Women's Health

Certain Lifestyle Factors Found to Increase Risk of Menopause Hot Flashes

Menopause is a natural occurrence in a woman’s life, and as such should not be considered an illness or adverse medical condition. Although it typically occurs when a woman reaches her 40s or 50s, it can occur earlier. The onset of menopause is marked by a woman’s last menstrual period; specifically, menopause commences with the cessation of the menstrual cycle for at least a 12-month period. While this is a natural occurrence, it does produce some adverse symptoms, which women may experience for years after they have had their last period. The severity and frequency of the symptoms will vary from woman to woman, so some may only experience them for a brief time. A new study finds that two lifestyle habits increase the chances of experiencing menopause hot flashes, offering a possible way to reduce the risk of certain menopausal symptoms.

What are Some Symptoms of Menopause?

Once a woman experiences menopause, she’s no longer fertile and cannot conceive a child. This is just one result of the lower levels of estrogen the body now produces. Since hormone levels are decreased during this period, other physical and emotional changes can also occur. These symptoms often include:

vaginal dryness
hot flashes
night sweats
irregular sleep patterns
urinary problems, including urinary tract infection
depression
mood swings
inhibited cognitive abilities, especially poor concentration and memory recall

As women enter this stage in their lives, they also have a greater risk of developing certain diseases. Lower estrogen levels raise the risks of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and breast cancer. In some cases, women can counteract these increased risks by altering their diets, increasing physical activity and making other natural changes.

Certain Lifestyle Habits Increase Risk of Menopause Hot Flashes

Two of the most troubling symptoms that women experience are menopause hot flashes and night sweats. According to some new research, these symptoms can be alleviated by making a few lifestyle modifications, but only if the changes are made earlier in life. The researchers found that hot flashes and night sweats were less common among women who had quit smoking and reduced their body fat by the age of 40.

It’s believed that the hypothalamus region of the brain is responsible for controlling body temperature. A misfiring in this part of the brain may be responsible for causing the hot flashes and night sweats that older women experience after menopause. These symptoms, which are called vasomotor symptoms, are experienced by more than 85 percent of menopausal women. New research that was conducted at Australia’s University of Queensland suggests vasomotor symptoms may be avoided with some lifestyle changes.

Dr. Hsin-Fang Chung led the project, which involved combing over eight previous studies that evaluated the health of 21,460 middle-aged women. The subjects in the study were all over 50 years of age and consisted of women from the U.S., U.K., Japan and Australia. The team compared obesity and smoking habits of the subjects against their risks of experiencing vasomotor symptoms. In making the comparisons, the researchers noted how the changes occurred in relation to the stage of menopause each subject was experiencing.

As the research project began, more than 60 percent of the subjects reported experiencing night sweats or hot flashes. The researchers also noted that more than half of the women in that group were overweight, with 21 percent of them registering as obese. Additionally, 17 percent were smokers. The study revealed that the women who were smokers and/or obese for most of their lives experienced vasomotor symptoms more frequently and more severely as they reached menopause.

Specifically, Dr. Chung reported that obesity raised the risks of experiencing more pronounced vasomotor symptoms by 60 percent. Smokers raised their risk of experiencing hot flashes and night sweats in menopause by 80 percent when compared to non-smoking women. When combined, smoking and obesity raises the risks of experiencing more severe hot flashes and night sweats by three times. This was found to be especially true for women who smoked more than 20 cigarettes daily, or those who had smoked for more than 30 years consistently.

The research found that these effects could be prevented by making early lifestyle changes. The women who quit smoking before the age of 40 faced the same risks of experiencing severe vasomotor symptoms as women who had never smoked. Similarly, dropping excess weight earlier in life will help women enjoy these same benefits when they do reach menopause.

How Can You Alleviate the Symptoms of Menopause Naturally?

