Menopause is often associated with troublesome symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings, yet even more serious health issues may be part of this life stage, such as heart disease.

The North American Menopause Society estimates that 2 million 6,U.S. women reach menopause every year.

Women experience a number of changes during menopause due to shifting hormones and lower levels of estrogen, said nationally renowned natural health physician and author, Dr. Fred Pescatore. Hot flashes, night sweats and fatigue can interfere with everyday activities. These symptoms can be severe and can occur for several years as the body adjusts to the reduced level of estrogen. We know that fluctuating hormones can also contribute to increased risk of heart disease and its important to take steps to manage that risk during menopause.

There are several ways for women to manage menopause symptoms and heart health risks, Pescatore said.

Advertisement

A healthy life starts with a nutritious diet, and this becomes even more important during menopause. For women experiencing menopause symptoms, I recommend adopting a diet filled with more vegetables, lean protein, nuts and seeds to support a healthier lifestyle and a healthier heart, he said.

One of the best things you can do to help your body and mind adjust to shifting hormone levels during menopause is to maintain an active lifestyle. Just 30 minutes of cardio each day can really make a difference. Get moving. Try taking a brisk walk or a bike ride. You can even do things in your own home, like jumping jacks, Pescatore said.

A new peer-reviewed clinical study shows that daily supplements of the anti-oxident found in pine bark oligomeric proanthocyanidin compounds, also found in grapeseeds, peanut skin and witch hazel bark (trademarked as Pycnogenol) can help reduce the symptoms of menopause and related heart disease risk factors. This study shows the effectiveness of Pycnogenol in alleviating perimenopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats and reducing key cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure, Pescatore said.

This new study further expands on previous research conducted on hundreds of patients that shows the benefits of Pycnogenol for minimizing common, disruptive symptoms of menopause including night sweats, hot flashes, depression, anxiety and memory problems by supporting vascular relaxation, which allows the body to rid itself of excess heat. For more information, visit pycnogenol.com.

Herbal extracts that contain natural phytoestrogen compounds that mimic estrogen are also readily available and work for many women. Isoflavones such as those found in soy products and red clover may help, DHEA supplements are another hormone replacement option,and other popular supplements include flax seed oil, black cohosh, dong quai.

Check with your doctor before trying a supplement to be sure its safe for you.

StatePoint

See original here:
How to manage the symptoms of menopause - The Oakland Press

Comments are closed.