05 Jun 5 Surprising Peri-Menopause Symptoms That Aren’t Hot Flashes
|
Your weekly housecall filled with everything you need to know to live longer and live better—naturally. Missed an issue or want to forward to a friend? Find it all right here. Hello there, friend! In my functional medicine practice, I talk to many women who are experiencing symptoms related to perimenopause or menopause. Menopause is not something that is talked about often enough. Every woman experiences menopause differently, but most encounter significant changes that can impact their quality of life. Although hot flashes are the most talked-about symptom, they aren’t the only ones women face during menopause. The drop in estrogen levels affects the entire body, including the brain, heart, skin, and reproductive organs.
These are the often-overlooked symptoms of menopause: Persistent Fatigue Many women feel extremely fatigued during menopause. The decline in estrogen and progesterone can disrupt circadian rhythms, affecting sleep patterns. Additionally, hot flashes and night sweats can lead to restless nights. Chronic fatigue can result in brain fog, memory issues, and poor concentration, which can significantly affect daily life. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help combat fatigue. Regular exercise, ideally 30 minutes three times a week, can boost metabolism and energy levels. Maintaining good sleep hygiene, such as avoiding caffeine before bed and sticking to a regular sleep schedule, is also crucial. Vaginal Dryness The drop in estrogen levels can cause the vagina to lose its natural lubrication. Estrogen is essential for maintaining healthy vaginal bacteria and moisture. This reduction can lead to irritation, pain, and inflammation in the vaginal area. Vaginal moisturizers can help maintain vaginal health. Staying sexually active can also promote blood flow and moisture. Painful Intercourse Decreased estrogen levels can thin vaginal tissues and reduce lubrication, making sex painful. To alleviate pain during intercourse, I recommend vaginal moisturizers or silicone-based lubricants. Mood Changes The loss of estrogen can affect the production of serotonin and dopamine, leading to mood swings and depression. Sleep issues and life stressors common during this age can exacerbate these emotional changes. To improve mood, I advise a balanced diet, regular exercise, and limiting alcohol intake. Stress-reducing activities like tai chi, Qi Gong, Yin Yoga, and Heart Math can also help. Bladder Issues Menopause can also lead to frequent urination and incontinence due to decreased estrogen levels. Many women experience recurrent urinary tract infections during menopause, which can significantly affect daily activities and emotional well-being. Half of menopausal women with urinary changes don’t seek help, but there are effective treatments available. These include dietary adjustments and pelvic floor exercises. Are you struggling with perimenopause or menopausal symptoms? Wondering if a mystery symptom could be tied to menopause? I’d love to hear from you! Just hit reply to this email!
Yours in good health, Angel NEW! Fit & Functional Nutrition Corner
I have let you in on a secret: cooking is one of my favorite pleasures! I never thought I would see the day that I say I absolutely LOVE cooking and all things related to growing and eating GOOD healthy food. In fact, last weekend my husband and I took a field trip to one of our favorite hangouts to see what’s new and exciting in cookware and cooking tools. Oh my goodness the joy! We were so tickled! As I age, and my patients age with me, understanding the function of food and the science of nutrition to live longer and better has become a major focus of my work.
Did You Know?
Did you know there’s a such thing as edible flowers? There are thousands of them in Mexico! Also known as colorín, zompantle is a tree belonging to the legume family that produces clusters of pod-shaped red flowers of flavorful pulpy petals, which can be cooked in many delicious ways. This flower is the ideal alternative for a vegetarian menu. Also, the gorgeous zompantle tree provides shade and protection to other crops like cacao and coffee, and its bark has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
ICYMI*In Case You Missed It*What’s New in My Health Toolkit nutraMetrix® Prime™ Feminene® Female Support Formula is a dietary supplement created to help reduce hot flashes and night sweats, as well as other mild symptoms commonly associated with menopause or perimenopause as well as PMS. It may help stabilize moods and keep hormones in balance during these challenging, yet natural, biological processes women go through.
ENJOY YOUR PRIVATE SUBSCRIBERS ONLY SAVINGS! USE CODE: 15OFFMA TO TAKE 15% OFF YOUR ORDER!
Health Research + News You Can UseLike to bike? Your knees will thank you and you may live longer, too
Did you get out and enjoy World Bicycle Day on June 3rd? If not, no worries, it’s never too late! A substantial body of evidence supports the health benefits of cycling, everything from strengthening the immune system to boosting the likelihood of living longer. Now, a new study finds people who are in the habit of riding a bike are significantly less likely to have osteoarthritis and experience pain in their knees by age 65, compared to people who don’t bike.
Shout out to community member, Johanne B.!
Johanne, we’re honored to have you as part of our community! Together, we all can work toward better physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being!
We’re building a movement here so don’t forget to tag us on socials so we can shout out your amazing progress too! We Want to Hear from You!What’s on your bookshelf? Found a great product that’s helping you live better? Please do share! Click reply, send us your post and we’ll include it in an upcoming copy of our newsletter. Let’s connect! |
No Comments