Improve Your Diet

Your eating habits can greatly affect the severity of your menopausal symptoms. Spicy foods should be avoided as much as possible, while coffee, soda and alcohol should be eliminated. Staying away from caffeinated products in the late afternoons and evening hours can also improve sleep quality. Your doctor can provide you with a more thorough list of foods you should avoid and those you should add to your diet.

Take a Supplement

A daily supplement, such as Menochron, can also help alleviate certain menopause symptoms. The supplement’s isoflavones mimic the effects that natural estrogen has on the body, supporting healthy hormone balance and helping to make up for the lower levels of hormones. Additionally, other ingredients help the body metabolize sugar and fat more efficiently, protect bone health and fight free radicals. Research also shows that testosterone supplementation may help boost libido and improve sexual health during menopause.

Get More Exercise

The body needs a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise each day, but women facing menopause should be getting more physical activity. Workouts should combine cardio activities such as brisk walking, jogging or swimming with resistance training activities like lifting weights, push-ups and crunches, and should make up at least 60 minutes of each day.

Physical Therapy May Help

Finally, yoga, acupuncture and massage therapy may help to reduce some symptoms. While these treatments haven’t been shown to affect vasomotor symptoms, they may help alleviate other symptoms. They can help keep the body more limber, so workouts will be more effective, and they reduce stress and allow subjects to rest easier. If you have difficulty sleeping, one of these methods may improve your ability to sleep soundly.

Work-Family Conflict is Detrimental to Women’s Health

Oct 25 by Ewcopywriting

One of the biggest problems most working adults face is finding enough time for both their careers and their families. Trying to maintain the right balance can be stressful in itself, particularly because American workers are spending more time on the job than those of past generations. Today’s workforce is spending 8 percent longer on the job than past generations and as much as 20 percent of the workforce puts in 49 or more hours per week on a regular basis. The stress that work-family conflict creates can have a negative impact on women’s health, but there are natural ways to combat this type of burnout.

What is Burnout Syndrome?

Spending so much time at work does have an effect on the psyche and it’s a condition that has been the subject of research for several generations. As far back as the 1970s, Herbert Freudenberger used the word “burnout” to describe adults who experienced the specific type of depression caused by overwork. While the condition is common, psychologists still haven’t found a concrete method for diagnosing it. Overall, burnout is defined by feelings of exhaustion, a loss of energy and motivation and an inability to effectively cope with workplace challenges.

Burnout is often difficult to diagnose, as in many cases it may be the culmination of other emotional or physical disorders. For example, since some of the symptoms are also symptoms of depression and anxiety, an individual with burnout may really be suffering from an undiagnosed mental illness. Alternatively, a physical illness may also create the stress and conditions associated with burnout.

How Does Work-Family Conflict Affect Women?

Looking at 27 studies, a 2015 research project found that work-related stress was closely related to cardiovascular disease. A newer study looked specifically at how work-family conflict affected cardiovascular health in women. The researchers used a standard scoring system for determining cardiovascular health to determine how their subjects’ concern for achieving a work/life balance affected their heart health. The scoring system looked at seven different factors, including diet, physical activity and blood pressure.

The study consisted of a sampling of 11,000 subjects between the ages of 35 and 74. It looked at subjects from Brazil’s six major states, who came from a broad range of career fields and educational backgrounds. While there were men included in the study, the number of female participants was a little higher. The participants in the study completed surveys with questions about how their work lives affected their personal lives and vice versa.

When the cardiovascular scoring and work/life questionnaires were reviewed, it was found that women experienced a greater level of work interference with their personal lives. Men reportedly had more time for recreation and family time than the women in the study. Men and women appeared equal in terms of how much their families and personal lives interfered with their work time.

Looking at the cardiovascular evaluations, the researchers found that women with more work interference in their personal lives also had lower scores relating to cardiovascular health. The researchers believe one explanation for the relationship between work and personal life conflict and poor heart health may have to do with a desire in women to fulfill traditional domestic gender roles in addition to pursuing careers outside the home.

