Aging

Gut Microbiome and Aging: Can Maintaining Healthy Gut Bacteria Help Turn Back the Clock?

New research has linked the gut microbiome and aging, suggesting that maintaining a healthier gut can help you feel younger for longer. A study conducted at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University focused on the effects of transferring the more diverse gut microbiota of older mice into the guts of younger mice. Once the transfer was complete, the younger mice were examined and the researchers found that the transplanted microbes helped to stimulate the functioning of neurons in the brains of the mice. Amazingly, the mice also exhibited signs that the aging process was slowed through the transfer of microbes.

Research Links Healthy Gut Microbiome and Aging

Previous studies have shown that the gut microbiome changes as we age. The recent study involved transferring the gut microbiota from 24-week old mice to mice that were only six weeks old. Within eight weeks, the research team noted that there was more advanced neurogenesis and a boost in intestinal growth in the younger mice. These changes were accompanied by an increased growth of butyrate, which is a short-chain fatty acid.

Produced by bacteria in the gut microbiome, butyrate helps the body fight off a number of healthy threats. It’s especially effective in protecting against IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), diabetes, obesity and colorectal cancer. As specific gut microbes are enriched, those types of bacteria ferment the dietary fibers that are ingested by an individual. This process results in a higher production of butyrate in the colon. Once activated, butyrate helps the body produce more of a hormone called FGF21, which is associated with longevity.

In addition to stimulating FGF21, butyrate also boosts the production of the proteins AMPK and SIRT-1. This is important in that these proteins regulate the metabolism. SIRT-1 in particular helps the immune system fight off disease by reducing mTOR signaling. Lower levels of mTOR signaling can be beneficial because it lowers the risks of cancer and inflammatory diseases.

The research team also found that the transplanted microbiota resulted in growth of the large and small intestines. When given butyrate directly, test mice exhibited similar intestinal growth as well as improved neurogenesis.
The results of this research indicate that the answer to treating degenerative diseases, as well as slowing aging in general, may involve altering the gut microbiome. This may help lead to natural treatments for certain age-related conditions, encouraging additional research into this area of study. In the meantime, we already know that maintaining a healthy gut benefits us in a number of other ways.

Why is a Healthy Gut Microbiome Important?

Even before scientists found a connection between the gut microbiome and aging, researchers had discovered that the bacteria and other microbes in the gut are essential to human health. The gut microbiome is host to trillions upon trillions of microbes with each one influencing the health of the individual. Additionally, the gut microbiome is like a fingerprint in that no two are exactly alike. Up to two-thirds of your gut’s microbiota is unique to you, influencing health-related issues, such as how efficiently your digestive system functions and how your body reacts to certain foods.

Since the gut microbiome is responsible for extracting vitamins from food and helps process them for use by the body, this community of microbes helps support the body’s immune system. Each microbe in the gut microbiome serves a unique function, such as affecting the risks of obesity or type 2 diabetes. For this reason, those with more diverse microbiomes are generally healthier and can face a lower risk of certain diseases.
We also know that the gut microbiome changes as we grow older and expose ourselves to more environmental factors. In addition to the foods we eat, environment, stress and lifestyle habits all affect the diversity of the gut microbiome. Just a few of the conditions affected by the health of the gut microbiome include:

obesity
cancer
emotional health
autism

How Can You Develop a Healthier Gut Microbiome?

While you start forming the basics of your gut microbiome from birth, there are things you can do to promote a more diverse gut even in adulthood. From altering your eating patterns to engaging in healthier activities, these changes can help you introduce a broader range of helpful bacteria into your gut.

Add More Diversity to Your Diet

Especially in the U.S., few people eat a truly broad range of foods, relying primarily on processed foods. Instead, try adding more color to your diet by choosing a wider variety of fruits and vegetables. Each type of plant-based food contains different types of bacteria, so eating a wider range of foods will help diversify your gut microbiome.

Eat More Fermented Foods

Products, such as yogurt, sauerkraut and kimchi, help convert sugars into organic acids. This process helps reduce the number of bacteria in the body that promote inflammation. Both adults and children can even help alleviate lactose intolerance by adding more plain yogurt to their diets.

