Natural approaches to maintaining health before, during and after menopause have gained favour. Exercise, diet, nutritional supplementation and botanical preparations of oestrogen-like compounds may improve the quality of life for women during this time.
Comparative studies of Western and Asian women show that not only is menopause much less stressful for Asian women, but they also have better health in other areas.
Some authorities theorise that the high level of phytoestrogens in the Asian diet may contribute to these differences. Phytoestrogens – biologically active chemicals compounds from plants such as grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables – bind to the same oestrogen receptor sites. Phytoestrogens in the diet are believed to be a stabilising factor throughout hormonal cycles. This stabilisation may promote long-term reproductive health, both during and after menopause. Phytoestrogens may also help to maintain bone mass into the mature years.
Phytoestrogen supplements can include a combination of herbs and soy isoflavones such as black cohosh, dong quai, liquorice root and chasteberry. These herbs and isoflavones help support healthy bone structure and cardiovascular health while providing support during menstruation and in the peri- and post-menopausal years. After menopause these oestrogens and isoflavones may help maintain healthy blood lipid levels, providing they are normal to begin with, and maintain bone mass. Regular exercise, a proper diet, and nutritional aids, such as vitamin E, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), and supplemental calcium may also help.
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