The monthly cycle is governed by female hormones – oestrogen, progesterone, LH and FSH. At the menopause a women run out of eggs and she begin to stop ovulating. This causes a reduction in oestrogen production from the ovaries and can lead to symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, decreased libido, osteoporosis, aging skin, lack of energy, joint pains, weight gain, headaches and changes in hair quality.
The body has a mechanism to cope with this reduction in oestrogen from the ovaries and begins to rely on oestrogen produced from the adrenals gland and from fat cells via the action of aromatase. Therefore healthy adrenals and weight are key.
It is believed that the only symptoms a women should experience as they go through the menopause is that her periods stop. Nutritional therapy is a key component for a women when passing through the menopause to reduce the uncomfortable symptoms and to ensure that bone mass is optimised. London nutritionist Steve Hines has help many women with nutritional therapy as they have passed through the menopause.