Eat Whole Grains

Whole grain products aren’t as easily digested, allowing them to pass through to the large intestine. Once there, the gut breaks down the grains into helpful types of bacteria. The microbes derived from whole grains, such as Bifidobacteria, Bacteroidetes and lactobacilli, help produce a feeling of hunger, limiting the temptation to overeat. These types of bacteria also reduce inflammation and promote better heart health.

Add a Probiotic Supplement

Finally, taking a daily probiotic/prebiotic supplement can also help improve gut health. Probiotics help by boosting the overall health of the gut microbiome and improving the body’s metabolism. Probiotics also help certain types of bacteria function better, which may be why people suffering from some medical conditions are helped by taking this type of supplement.

The Best Time of Day to Take Nutrients for Cognitive Health

Nov 14 by Ewcopywriting

As people age, it’s normal to experience a natural decline in cognitive ability. This is why seniors can tend to be more forgetful, less patient and exhibit a decline in critical thinking abilities. However, some seniors experience more severe cognitive degeneration as a result of a condition known as dementia. Dementia involves a more rapid decline of mental functioning that can cause the individual to exhibit severe memory loss, an inability to perform complex tasks and changes in social behaviors. There are several factors that may increase the risk of more serious cognitive decline as you age. Consuming an unhealthy diet and lack of physical and mental activity are just a few. In addition to adhering to a healthy diet and getting enough physical activity, taking dietary supplements at the right time of day can make a big impact on your future cognitive health. Knowing the nutrients for cognitive health and taking the right supplement at the right time of day can help protect against mental decline.

Which Nutrients for Cognitive Health Should Be Taken During the Day?

Each person’s bodily functions are controlled by a biological clock called the circadian rhythm, which mandates how the brain regulates certain processes. In part, this means that certain nutrients are more important to the body at specific times of the day, and that taking these nutrients at those designated times will help the brain and body function more efficiently. Here is a short list of nutrients for cognitive health that should be taken in the morning or early afternoon hours.

Vinpocetin

Derived from myrtle seeds, this powerful nutrient acts as an antioxidant. As such, it supports healthy blood circulation, ensuring optimal levels of oxygen are delivered to the brain. It also helps improve the brain’s metabolic rate, so it can better communicate with the central nervous system to regulate various bodily functions more effectively.

Inositol

This is a carbohydrate used by the brain to deliver messages to the cells. Primarily, it helps regulate the level of neurotransmitters sent to a cell and manages the way the cells process insulin. As a result, increasing inositol levels in the brain can help soothe the symptoms of anxiety and may help support healthy blood glucose levels.

Choline

Research has found that choline is necessary to cardiovascular health in that it supports healthy blood pressure, affects lipid levels and lowers the risks of plasma homocysteine. In terms of cognitive health, higher levels of choline can help the brain produce phosphatidylcholine, a compound found to slow the rate at which dementia progresses.

DMAE

Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) is essential for the processing of choline in the brain. Without a sufficient supply of this compound, the brain cannot synthesize the neurotransmitters produced by choline, and that can lead to increased cognitive dysfunctions.

Huperzine A

Derived from Chinese club moss, Huperzine A helps boost the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain. Researchers are hopeful that this substance may one day become the basis for an Alzheimer’s disease treatment.

NADH

Since NADH is a metabolite, it improves energy levels in the brain and can positively impact memory recall, alertness, mental clarity and concentration. This compound has been eyed as showing promise in relation to a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer’s and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Coenzyme Q10 and Vitamin E

The mitochondria is the engine that powers each cell and these compounds are responsible for keeping the mitochondria functioning. Without coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E, the cells would stop producing the energy they need to thrive. Unfortunately, the body reduces the production of these vital nutrients as we age, so a supplement may be necessary.

What Nutrients for Cognitive Health Should You Take at Night?

Just as specific nutrients are best taken during the day, there are some nutrients for cognitive health that should be taken in the evening hours. By taking a supplement that contains these ingredients prior to going to bed, you’ll ensure your brain will make better use of them. This can help support healthy cognitive functioning as you sleep.

