Helping With This Natural Phase for Older Women Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life and marks the end of her reproductive years. While it brings significant hormonal changes, it doesn’t have to be a time of discomfort or distress. By incorporating specific vitamins and supplements into their daily routine, women can manage the uncomfortable symptoms that come with menopause. Read on as we discuss the 10 best vitamins and supplements that can support women during this transitional phase. 1. Calcium and Vitamin D During menopause, there is a natural decrease in estrogen levels. This can lead to bone loss and increase the risk of osteoporosis. Calcium and vitamin D are crucial for maintaining good bone health. Calcium supports the formation and maintenance of strong bones, while vitamin D aids in calcium absorption. Dietary sources of calcium include dairy products, leafy greens and fortified foods. Vitamin D can be obtained through sunlight exposure and fortified foods, but supplements may be necessary to meet the recommended daily intake. 2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for overall health, especially during menopause. They have been shown to reduce inflammation, support heart health and improve mood. Additionally, they can alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and joint pain. Fish, particularly fatty fish like salmon and sardines, is an excellent source of omega-3s. Fish oil supplements are available that can help ensure optimal intake of these fatty acids. 3. B Vitamins B vitamins, including B6, B9 (folate) and B12, are crucial in maintaining energy levels and supporting emotional well-being. They can help combat fatigue, mood swings and memory lapses commonly experienced during menopause. Foods rich in B vitamins include whole grains, legumes, leafy greens, eggs and fortified cereals. Taking a B-complex supplement is also a good way of ensuring adequate intake. 4. Magnesium Magnesium is an essential mineral that supports many biochemical reactions in the body. During menopause, magnesium can alleviate mood swings, reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. It has also been shown to aid in maintaining bone density and muscle function. Dietary sources of magnesium include nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains and leafy greens. Women who are concerned about a lack of magnesium in their diet can also take supplements to ensure optimal intake. 5. Black Cohosh This herbal supplement has been traditionally used to manage menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats and sleep disturbances. It is believed to mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. While research results are mixed, many women find relief while taking black cohosh. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any herbal supplement, as it may interact with certain medications or have side effects. [youmaylike] 6. Soy Isoflavones These plant compounds have a similar structure to estrogen. They are known as phytoestrogens and can help alleviate menopausal symptoms. Products such as tofu, soy milk and tempeh are rich sources of isoflavones, but there are also supplements available. 7. Vitamin E Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can help alleviate menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It works by reducing oxidative stress in the body. Good dietary sources of vitamin E include nuts, seeds, spinach and broccoli. There are also supplements available if you are concerned about achieving adequate intake. 8. Probiotics Menopause can sometimes disrupt the balance of gut flora, leading to digestive issues and a weakened immune system. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support digestive health and immune function. They help to alleviate bloating, gas and constipation and are available in fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut and kimchi. 9. Evening Primrose Oil Evening primrose oil is derived from the seeds of the evening primrose plant. These seeds are rich in gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), which is an omega-6 fatty acid, and have been found to reduce hot flashes, improve skin elasticity and relieve breast pain associated with menopause. Evening primrose oil is available in capsule form and should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. 10. Ginseng Ginseng, particularly the Panax ginseng variety, has been used in traditional medicine to alleviate menopausal symptoms. It may help reduce fatigue, improve cognitive function and enhance overall well-being. It is available as a supplement and should be used with caution as it can interact with certain medications and cause side effects in some individuals. Final Notes It's important to note that while vitamins and supplements can be beneficial during menopause, they should not replace a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. It's always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Incorporating essential vitamins and supplements into their daily routines can provide much-needed support for women during menopause. By understanding their unique needs and consulting with healthcare professionals, women can navigate this transformative stage with greater comfort and vitality.
Growth Hormone Deficiency in Adults
Contrary to popular belief, our bodies do not stop growing once we exit our pubescent years. Even as adults, our bodies grow in more ways than one. Sure, the growth hormone our body creates doesn’t make us grow taller, but it allows us to build our muscles and helps the body collect fat. It also contributes to healthy brain function. Sometimes, growth hormone deficiency in adults can happen.