Even with the increased participation of men in maintaining the household, some women may still be trying to shoulder this burden solely on their own shoulders. As a result, women are more stressed about their roles in and out of the home. The resulting spike in stress levels can cause the inflammation that contributes to cardiovascular health risks.

Natural Ways to Combat Stress and Burnout Syndrome

Take a Daily Supplement

Cutting edge high-quality supplements like Tryptochron, contain the amino acids 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and l-tryptophan. These compounds are essential in creating the hormone serotonin and, as such, can help to naturally boost mood without causing the adverse side effects caused by prescription antidepressants. Since burnout shares symptoms with depression and anxiety, this type of supplement can be useful in helping the body deal with stress and reduce symptoms of burnout.

Get Together With Friends

Burnout pushes people to seek solitude, which can only aggravate depressive and anxious feelings. While it may take some effort, seeking out your friends and spending more time with them can help reduce the stressful work/life feelings you’re experiencing. In addition to finding joy in your friends’ companionship, you’ll also be forcing yourself to create a better balance in your life.

Seek Out Help

While workplace burnout may cause you to want to spend as little time with your co-workers as possible, asking for their help may be just what you need. Sharing that you’re experiencing burnout and stress gives your co-workers or managers the opportunity to direct you to a support group, counseling service or some other type of professional help. Often, counseling is offered as a part of a benefits package, but employees may not be aware that it’s an option.

Take Time Off

One of the best ways you can overcome burnout and work-family conflict while also reconnecting with your family is to take a few days off. You might even benefit from taking a Friday off to create a long weekend without missing too much work. You can spend the time relaxing at home, or you can take your family on a small road trip. By the time you return to work, you’ll be feeling refreshed and better able to tackle any challenges that come your way.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins: Everything You Need to Know

Oct 18 by Ewcopywriting

There are two primary types of vitamins: those that dissolve in water and those that dissolve in fat. Fat-soluble vitamins, or those that don’t dissolve in water, should be taken along with some dietary fat in order to obtain the most benefits. After the supplement has dissolved, the vitamins contained within it are delivered to the liver and to fatty tissues throughout the body. These vitamins will be stored in these locations until the body needs them.

Here is everything you need to know about fat-soluble vitamins, so you can choose a vitamin supplement that will provide you with the best health benefits.

Which Vitamins are Fat-Soluble?

There are four specific vitamins that are fat-soluble: vitamins A, D, E and K. Each one of these vitamins provides different health benefits and your body needs a daily supply of them to function properly. While these vitamins are found naturally in foods, it may be necessary to take a supplement to ensure you’re getting a sufficient supply of each vitamin. However, it’s equally important to not overdo it. Since these vitamins are stored in the liver, ingesting too much of any of these vitamins can lead to liver toxicity. This is why it’s important to check with your doctor before starting a new vitamin supplement if you have a medical condition or are taking prescription medication.

If you want to add fat-soluble vitamins to your diet, they can each be found in a variety of foods. Vitamin A can be found in butter, animal liver and fish liver oil. Vitamin D is separated into two groups. D3 is found in animal fat, while D2 is common in many types of plants. For instance, mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D2. Vitamin E is found in almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds and oil and wheat germ oil. Vitamin K can be found in kale, parsley, spinach, liver, egg yolk and butter.

How Do Fat-Soluble Vitamins Differ From Water-Soluble Vitamins?

While vitamins that are fat-soluble are stored in the body for later use, water-soluble vitamins are used immediately. As soon as the water in the body dissolves the vitamins, they are instantly distributed to the parts of the body that can use them. This means you’ll need to ingest a higher supply of these vitamins to ensure your body has a sufficient quantity of them when needed.

Another difference is that water-soluble vitamins don’t represent a danger to the liver. While fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the liver and fatty tissue, water-soluble vitamins are never stored. If you take more than the recommended daily allowance of a water-soluble vitamin, the body will expel the excess amount through the urine. This is why your urine may change color if you take too much of certain water-soluble vitamins. In some cases, taking too much of a water-soluble vitamin may also cause you to experience diarrhea.