B Vitamins

Specifically, vitamins B1 and B2 are essential to the functioning of cells in the brain because they support oxygen-rich blood circulation to the brain. They also help improve overall cell functioning, which is important for protecting memory and concentration.

Folic Acid

This compound is essential in that it protects cellular health and reduces the risks of developing anemia. In the brain, it helps in the production of new cells and protects cells from damage, which makes it important for slowing the progression of cognitive decline.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

A common ingredient in many supplements, Acetyl-L-carnitine helps to balance mood, improves memory recall and makes learning easier. It has also been shown to help the body burn more fat and promotes lean muscle growth.

Phosphatidyl Serine

The neurotransmitters that allow our cells to communicate rely on Phosphatidyl serine. Research has found that, as Phosphatidyl serine production declines with age, it causes memory and critical thinking to become inhibited as we age.

Panax Ginseng

As an antioxidant, Panax ginseng protects the cells from damage caused by free radicals. It can also improve the functioning of brain receptors, strengthening concentration, memory and critical thinking. Studies have found that the effects of Panax ginseng are temporary, meaning you must keep taking a supplement to continue enjoying this compound’s benefits.

While the brain does produce many of these nutrients naturally, there’s a decline in their production as people reach their senior years. As there are fewer of these compounds in the brain, the symptoms of cognitive decline become more evident. Taking a supplement that contains these nutrients consistently can help ensure you don’t experience a deficiency that could harm your cognitive health.

New Insights Reveal How Chili Pepper Compound Capsaicin Relieves Pain

Oct 09 by Ewcopywriting

Chili peppers are used to create spicy dishes throughout the world, but research has found that this pepper also provides a vast array of health benefits. In fact, it’s the compound in the chili pepper responsible for creating that spicy, burning feeling that provides those benefits. This compound is called capsaicin and it has been the focus of several scientific studies in recent years. Now, new findings reveal that capsaicin relieves pain, adding to the myriad of health benefits that this component of chili peppers provides.

New Research Finds Capsaicin Relieves Pain

A recent study sought to uncover how capsaicin relieves pain, particularly since this compound has become a common ingredient in many natural pain relievers. Researchers at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School found that capsaicin causes the nerves in the body to send out signals that block pain receptors. Since this process also works to calm the nerves, study author Tibor Rohacs believes capsaicin can also be used as an effective analgesic. It was found that these calming and pain-relieving effects were highly effective and very long-lasting, suggesting that capsaicin supplements and medications may be especially powerful in terms of treating pain and other conditions.

The laboratory research was just the first step in evaluating capsaicin’s effect as a pain reliever. The team hopes to move forward with human research subjects to confirm the compound’s pain relieving benefits. As future research validates the compound’s effectiveness, capsaicin may soon offer a natural alternative to addictive pain killers.

Capsaicin May Also Benefit Cellular Health and Obesity

Pain relief is just the latest benefit attributed to chili pepper consumption. Previously, researchers found evidence that capsaicin may also have a positive impact on the development of certain types of cancer, including lung cancer. This is a significant finding due to the rising number of instances of lung cancer each year. For this year, the American Cancer Society predicts 228,150 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer and 142,670 of those people will die from the condition.

Lung cancer is typically fatal as a result of the cancer metastasizing, or spreading to other parts of the body. However, recent findings suggest capsaicin may help prevent lung cancer from metastasizing. In testing, capsaicin was shown to help block the spread of lung cancer in rodents. In a separate study, the same effect was observed in cultured human cells.

During the testing on the human cells, it was observed that introducing the chili pepper compound into lung cancer cells stopped them from invading healthy cells. Similarly, rodents with lung cancer were administered doses of capsaicin and, as a result, the mice had lower rates of metastasis than mice who had not been administered capsaicin. The researchers found that the process was arrested because capsaicin blocked the activation of the Src protein, which is responsible for managing the longevity and mobility of cancer cells. The scientists conducting the study are hopeful that this research will lead the way toward developing medications that will help prevent the spread of lung cancer.

