The Star Malaysia - Star2

Tackling hormonal changes

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AT 48, Pat feels so tired she wished she could go back to bed.The problem is that it is only 10 in the morning.

For a few months now, she felt a heavy burden on her shoulders. As a working mother with a household to manage and her elderly mother to care for, Pat has her hands full.

Although this juggling of various responsibi­lities has never been a problem before, Pat has been experienci­ng changes both physically and emotionall­y of late, which affected her ability to cope.

She noticed many fine lines across her eyes while her skin is dry and dull. Her weight has steadily increased over the years, especially in the belly area. She is intolerant to heat even with the air conditione­r switched on.

Unknown to Pat, she is going through a phase of life every woman would one day face. Known as midlife, it is when a woman will face changes in her body, mind and emotions due to changing hormones.

Scientific­ally known as perimenopa­use, it is when hormonal imbalances become most prominent as the woman approaches menopause. Unfortunat­ely, women would not know when hormonal imbalances will occur. They only feel the symptoms when it happens and suffer for it.

As such, it is important for women to provide their bodies with the support that it needs so that it can cope when hormonal changes occur.

Natural plant-based phytoestro­gens have the capability to modulate hormonal imbalances in women. Phytoestog­ens are plant oestrogens 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 ups-and-downs.

To care for your hormones, here are some helpful tips on how to choose a quality soy isoflavone product:

– Choose organic: GMO non-organic soy crops are grown using foreign DNA and treated with pesticides. Nobody wants to have additional chemicals in their product, especially one that is used for their hormonal care. Therefore, choose a certified organic soy isoflavone for peace of mind.

– Active ingredient: Look for the ingredient­s genistein and diadzein to be sure that your product contains the active isoflavone­s that have been proven to work.

– Double standardis­ation: Most soy extracts are standardis­ed to about 40% of soy isoflavone­s but this is insufficie­nt. Choose a formula that also standardis­es genistein and diadzein for optimal hormonal benefits.

Upon learning about organic genistein, Pat decided to try it and three months later, she feels like a new woman.

She is looking better, she feels much more energised and wakes up with more optimism to do the things that she can.

Organic genistein is available at leading independen­t pharmacies nationwide, as well as at Guardian, Caring, AA and Big Pharmacy.

This article is brought to you by Nuvanta Nuvaceutic­als division.

■ For details, contact 03-5636 3758 or e-mail pharmacist@nuvanta.com

 ??  ?? Perimenopa­use is a time when hormonal imbalances become most prominent as women approach menopause.
Perimenopa­use is a time when hormonal imbalances become most prominent as women approach menopause.

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