The Changing Years

In the years leading up to menopause and the menopausal years there is a gradual reduction of estrogen by the ovaries. The adrenals and other glands pick up the job of keeping you active and vibrant, what the estrogen has always done. As the estrogen changes levels, so do you. . The body will go through natural and normal body/mind functions that can be uncomfortable, to say the least. These things you feel will only last a year or two and can be managed naturally. Most symptoms stem from exhausted adrenal glands and poor liver function where estrogen is not being processed correctly. Unless you are absolutely sure that it is necessary, try to find natural solutions and remedies to help you through this change. Synthetic estrogen replacements have a whole bag of cautions you may want to learn about before you choose that route. Educate yourself.

Our modern stressful lifestyle and poor eating habits can magnify hormonal functions dramatically. So first look at your diet and learn what effects certain foods have on your hormones. Choose healthy whole food supplements and herbs that are known to support your on-going changes.

Diet:

Eliminate carbonated drinks (loaded w/phosphates that deplete calcium.)

	Limit your high fat dairy; congestive
	Limit fatty meats; esp. pork eat only extra lean beef
	Reduce sugars and alcohol; they tax the liver
	Avoid caffeine; it taxes the adrenals and upsets hormone levels
	Don’t fry your food, bake or steam

Eat:

	Cold water fish; for EFA’s
	Soy foods like tofu, drinks, or miso
	Green leafy veggies, fruits, nuts, legumes (all help boost the boron levels; good for bones and estrogen balance)

	Whole grain fiber
	Calcium rich foods; veggies and non-fat dairy (limit)
	Super foods; royal jelly, supergreens like chorella and spurilina

The main thing in your diet to remember is to eat as much fresh whole foods as possible and eat 3 meals a day with a couple fruit or nut snacks in between. And lots of good fresh water.

Whole Food Supplements and Herbs:

	Catalyn –overall whole foods supplement, for glands as well
	Omegas 3,6,9, EFA’s – for cells, nervous system, cancer prevention, keeping inflammations down. (Omega 3- fish oils, Omega 6-nuts, flax, Omega 9-animal and vegetable fats)
	Calcium Lactate-for bones health
	Symplex F – nourish endocrine systems (thyroid, adrenals, pituitarys)

Symptoms:

	Weak adrenal: Cataplex C, Drenamin, Chlorophyll Complex (Vit.K, A,E,F,), Licorice
	Hot flashes/sweats: Calcium Lactate, Symplex F, Cholorphyll, Wild Yam, Sage Tea, Chaste Tree
	Low Libido – Tribulius
	Mood Swings – Wild yam, Min-Chex
	Depression, Irritability – Min-Chex, Nevaton, St. Johns Wort, Catalplex B

	Hyperirritability, insomnia, Nervousness – Min-Tran
	Weight gain/water gain – Evening Primrose
	Dry Skin, PMS symptoms – Black Current Seed Oil (GLA, Omega 6 fatty acid, for liver)
	Breast Tenderness, tumors, node enlargement - Mammary PMG, Chaste Tree

Lifestyle Therapy:

The diet and supplementing is important, but lets not forget about what we can do physically, to keep us vital, happy, and more calm.

	Exercise – Cardio and weight training( Move that Chi ! )
	Getting outdoors for a walk- natural vitamin D and good for the soul, and overall well-being
	Stretches – Daily, use the breath as you stretch. Do the "Let-go" stretch at the end of the day.
	Shiatsu Massage – clean out the tissues and stretch those knots
	Hot Saunas significantly cut night sweats

"The only thing constant is change"…Buddha

It’s natural, go with the flow and smile often