There are more vitamins that are water-soluble than fat-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins are:

vitamin B1 (thiamine)
vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
vitamin B3 (niacin)
vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
folate (folic acid)
vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
biotin
pantothenic acid
vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

It should be noted that a healthy diet won’t cause you to overload on vitamins that are fat-soluble or water-soluble. This is something that only occurs when taking too much of a quality multivitamin. In addition to consulting your doctor before starting a new supplement, it’s important to read the label and follow the recommended dosages. This will ensure you won’t be taking more than your body needs.

The Benefits of Taking a High-Quality Multivitamin Supplement

Taking a quality multivitamin that includes daily allowances for both fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins can help you ensure you won’t suffer a vitamin deficiency. When taking a high-quality multivitamin you’ll be able to enjoy a broad range of health benefits. Some common benefits of the most crucial vitamins are listed below:

Vitamin A: The primary benefit of vitamin A is in promoting healthy vision, but it can also be effective in fighting acne and other skin disorders.
Vitamin D: This vitamin is essential to bone health, making it especially beneficial to those at a risk of developing osteoporosis. Vitamin D also helps keep the teeth strong and healthy.
Vitamin E: Recognized as an antioxidant, vitamin E can help fight off the free radicals that exist throughout the body. It also boosts heart health, skin health and blood circulation.
Vitamin K: A good supply of vitamin K will help blood clotting, so you won’t bleed too much from minor injuries. The blood clotting this vitamin helps to promote is also helpful in preventing excessive menstrual blood flow.
Vitamin B1: Promotes stronger energy levels and keeps the nervous system in good condition.
Vitamin B2: This is another vitamin that promotes healthy skin and vision.
Vitamin B3: Regulates the metabolism and improves digestion. It also helps promote good enzyme functioning.
Vitamin B6: Aids in the production of red blood cells, hemoglobin and insulin.
Folate: Helps protein metabolism, while also promotes the production of red blood cells.
Vitamin B12: In addition to regulating red blood cell production, this vitamin also helps keep the nervous system functioning properly.
Pantothenic Acid: Regulates hormone production and metabolism.

The body relies on a steady supply of vitamins, which is why eating a healthy diet is so important. The vitamin intake you receive from eating healthy foods can be supplemented by taking a quality multivitamin. Together, good food and a daily supplement will help you give your body the vitamins it needs to stay healthy and strong.

Diallyl Sulfide and Cancer: Can a Vegetable Compound Protect Against a Deadly Disease?

Oct 03 by Ewcopywriting

While vegetable compounds like diallyl sulfide make onions and garlic more flavorful and contribute to their spiciness, they may also play a more important role when it comes to human health. While previous research has looked at how these compounds affect the development of various medical conditions, a recent study focused specifically on their effects on breast cancer risk. This new research linking diallyl sulfide and cancer suggests eating more onions and garlic may provide greater protection from developing certain types of cancer.

New Study Finds Link Between Diallyl Sulfide and Cancer

Diallyl Sulfide and Cancer: Can a Vegetable Compound Protect Against a Deadly Disease? 2 A new study sought to examine how eating vegetables that belong to the allium genus (garlic, onions, chives, leeks and the like) affected the development of breast cancer in women living in Puerto Rico. The study, which was conducted at The University of Buffalo in upstate New York, focused on women of that particular area because Puerto Rico has a significantly lower rate of breast cancer than the continental United States. Additionally, “sofrito,” which includes garlic and onion as primary ingredients, is a popular condiment all across Puerto Rico.

The study examined the medical histories for 314 women who were between the ages of 30 and 79, and who were diagnosed with breast cancer between 2008 and 2014. A control group consisted of 346 women within the same age range and geographical area, but who had not been diagnosed with cancer. A survey administered to the women in both groups asked about their dietary habits, focusing on their consumption of garlic and onion. In particular, the questionnaire asked participants to record their consumption of sofrito.