In another study, it was found that capsaicin can also have a positive effect on obesity, which is another growing epidemic. Working out of the School of Pharmacy at the University of Wyoming, Dr. Baskaran Thyagarajan tested metabocin on mice. Metabocin is a new drug that’s engineered to release controlled doses of capsaicin over a 24-hour period. The mice used in the study ate high-fat foods. The health of the mice was evaluated by testing their blood pressure, heart rates, liver function and kidney health.

Over an eight-month period, the researchers noticed that the metabolic health of the mice improved. Most notably, they exhibited lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, lower blood sugar levels, improved insulin responses and reduced symptoms of fatty liver disease. Additionally, the team found that the mice taking capsaicin for the eight months also exhibited weight loss without suffering harmful side effects.

Can Capsaicin Help Us Live Longer?

Finally, a study on how capsaicin affects longevity found that people who regularly consumed chili peppers were likely to live up to 18 years longer. The University of Vermont study evaluated the effects of consuming chili peppers on 16,000 subjects. They found that the food reduced premature mortality in subjects from all causes as well as from specific causes such as colorectal cancer.

The subjects in the study were selected from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey III, which was conducted between 1988 and 1994. As a part of the food consumption aspect of the survey, subjects were asked to record the frequency of their chili pepper consumption. Subjects chosen for the study were asked to participate in a follow-up survey 18.9 years later and the researchers noted that 4,946 had died within the intervening years.

Once the data had been reviewed and evaluated, the research team found that the subjects who consumed chili peppers had a 13 percent lower risk of an early death from all causes than those who did not regularly consume chili peppers. In particular, the researchers noted that eating chili peppers appeared to reduce the risks of developing fatal cardiovascular diseases, such as strokes and heart attacks.

This study was observational, so it’s not possible to confirm why capsaicin has this effect on longevity. However, the researchers believe it’s related to the effects that capsaicin has on the release of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. Capsaicin activates the production of TRP vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1), which is known to promote weight loss and lower the risks of obesity and other metabolic conditions. By fighting fat cells, TRPV1 helps reduce the chances of developing diabetes, lung diseases, heart diseases and blood flow problems.

The study suggests that adding chili peppers, or incorporating capsaicin into the diet in other ways, may help us live healthier lives and live longer. Looking at the ways that capsaicin affects our health overall may lead to changes in how we view diet and nutrition. As more studies delve more deeply into the health benefits of capsaicin, chili peppers may become a staple of a healthy diet in the future.

Can Taking an Anti-Aging Supplement Really Slow the Aging Process?

Sep 21 by Ewcopywriting

While the physical symptoms of aging are obvious, they’re only the most noticeable aspects of a process that begins deep inside the body at a molecular — and even genetic — level. Just as the aging process is the end result of many different contributing factors, there are many factors that can speed up this process. Can taking a so called anti-aging supplement really help counteract these factors?

What Causes Aging?

There are many processes that contribute to physical aging, including genetic mutations, oxidative stress and inflammation. Throughout our lives, the cells in our bodies continuously divide and multiply. Since this is an ongoing process that occurs constantly, it stands to reason that deviations, or genetic mutations, will occur from time to time. A mutated cell can be rendered ineffective through senescence, or the death of the cell. However, if a mutated cell remains active, it can affect the surrounding tissue and speed up aging.

Additionally, oxidative stress within our cells promotes cell damage, thereby encouraging faster aging. Although research done on this topic in the 1950s was later called into question, the findings did indicate that oxidative stress on cells does speed up cell damage. At the time, it was postulated that taking more vitamins could slow or repair that damage.

A more recent study examined the relationship between free radicals and oxidative stress, particularly how they work together to speed up the aging process. This study found that mice that were exposed to free radicals exhibited advanced signs of aging earlier, and to a stronger degree, as they aged naturally. It also found that those effects could be reduced or prevented by introducing antioxidants that were specifically designed to target the cell damage. As result, degenerative diseases such as chronic kidney disease and osteoporosis were delayed.

A third factor that hastens the aging process is silent inflammation. This is a type of internal inflammation that frequently has no symptoms, but boosts the risk of deadly conditions like cancer and heart disease. It also causes the aging process to speed up by affecting cellular health. Silent inflammation tends to occur as we age because our immune systems become overworked. The inflammation our body produces to help deal with infections and illnesses end up doing more harm than good as we get older.

