Routine exams are key to prevention and healthy living

According to the North American Menopause Sociaty, the majority of women experience menopause at about age 51, but it can occur as early as the 30s or as late as the 60s.

It's important for women to stay healthy during menopause. Eating right and choosing proper supplements for nutritional insurance are extremely important.
More and more women are taking control of their nutritional health by incorporating natural products into their daily regimen. HealthyWize is an excellent starting point for women looking at nutritional options. It's advised that women meet with their doctors to assess and address their individual questions on menopause.

Vitamins and minerals play an important role in the adult years of women, particularly for those experiencing mid-life changes due to menopause. During this time vital nutrients are needed to address the common health concerns of mature women. These concerns consist of hormonal, heart and bone health.

•  Calcium- Dietary calcium is an important part of a woman's diet. Adequate calcium in a healthy diet may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life. Women in their menopause years are particularly at risk for developing osteoporosis and should consume 1000-1500 mg of calcium each day.

•  Folic Acid- Like calcium, folic acid is a nutrient that all women can benefit from, regardless of age. Folic acid, as well as vitamin B6 and B12, play a role in the maintenance of normal homocysteine levels. Recent findings have found elevated homocysteine levels can be a risk factor in heart health.

•  Phytoestrogens- Today's scientific advances support a number of natural choices for women, like soy. Soy provides natural phytoestrogens or isoflavones, compounds that may exhibit mild estrogenic activity. Studies indicate these isoflavones may help support bone density. Black Cohosh and Red Clover are also natural sources of phytoestrogens.

•  Evening Primrose Oil-An excellent source of the Omega-6 fatty acid gamma-Linolenic acid (GLA). GLA has been shown to support hormonal balance and healthy looking skin.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Several unpleasant symptoms may accompany menopause. Some, such as vaginal dryness, result from the lack of estrogen. Others, such as hot flashes and decreased sex drive, are caused by more complex hormonal changes. Some women experience depression, anxiety, or insomnia during menopause.

Common Signs of Menopause Include:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats.
• Personal dryness
• Irregularity in menstrual cycle
• Mood swings
• Irritiability
• Fatigue
• Sleeplessness.
  
  

Lifestyle changes that may be helpful

Sedentary women are more likely to have moderate or severe hot flashes compared with women who exercise. In one trial, menopausal symptoms were reduced immediately after aerobic exercise.

Cigarette smoking may be related to hot flashes in menopausal women. Preliminary data have shown that women who experience hot flashes are more likely to be smokers. Another preliminary study found that new users of hormone replacement therapy for the relief of menopausal symptoms were more likely to be current cigarette smokers than were those who had never smoked.