Using unconditional logistic regression, the researchers examined how the consumption of onions and garlic affected the rate of breast cancer. The study involved comparing breast cancer risk among women with a high consumption of these types of vegetables versus women who consumed lower amounts of garlic and onions. Surprisingly, they found that there was a correlation between eating vegetables in the allium genus and lower rates of breast cancer. They determined that consuming high amounts of sofrito resulted in as much as a 67 percent drop in the risk of developing breast cancer.

As an observational study, this research can’t pinpoint exactly why or how onions and garlic lower the risks of breast cancer. Until more direct research can be conducted, scientists have theorized that there is likely a link between the highly antioxidant vegetable compound diallyl sulfide and cancer. Together with other compounds, such as the S-allylcysteine anddiallyl disulfide found in garlic and the alk(en)yl cysteine sulphoxides found in onions, diallyl sulfide may help protect cellular health when consumed regularly in one’s diet.

Diallyl Sulfide May Benefit Health in Other Ways

Diallyl Sulfide and Cancer: Can a Vegetable Compound Protect Against a Deadly Disease? 1 In previous research, scientists found that diallyl sulfide may affect the risk of developing other types of cancer. In an experiment conducted with mice, it was found that the risk of developing colorectal cancer was reduced by 74 percent overall when a 1,2-dimethylhydrazine injection was administered once weekly over a 20-week period. The 1,2-dimethylhydrazine injection contained the same compounds in comparable amounts as those consumed by eating fresh onions and garlic.

Other previous research found that diallyl trisulfide may protect against the development of prostate cancer in men. A newer study examined how the compound appeared to cause prostate cancer cell death, with researchers taking an interest in exactly how this process was instigated. Specifically, they looked at inhibitor proteins to determine how they were related to cell death in mice with prostate cancer. They found that as the inhibitor protein levels decreased, cancer cell death increased. Ultimately, it was determined that the compounds found naturally in onions and garlic may affect cellular health by blocking the inhibitor proteins that allow cancer cells to thrive. In this way, prostate cancer cells can’t get the nourishment they need to grow, so, as people consume more onions and garlic, they could be building up a stronger defense against the development of prostate cancer.

In other studies, diallyl sulfide was found to provide a broad range of health benefits. While its promotion of cellular health alone may be enough to encourage more regular onion and garlic consumption, it has been found that the compound also provides other important benefits. Studies have found that it helps cut down on oxidative stress while also modulating internal inflammation. In addition to supporting cardiovascular health, diallyl sulfide also has antimicrobial properties. This suggests that regular consumption of onions and garlic may also help fortify the immune system.

While we don’t fully understand all of the benefits that onions and garlic provide, early research has shown us that these vegetables can be very beneficial to overall health. Regular consumption of certain onions and garlic compounds, whether via diet or supplementation, may help protect cellular health. It may also help us boost heart health and keep the immune system strong. As scientists continue to look deeper into how this compound benefits the human body, we will likely find that its consumption provides even more health advantages. In the meantime, adding diallyl sulfide-rich foods and supplements to your daily routine may help you stay healthier longer.

Melatonin and Pregnancy: How the “Sleep” Hormone Helps During Pregnancy, Labor and Beyond

Sep 13 by Ewcopywriting

Healthy pregnancies are essential to the survival of our species. However, due to a lack of willingness to experiment on pregnant women, there is very little research on exactly what it takes to sustain a healthy pregnancy. According to a growing body of knowledge, the pineal gland hormone melatonin, generally associated with sleep, may be essential to having a healthy pregnancy.

Melatonin and Pregnancy

Because pregnancy is so common — after all, it is how we all got here — we forget that it is a complex physiological process that relies on an intricate cascade of hormones and growth factors. According to some studies, melatonin appears to play an important role. Fetuses begin to make melatonin very late in the pregnancy, and even then will not make sufficient amounts until several months after birth. Instead, they rely on melatonin made by their mothers, which appears to cross the placental barrier easily.

