Stages of Menopause

Perimenopause• Irregular, short menstrual periods• Uncomfortable symptoms include hot flashes, insomnia, irritabilit

y, and backaches• May last four to five years or longer

Menopause• 12 months after the last menstrual

period• Production of progesterone and eggs

stops• Normally happens between the ages of 45

and 55

Postmenopause

Symptoms

Irregular menstrual periods Hot flashes Irritability, depression, anxiety Insomnia, poor sleep quality Palpitations, night sweats Forgetfulness (in some women) Vaginal dryness Headaches, vaginal infections, joint

aches and pains

Gynecological tumors• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that

long-term hormone replacement therapy increases incidence of gynecological tumors by 20%

• Risks surface within 2 years of use

Osteoporosis • Risk of osteoporosis increases by

26%• Prone to fractures in the hips, wrists

and spine

Risks of Hormone Replacement Therapy

Risks of Hormone Replacement Therapy

Cardiovascular disease • Heart disease risk increases by 80%

• Heart attack risk increases by 29%

Stroke• Risk of stroke increases by 41%

Endometrial growth

Deep vein thrombosis

Animal Estrogens vs. Phytoestrogens

Animal Estrogens

Phytoestrogens

Cancer-causing Cardiovascular disease

Stroke Osteoporosis

Regulate the immune system

Do not cause cancer

Inhibit cancer cell growth and activate cancer cell apoptosis

Phytoestrogens

Phytoestrogens

By filling estrogen receptor sites on cells, phytoestrogens help to prevent cancer and reduce risk of estrogen-dependent cancers

• Coumestrol can reduce incidence of borderline ovarian tumors

• In a study of 51,823 women:

Those with high lignan intake had 17% lower breast cancer risk

• In a study of 383 women:

High genistein levels in blood were related to lower breast cancer risk

Quit smoking

Avoid alcoholic drinks

Reduce fat intake

• Fats store excess estrogens

Minimize refined food intake

Lower blood pressure

Exercise, aerobics

Strategies for Menopause

Strategies for Menopause

Nutritious plant foods

• Phytoestrogens

• Vitamin C—tissue repair and iron absorption

• Fiber—helps to regulate estrogen levels

Menopausal women are 50% less efficient than adolescents in absorbing calcium• Calcium—soy, broccoli etc.

Nutritious Plant Foods

Chinese Yam

Sage

Raspberry

Ginkgo

Licorice

Chinese Yam

May lower blood pressure and protect the heart

Boosts immunity; the polysaccharide YP-1 may help to increase T-cells

RDPS-I polysaccharide helps to fight tumors

Dioscorin has antioxidant effects that protect against free radical damage

Protects the nervous system

Sage

Relieves hot flashes and night sweats

Rich in phytoestrogens

Nourishes the immune system

Antioxidant activity

Anti-inflammatory

Raspberry

Rich in phytoestrogens

Relieves hot flashes

High antioxidant content• Contains anthocyanins and vitamin C

• 50% higher antioxidant activity than strawberries and 10 times the antioxidant activity of tomatoes

Raspberry extract has been found to suppress cervical cancer cell production

Rich in phytoestrogens

Terpenoids help to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease

Helps to enhance immunity

Anti-cancer

Quercetin—may inhibit estrogen-activated cancers such as bladder, breast and ovarian cancers

Ginkgo

Ginkgo

Helps to prevent osteoporosis

Antioxidant activityFlavonoids help to fight free radical damage

Empowers memory

Is ginkgo toxic?

Contains ginkgotoxin (4’-Omethylpyridoxine)

Only toxic in large amounts

Mostly due to overconsumption of ginkgo by children

Relieved by vitamin B6

Toxicity of plant varies with seasonToxicity higher in ginkgo

harvested at the end of July andbeginning of August

Phytoestrogens

Beta-sitosterol’s estrogenic activity is 1/400th of the strongest form of estrogen in the body

Supports adrenal gland function and enables adrenally produced hormones to work for longer periods

Supports hormonal balance

Licorice

Licorice

Relieves menopausal symptoms• Hot flashes

• Fatigue

• Irritability

• Memory problems

Antioxidant effects—glabridin and glabrene

Immune-enhancing

Are phytoestrogens safe for men?

Research shows that phytoestrogens:

Will not alter testosterone levels

Have no effect on sperm concentration, count or motility

Are phytoestrogens nutritious for men?

Research shows that phytoestrogens:

Are beneficial to health

Can help to prevent breast and prostate cancer

Can men consume these plant foods?

Boost memory Counter stress Improve immunity Antioxidant activity to protect against free radical

damage

Chinese Yam, Sage, Raspberry, Ginkgo, Licorice

These natural and wholesome plant foods aid health in many ways including:

Chinese Yam

Helps to lower blood pressure and protect the heart

Boosts immunity by enhancing T-cell proliferation

Anti-tumor

Antioxidant activity protects against free radical damage

Neuroprotective

Sage

Boosts immunity

Antioxidant activity

Raspberry

High antioxidant activity– 50% higher than strawberries

– 10 times that of tomatoes

Ginkgo

Boosts memory

Improves immunity

Anti-cancer

Antioxidant activity protects against free radical damage

Lowers risk of cardiovascular disease

Licorice

Antioxidant activity

Boosts memory

Improves immunity

MENOVIE

Chinese Yam

Sage

Raspberry

Ginkgo

Licorice

Recommended intake:

3 capsules, two to three times daily

MENOVIE

Suitable for men and women

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