% of soy products in the market today are non-GMO.

This article is brought to you by Nuvanta’s Nuvaceuticals division. For further information, please contact 03-5636 3758.