While turning off the immune system could possibly help correct the problem of silent internal inflammation, it would also put people at a higher risk for a wider variety of age-related illnesses. Researchers continue to look for a more ideal alternative, but in the meantime, natural nutrients and vitamins such as those found in a high-quality anti-aging supplement may hold the answer by helping to address inflammation without inhibiting the immune system.

Can an Anti-Aging Supplement Really Slow Aging?

A number of studies have shown that compounds found in red wine can help prevent disease, and one of these same compounds, a substance known as reservatrol, may also help us stay younger longer. That’s because reservatrol enhances the release of a serum known as SIRT1, which speeds up the production centers in each of our cells. By helping our cells stay more active, reservatrol may help protect against age-related degenerative diseases. Some of the conditions reservatrol may benefit include type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease.

Similarly, omega-3 fatty acids help protect the body against disease and, as newer research pinpoints, can also keep the skin looking healthy. Primarily found in wild-caught oily fish, omega-3 fatty acids help strengthen the outer layer of the skin, which grows weaker and less resilient as people age. Since the skin loses elasticity and thickness, it can’t heal as well and can be damaged more easily by sun exposure. As omega-3’s strengthen and thicken this outer layer of skin, it ensures the epidermis is better able to retain the water it needs to keep a smooth and youthful appearance.

Some research indicates that an individual’s state of mind may also have an impact on the rate at which they age. A recently published study looked at the lifestyle habits and psychological perspectives of 69,744 women and 1,429 men. By following up at 10-year and 30-year intervals, the researchers found that those who scored highest on optimism surveys lived 11-15 percent longer. The participants with the most optimistic outlooks also exhibited a 50–70 percent likelihood of reaching age 85 or older, while those with lower levels of optimism were expected to die at much younger ages. Researchers believe there are many reasons that a more optimistic outlook can be beneficial to longevity and aging. For instance, optimistic people are more likely to live healthier lifestyles. They’re also less likely to let stress build up over time, which we know negatively impacts cell health.

How can this information benefit the average person? While it may seem challenging to add enough red wine and oily fish to your diet to help your health, a high-quality anti-aging supplement might be an ideal solution. For instance, supplements containing reservatrol, omega-3 fatty acids and other age-defying compounds can provide your body with nutrients that have been proven to affect the aging process at a cellular level.

While it will still be many years before science provides a way to reverse the aging process in a meaningful way, research has given us the compounds, nutrients and antioxidants we need to slow down the aging process. Additionally, taking an anti-aging supplement can also help protect against age-related degenerative diseases that can make us feel older. In this way, taking a high-quality daily supplement each day can help protect our overall health and help us to maintain a more youthful appearance into our senior years and beyond.

The Best Time to Take Omega-3 for Optimum Effectiveness

Sep 19 by Ewcopywriting

Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids is one of the most salient health trends of the past decade. Physicians are increasingly recommending these oily supplements for a variety of purposes, from helping to maintain healthy cholesterol levels within normal ranges to combating the physical effects of aging. But when is the best time to take omega-3 supplements?

Most people who take these supplements believe that they can be taken at any time of day without a dramatic difference in effect. A new study suggests that this may not be the case. Could the time of day that you take your omega-3 supplement make a dramatic difference in its effects?

Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements

It is almost impossible to read the latest health news without learning about the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. These oils, which are found naturally in fish, flaxseed and a variety of other sources, have been found in studies to have a variety of health benefits. These include:

• reducing the chances of having a heart attack or other life-threatening cardiac event
• protecting cellular health, particularly in the breasts, lungs, colon and prostate
• helping to maintain healthy levels of cholesterol and other blood lipids that increase cardiac risk
• treating metabolic syndrome, including type 2 diabetes
• protecting against insulin resistance and helping to maintain healthy blood glucose levels
• preserving healthy vision while reducing the risk of blindness and other vision loss
• encouraging brain growth and development both in pregnancy and in the first several years of life
• protecting against inflammation, especially long-term inflammation that can lead to tissue damage
• promoting optimal mental health and mood and soothing anxiety
• reducing the effects of ADHD in children and adults with this disorder
• offering benefits in cases of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia

It is clear that taking an omega-3 supplement can have many physical and mental benefits. However, we are still learning how to maximize these effects.

