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Kasie-s-Health-Fitness-Tips

Menopause

Over the last few months I have had many questions and multiple requests to write about a very natural and frustrating subject for women. This topic is one in which many women feel very uneducated and unprepared for both emotionally and physically ..…. Menopause!    

With what information I do have on this delicate subject, I recognize that it is not enough to truly educate and inform my valued readers, so  I have called upon the big guns, my friend Dr. Audrey Wolter of Mission Naturopathic Clinic to share with you her abundance of knowledge on this subject and what advice she has for you, so that you can stay on top and in your power during this natural transition in your life!   

 

Menopause is derived from the Greek meno (month/menses) and pausis (pause) referring to the cessation of the menstrual cycle. During this natural transition period for every women, the ovaries begin to slow down in their function.  Prior to menopause, the ovaries function to produce eggs and sex hormones, predominantly estrogens and progesterone as well as small amounts of andogens.  Without their full function, it is now the job of the other endocrine organs, particularly the adrenal glands, to pick up the slack in the hormone production department.  In comparison to the ovaries, the adrenals are known as our “shock absorbers” for stress. Meaning, under stress, they secrete hormones such as cortisol, dhea, adrenalin (to name a few). Under normal circumstances when the adrenals are functioning optimally they will help maintain homeostasis within the hormonal system, immune system, detox and inflammatory pathways.  Under prolonged stress, whether psychological or metabolic, the adrenals can become depleted.  For  women experiencing perimenopause and menopause, depleted adrenals can result in a more difficult transition period.  Symptoms that I commonly hear of from menopausal women include hot flashes, night sweats, depression, mood swings, sleep disturbances, fatigue and weight gain.

Some important tips that every woman should know:

  • Reduce stress! Incorporate some DAILY personal time. Try meditation and breathing techniques and a regular exercise/activity program.
  • Eat a balanced diet with adequate high-quality proteins, complex carbs, good fats and fiber sources through a whole-foods diet.  Foods that should be consciously avoided are foods that are more inflammatory such as too much red meat, cow-sourced dairy and gluten.
  • All refined sugars should be avoided.
  • Consuming 2 tbsp of ground flaxseeds daily, sprinkled over a salad is a natural way to help improve proper estrogen metabolism.
  • Support those adrenals…. the earlier the better! One of my favourite herbs is Rhodiola.  100mg once in the morning is a good place to start. This herb is an adaptogenic herb, meaning it helps regulate stress reactions in the body.  Over time, it improves our coping mechanisms.
  • Other supportive nutrients for the hormonal system are B- vitamins, Magnesium, Zinc, Omega’s and Vitamin C.
  • Sometimes we prescribe phytoestrogens, which help regulate estrogen levels in the body. This group of herbs can significantly improve symptoms of hot flashes, depression and vaginal dryness. One of the best known phytoestrogen is Black Cohosh which can often be found in formulas for menopause.

 

How can naturopathic care benefit me?

Women seeking out a more naturopathic approach for menopause might expect when coming to our clinic to have a thorough assessment.  This may include comprehensive hormone testing including understanding adrenal function through saliva cortisol testing.   Also important, is understanding each woman's lifestyle and stress levels, vitality, emotional/mental state, toxicity levels and organ function, pH levels and terrain concerns.  Some modalities we use in the treatment of menopause could be a combination of dietary and lifestyle counselling, herbal remedies, single homeopathic and complexes, tissue salts, bio-identical hormones and even injections in some cases.  

- Dr. Audrey Wolter, Mission Naturopathic Clinic 250-862-8791

 

If you have any questions, comments or personal training inquiries, contact me directly at 250-859-2431 or learn more at www.profilefitnesstraining.com

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.



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About the Author

Fitness has been a passion and way of life for Kasie for over 14 years, six of those years she has dedicated to training and educating her clients and group fitness classes. Kasie strives to transform lives and bring awareness to those on the realistic, simplistic and effective keys to living and maintaining lifelong health and fitness success.  Kasie is known for her tough, yet realistic approach and has been apart of transforming many lives.  Kasie is so blessed to be able to make her dreams become her reality and help others set, reach and surpass their desired goals.

www.profilefitnesstraining.com

You can contact Kasie by e-mail:  [email protected]
 

 



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The views expressed are strictly those of the author and not necessarily those of Castanet. Castanet does not warrant the contents.

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