Once in the bloodstream of a fetus, melatonin has a variety of important effects. Melatonin increases the viability of both the placenta and the fetus, appearing to work with other hormones to support good pregnancy health. The absence of melatonin, on the other hand, appears to have a negative effect on the neurological development and health of offspring.

Melatonin appears to be especially important in pregnancies that are higher risk. It has been found to be protective in pre-eclampsia, which is one of the most common causes of death in pregnancy among both mothers and babies. According to one study, it even has potential in treating pre-eclampsia.

Melatonin’s antioxidant effects also can protect a fetus from injury when they are exposed to chemicals, either in the environment or from the substance abuse of the mother. Melatonin can also help to prevent the bone damage seen in babies whose mothers used nicotine products while pregnant. It even can protect against some of the prenatal effects of alcohol, which can produce severe physical and cognitive disabilities.

Melatonin’s Role in Labor

The most important hormone in labor and childbirth is oxytocin. This hormone, which is responsible for the feeling of love and other “warm fuzzy” emotions, causes the uterine contractions that compel a fetus into the world. Melatonin appears to have a synergistic effect on oxytocin, encouraging its release and also enhancing its effects.

The effects of melatonin on placental insufficiency also likely has a positive effect on labor and delivery. Placental complications in delivery are rare but remain feared by obstetricians and mothers alike. The placenta is necessary to keep the baby alive but can cause serious hemorrhage during the birth process if it detaches too early or too late. Melatonin’s role in stabilizing the placenta may be crucial in helping mothers through the difficult and painful process of birth. Once the baby is born and the placenta delivered, melatonin continues to play an important role.

Infancy and Beyond

The entire goal of a pregnancy is to give birth to a healthy baby and, ultimately, healthy child. Any hormone that supports a healthy pregnancy and birth will contribute to healthier babies. Melatonin is no exception. It has neuroprotective effects that may protect against autism. According to one study, it can even be protective against high blood pressure much further on in the child’s life.

Many of the studies looking at the long term effects of melatonin were performed on mice, rats and other animals due to the understandable restrictions on experimenting on human infants and fetuses. However, melatonin appears to act in the same manner in all mammals, suggesting that it may have similar effects on human babies. Because melatonin has relatively few side effects, supplementation may be a safe way to give a pregnancy the best possible chance.

Developmental Changes in Circadian Rhythm

A fetus’s circadian rhythm appears to be extremely important to their health and well-being. This does not change as they grow older. Newborns do not make sufficient melatonin on their own but instead get it from their mothers in breast milk, allowing their circadian rhythm to begin mirroring that of their caregivers. As children grow older, having a stable circadian rhythm has been linked to better health, better cognitive function and overall better lifelong health.

Although melatonin supplements can be helpful, the best approach to optimizing melatonin levels is to strive to maintain a healthy circadian rhythm. Most people make enough of this hormone to support good sleep habits and good health when they practice good sleep hygiene and get plenty of sleep.

Melatonin is not just for sleep, although this remains its best-known and likely most important role in human health. This hormone is made by our bodies for a variety of purposes, from cell repair to antioxidant activities. Although we associate it most with the circadian rhythm, it is an important part of life from conception through old age.

The Best Natural Nutrients for Menopause

Aug 23 by Ewcopywriting

Menopause is a normal biological process that all women go through at some point in their adult lives. Typically beginning in a woman’s 40s and 50s and lasting anywhere from seven to 14 years, menopause marks the end of the reproductive period, which means that a child can no longer be conceived. As such, the body goes through a number of changes that can make this time of life uncomfortable or even painful, depending on the severity of the biological changes and symptoms. Fortunately, there are a number of natural nutrients for menopause symptoms. Learning more about these nutrients can help you better manage your symptoms and find relief.