When is the Best Time to Take Omega-3 Supplements?

According to new research, taking omega-3 fatty acids at certain times of day may increase their proven health benefits. For most health concerns, the best time to take omega-3 is at night. Taking these supplements at night will maximize their effects on inflammation, pain and cardiovascular health because night is when these pathways are most active. If you are taking a supplement for arthritic pain or to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels within normal ranges, night time is the period when your omega-3 supplement will produce optimal effects.

In addition, taking these supplements at night may minimize their side effects. “Fishy burps” and a fishy taste in the mouth are the two most complained-about side effects of these supplements. Many find that they do not notice these symptoms when they take the supplements just before retiring to bed in the evening.

For most people, taking omega-3 fatty acids at night will have the most beneficial effects on health with the fewest side effects. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Omega-3 fatty acids are absorbed best when eaten with other high-fat foods. If your fattiest meal is not in the evening, you may want to take your supplements at another time to increase the proportion that is absorbed.

The Circadian Rhythm and Medications

Omega-3 fatty acids are not the only supplements or medications for which timing can make a difference. Research has found that taking other medications and supplements at certain times of the day can increase their health benefits while reducing side effects and other unwanted factors.

For example, blood pressure medications usually work best when they are taken at night, just before bedtime. Studies have found that people who take this type of medication in the evening have a one-third lower risk of having heart attacks and strokes compared to patients who take their medications in the morning. Medications for heartburn similarly appear to work much more effectively when taken in the evening.

Part of this phenomenon is due to the circadian rhythm of disease. Every disease, and even every organ in the body, has a time of day when there is more risk. Heart attacks and strokes, for example, are more likely to occur in the early morning hours when cortisol is high. Taking medications several hours before this time ensures that there will be plenty of active ingredient in your bloodstream at the time when your body is most vulnerable.

Is an Omega-3 Supplement Right for You?

An omega-3 fatty acid supplement is not right for everyone; there are certain people who should talk to their doctor about whether this oily pill should have a permanent place in their medicine cabinet. If you do not regularly eat fatty fish or high omega-3 plant oils, you may want to consider taking a supplement. This essential fatty acid is simply too essential to completely do without.

In addition, you should consider taking an omega-3 supplement if you are concerned about any of the health concerns omega-3 can benefit. People who suffer from osteoarthritis or heart disease, for example, should talk to their doctors about whether this supplement is right for them.

The Western diet is low in fish oils and other healthy fats. However, the science is clear: People need omega-3 oils to thrive. Because they are extremely safe and have few possible side effects, adding one of these supplements to your regimen (and taking it at night!) will likely be a net positive for your well-being.

Testosterone for Menopause May Offer Unexpected Benefits in the Bedroom

Aug 14 by Ewcopywriting

Menopause is a period of time in a woman’s life that is characterized by a lack of menstruation for 12 consecutive months. Menopause most commonly occurs sometime in women’s 40s or 50s. While being free from the inconveniences of having a monthly period may seem like a blessing, menopause can actually produce some uncomfortable, and sometimes even painful, symptoms. During menopause, it’s also not uncommon to experience a drop in libido or sexual desire. New research suggests testosterone for menopause may help increase women’s sexual health while also boosting libido. This latest study brings hope for women who want to live full, satisfying lives into their 50s and beyond.

Symptoms of Menopause

Menopause is most commonly associated with symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings and night sweats, so it may be surprising to learn that menopause also raises the risk of bone loss and of developing osteoporosis. Since the lower estrogen levels in the body that accompany menopause affect calcium levels in the bones, the bones become more brittle and lose volume. As a result, bone fractures become more likely in menopause and women’s bones, especially in the hip and spine, are more prone to breaks. A condition of weakened bones can persist for several years after the woman has experienced her last menstrual period.

