Menopause, PMS & Heavy Periods

​Menopause for a woman is a time she is transitioning into a new phase of her life. This is a time for liberation, change and celebration. However for many it can be a difficult transition that can be painfully drawn out due to a number of lifestyle and emotional factors. Nutritionally speaking, we can support that woman into the next phase of her life by supplying her with the nutrients her body needs to successfully make that transition.

As many as 85% of women experience at least one symptom of PMS, the disruptive physical and emotional changes that can strike anytime in the last 2 weeks of the menstrual cycle. A common symptom women suffer from is PMS related food cravings, which has the potential to sabotage your diet.

A loss of periods is called amenorrhoea, a condition that may result from low levels of certain hormones. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful:

Agnus castus exerts a balancing effect on the activity of the female sex hormones.This may also be of benefit in those suffering from fibroids and endometriosis,under the supervision of a Healthcare Professional.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the name given to the physical, psychological and behavioural symptoms that can occur in the two weeks before a woman's monthly period. It is also known as premenstrual tension (PMT).

There are many different symptoms of PMS, but typical examples are bloating, breast pain, mood swings, feeling irritable and loss of interest in sex. These symptoms usually improve when your period starts and disappear a few days afterwards.

Excessive menstrual bleeding is a common complaint which is usually preventable through proper nutritional measures, so long as the cause is determined. The most common cause is the body producing too much arachidonic acid, which is hormone-like substance (called prostaglandin series 2). This excess prostaglandin series 2 is probably the main reason for excessive menstrual bleeding and menstrual cramps.

A new study has indicated that a unique combination of ingredients in a krill oil supplement may be effective at reducing 10 of the most common psychological and physical symptoms of PMS by an average of 44%.  

The study was conducted over four months with 29 women who suffered from some or all of the symptoms listed in the table below. The results indicated that improvements ranged from between 10 – 80% after 90 days of supplementation and every one of the women reported some improvement.  

Natural hormone health means health for the whole woman – glowing health that gives you the energy you need to get the best out of every day, whatever the time of the month, whatever the time of your life. When your hormones are in balance, you will have access to all the strength, power and productivity that is a woman’s birthright. At every stage of your life – from growing girl through motherhood to old age – you will be able to enjoy getting the best out of yourself.

Some women go through menopause with few or no noticeable symptoms, whilst other women experience short-term or acute symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, anxiety, depression, poor libido, bladder problems, vaginal dryness and itching, burning and discomfort during sexual intercourse, breast tenderness, dryness and ageing of the skin, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, poor memory and insomnia.  All of these symptoms are due to oestrogen and progesterone deficiency.  Osteoporosis is a major problem for women after menopause.  

Menopause is not a disease.  It is the next natural phase of life, and with proper diet, Health Supplements, and exercise, most of the unpleasant side effects of menopause can be minimized, and often eliminated.