Dealing with midlife hormonal changes

AT 49, Sharon’s life is defined between managing her online business and caring for her teenage children and ageing mother.

In the last one year, however, Sharon felt much older with a head full of white hair and dry skin and fine lines etched at the corner of her eyes.

She has put on weight especially in the middle, and feels absolutely drained of energy.

A frumpy, moody, middle-aged woman, Sharon wonders if this is what she has become. Women between the ages of 40 and 55, like Sharon, undergo a time of significant hormonal change known as perimenopause.

It is a process that happens over a number of years and is largely driven by the change in oestrogen levels.

As the hormone affects about 400 different functions in the body, various symptoms may appear when oestrogen levels swing during midlife.

Skin dryness and loss of skin firmness feature prominently during perimenopause.

Fat metabolism also slows down dramatically while fat re-distribution takes place, accumulating preferentially in the belly.

Overall, body weight also increases while weight maintenance becomes difficult.

Studies also show that women transitioning towards menopause are 40% more likely to report forgetfulness and are more vulnerable to depression.

Natural therapies

There are clinically proven natural alternatives women can use to bring hormones back to balance. Phytoestogens are plant estrogens with the ability to mimic the actions of oestrogen in the body.

Soy isoflavones comprise the best researched category of phytoestrogen used in the management of symptoms associated with hormonal changes.

Organic genistein is a certified organic source of soy isoflavones, which has been clinically tested pure and safe. It is a double standardised soy isoflavones formula with standardised levels of both genistein and diadzein.

Diadzein content is important as it helps prevent hair loss and imparts other health benefits. Most soy isoflavones exist in the glycoside inactive form, which needs to be converted to the activate form prior to absorption by the body.

Choose organic soy isoflavones of the aglycone form, readily active and immediately bioavailable.

Sharon decided to start on organic genistein and after two months, she found herself with renewed energy and zest. She wakes up feeling motivated and better equipped to deal with stress.

Her decision to care for own wellness has translated to being able to better care for her family.

Reference

Gold EB, Sternfeld B, Kelsey JL, Brown C, Mouton C, Reame N, Salamone L, Stellato R. Relation of demographic and lifestyle factors to symptoms in a multi-racial/ ethnic population of women 40–55 years of age. Am J Epidemiol. 2000 Sep; 152(5):463–73.

This article is brought to you by Nuvanta Nuvaceuticals division.

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