Other common symptoms of menopause include:

hot flashes
vaginal dryness
chills
insomnia
night sweats
mood swings
slowed metabolism, which can result in unexpected weight gain
thinning hair or hair loss
dry skin
decreased breast volume

Menopause affects each person differently, and even women in the same family may have completely different experiences. The frequency and severity of symptoms will also differ, so effective methods of treating symptoms will also vary. Once you reach menopause, regularly consulting your doctor can help you better manage the condition.

Taking Testosterone for Menopause Boosts Libido and Helps Improve Sexual Health

While we primarily think of testosterone as a male hormone, it is also found in women. Along with estrogen, testosterone is one of the six hormones produced by the female reproductive system, and whose levels fall after menopause. Low testosterone levels can affect many aspects of life, including libido. This fact has led researchers to conduct a 12-week study that looked at the effects testosterone treatments would have on post-menopausal women.

Spread across 36 trials, the researchers studied reports on 8,480 subjects. The participants in the study were followed via patient records spanning a time period from 1990 through 2018. Some of the participants were given testosterone treatments, while another group received other hormone treatments such as estrogen. In a third group, subjects received placebos. By the end of the study, the researchers found that overall sexual health was improved in the majority of women who were receiving regular testosterone treatments.

Sexual health was just one aspect of overall health that was examined for changes in this study. The researchers also examined cognitive, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and emotional health. Breast health, cholesterol and hair growth were also evaluated during the study.

The participants in the study who received the testosterone treatments reported having a greater number of satisfying sexual encounters. Additionally, they noted that their sexual interest, or libido, had also returned to more normal levels. They also said they experienced more orgasms. The feeling of awkwardness that may accompany sexual encounters was also affected by testosterone treatments. The subjects said they had an improved self-image of themselves, which gave them more confidence in the bedroom. Sexually related concerns that previously caused them to feel stressed about sex had also been resolved or diminished.

Susan Davis, who headed up the study and works out of Melbourne, Australia’s Monash University, said that using testosterone for menopause is about more than increasing the number of satisfying sexual encounters. She says it can create a greater sense of well-being that helps post-menopausal women have healthier sexual encounters. The lead researcher adds that more research is needed to confirm these findings. Although this study didn’t show an effect on bone density, cardiovascular health or other factors, Ms. Davis hopes continued research will show that testosterone benefits those aspects of health as well.

Natural Ways to Alleviate Symptoms of Menopause

While testosterone treatments may be used to help restore sexual health in post-menopausal women, there are more natural treatments that can alleviate the symptoms of menopause. Following are just a few options that you may want to try.

Eat the Right Foods

In general, studies have shown that a plant-based diet leads to better health, but certain veggies may specifically help promote healthier estrogen production. These foods include broccoli, kale, cabbage and other cruciferous foods. Some research suggests that high-fiber foods can also increase estrogen production.

Take a Daily Supplement

There are many vitamins and minerals that can affect the different symptoms of menopause. For instance, ginseng can affect sexual arousal, red clover may boost bone health or St. John’s Wort can be used to improve sleep and mood. Rather than trying to add a variety of supplements to your daily routine, try to find one high-quality supplement that includes a diverse range of vitamins and minerals. For instance, the natural supplement Menochron is specially engineered to help post-menopausal women alleviate certain symptoms of menopause.

Get More Exercise

Moderate- to high-intensity physical activity can help alleviate a number of symptoms of menopause. Specifically, getting a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise each day can help you sleep better, diminish anxiety and depression and improve bone density. Regular exercise will also help you control your weight, ensuring you’ll build more lean muscle mass.

Take Time to Relax

Alleviating stress is important for everyone, but it’s especially vital to the health of post-menopausal women. If you don’t find healthy ways to alleviate stress, you’ll be more prone to unhealthy eating habits, sleep disorders and drug or alcohol abuse. Look for activities you enjoy and those that you find relaxing. Try reading a book, taking a warm bath, meditating or practicing yoga.

If you’re concerned that you may be entering menopause, you should consult your doctor. Your doctor may recommend other treatments and lifestyle changes that will help alleviate your symptoms. In adopting healthier habits, you may find that the symptoms of menopause are more easily managed.