What is Menopause?

Menopause is officially diagnosed when a woman has gone a full 12 months without menstruating. During this time, the body will also reduce or stop the production of certain hormones, including estrogen. These hormonal changes can cause a variety of symptoms to develop. Common symptoms of menopause include:

sleep difficulties
mood changes
fatigue
depression
easily irritated
rise in heart rate
headaches
aches and pains in the joints and muscles
vaginal dryness
decreased sex drive
hot flashes
uncontrolled bladder function

While there is no way to stop or prevent menopause, there are things you can do to help minimize its impact on your daily life. If your symptoms are especially severe, your doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy and other treatments that will address each symptom individually. For instance, he may prescribe an anti-depressant to help control mood swings and other medications to reduce bone loss. Alternatively, mild symptoms can be alleviated or reduced by taking a high-quality dietary supplement.

Receiving Nutrients for Menopause Through Supplementation

There are a variety of vitamins and nutrients for menopause that can help women better manage uncomfortable symptoms. While these are natural nutrients, it can be difficult to get enough of them through dietary changes alone. Additionally, it can become problematic to try and take a supplement for each individual nutrient. This is why high-quality supplements that combine many helpful ingredients can be a preferred alternative.

High-quality supplements like Menochron are engineered to deliver some of the most effective nutrients necessary for soothing some of the symptoms caused by menopause. Below are listed some of the most effective nutrients in Menochron, along with insight as to how each nutrient can help you if you’re going through menopause.

Calcium

Bone loss is a significant side effect of menopause, which is why older women face a greater risk of developing osteoporosis. Calcium is necessary for strong, healthy bones, but unfortunately, most people don’t get enough calcium in their diets. For women in menopause, it’s necessary to get between 1,000 and 1,500 mg of calcium each day from their diet and supplementation.

Soy Isoflavones

Reviewing 19 previous studies, researchers were able to determine that taking a soy isoflavone supplement helped post-menopausal women reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes. The necessary ingredient in the supplement is genistein, which is a common isoflavone found in soy. The research found that regular consumption of soy isoflavones can help reduce hot flashes by up to 11 percet.

Dong Quai

There are phytoestrogens in dong quai that can help make up for the reduced estrogen production that occurs during menopause. It’s important to take a supplement that offers dong quai in moderate doses, however. Taking too much of this nutrient can affect the functioning of the endocrine system, which is responsible for regulating hormone production.

Damiana Leaf

Commonly found throughout North and Central America, the leaves of damiana are heavy in helpful nutrients and vitamins. For this reason, many Mexican cultures have used the leaf to treat a vast variety of medical conditions. For women in menopause, damiana leaf can help restore the sex drive, help regulate the central nervous system and alleviate other symptoms of menopause.

Wild Yam

Also called Dioscorea villosa, wild yam can be taken orally or in a progesterone cream. There are only a few studies on its effectiveness on treating the symptoms of menopause, but the results suggest that it can be beneficial in helping to alleviate certain symptoms. In particular, women in the studies reported experiencing less tension, anxiety and nervousness. Additionally, they reported that muscle and joint pain was alleviated and that they slept better with fewer instances of insomnia.

Red Clover

Several studies have found that red clover is another essential nutrient in controlling the symptoms of menopause. For instance, women in one study were found to have less bone loss as a result of taking red clover supplements. Other menopausal symptoms were reduced in a different study. That study also found that the red clover supplements helped keep the women’s triglyceride levels within healthy ranges. In a study conducted on animals, it was found that red clover supplements increased collagen production, helping to keep the skin looking youthful and healthy. The researchers in that study believed the improved collagen production might also alleviate vaginal dryness.

The benefits listed here are just a few of the ways a high-quality supplement can help manage the symptoms of menopause. While you should consult your doctor about treating your menopausal symptoms, taking a supplement can be used in conjunction with other methods of treatment to restore a healthier quality of life.