This growth hormone is secreted by our pituitary gland and released directly into our blood. From there, it is transported to all corners of the body. This process continues throughout our lives and is an essential component of any person’s healthy body function. That’s why a growth hormone deficiency in adults can be reasonably alarming and should be dealt with promptly.
Is There Any Way to Increase Hormone Levels Naturally?
To put it simply, no. As we grow older, our body functions level off and work at a steady pace. If your body does not create any hormones, it requires more than a basic food cleanse to get its levels up.
Nevertheless, some foods can improve your hormone levels if you take them regularly with your treatment. Here’s a shortlist you should include in your diet:
1. Melatonin-Rich Foods
This includes cherries, goji berries, eggs, milk, fish, nuts and raspberries. Melatonin-rich foods improve growth hormone levels by providing essential nutrients, such as vitamin D and more.
2. Pineapple
Increasing your hormone levels is a job for multiple characters. In this case, this duty falls on other hormones to increase your body’s growth hormone levels. Pineapples provide the body with one essential hormone, serotonin, which relaxes you and allows your body to create growth hormones.
3. Proteins
Proteins are generally crucial for your overall health. In terms of growth hormone production, proteins, such as beef, contribute a compound called synthesise L-orthinine, which raises your hormone levels way over baseline levels.
4. Vegan Options
That’s right; nothing works better than dependable soybeans if you want to improve your growth hormones quickly. Soybeans provide an amino acid called L-arginine that works quickly to increase your growth hormone levels.
A Note on Growth Hormone Production
Despite all these details, there is only one thing that truly works magic on your growth hormone levels, and that is sleep. Our body releases growth hormones during sleep, particularly in the early hours of the night.
So, if your body is aching all over and feeling stiff and tired, a good night’s sleep might just be what the doctor ordered.
Determining Growth Hormone Deficiency
A deficiency in growth hormone production dramatically affects your health and well-being in more ways than one. Remember, every component of your body is interconnected. If there is a severe deficiency, this will present in your physical and mental state. Some symptoms you may experience include:
- Less muscle mass.
- Less stamina and ability to exercise without resting.
- Anxiety and depression.
- Reduced sexual function.
- Fatigue.
- Higher levels of fat around the stomach area.
- Sensitivity to cold and heat.
- A feeling of isolation from people.
- Decreased bone density and susceptibility to bone fractures.
- Changes in blood cholesterol.
- Higher than normal levels in low-density lipoproteins.
- High triglyceride levels.
Children Can Be Affected Too
A lack of growth hormones is not necessarily limited to adults. Even children can experience a decrease in growth hormone production. If there is any damage to the pituitary gland through trauma or tumor, that can impact your hormone levels.
Diagnosing Growth Hormone Deficiency
Typically, if you experience symptoms related to growth hormone therapy, your first step should be to go to the doctor.
Your doctor may recommend you to an endocrinologist to confirm the prognosis. They may order an MRI to get an accurate reading.
Once that is done, that is when your doctor may diagnose you with growth hormone deficiency and prescribe further tests to determine how advanced your condition is.
Treating Growth Hormone Deficiency
Once the doctor confirms a growth hormone deficiency, they will form a treatment plan. They may prescribe you a daily dose to get your growth hormones on a stable level. This is generally done through hormone injections. Once the course is complete, the patient must attend a monitoring and blood test to see whether the injections work.
Doctors usually do not prescribe injections that may take your growth hormone levels above the average level. However, if you begin experiencing swelling, joint or muscle pain, numbness and general pain in your hands from carpal tunnel syndrome, tell your doctor straight away so they can lower your dosage.
Conclusion
Remember that our bodies experience a range of common symptoms, so you might mistake your growth hormone deficiency for something else. Your best chance is to get a doctor’s appointment and get a check-up done. Only then will you be able to correct your body’s hormone levels and live life as fully as you want.