Life Begins at 50

 For most women, reaching her late 40s signifies the start of another stage of menopause. According to a surveycommissioned by Bionutra, withsupport from the Women to WomenMenopause Support Group, almost100% of women are aware of

menopause, its symptoms anddiscomfort. But only 36% are preparedfor it.

The top three menopause symptomsthat women suffer from are tiredness(39%), hot flushes (36%) andforgetfulness (27%). Other menopausalsymptoms include night sweats,insomnia, mood swings, and body, jointand muscle aches. These symptoms canbe very uncomfortable, affectingwomen physically, mentally andemotionally.

There are some myths surroundingmenopause. Women need tounderstand that menopausesymptoms can be effectivelymanaged with a range of treatmentsincluding natural therapy.

Myth 1 Menopause is part ofageing and the symptoms areto be endured just like ourmothers did.According to the survey, 50% of womenchoose to live with their menopausesymptoms and do nothing about it.

“Menopause, like adolescence, is anatural phase in a woman’s life,” saysDr Chua, consultant obstetrician andgynaecologist and director of A Clinicfor Women. “However, women whoexperience significant symptoms aroundmenopause should consult theirhealthcare professionals.”

Myth 2 Women should worryabout menopause only whenthey reach their 50s.

Women can start experiencingmenopausal symptoms from their mid-40s onwards. Menopause occurs whena women’s menstruation stops for oneyear or more, and lasts an average offive to eight years.

Menopause can also be broughtabout anytime earlier by geneticfactors, permanent ovarian failure, andremoval of ovaries and/or uterus andcancer treatments (e.g. chemotherapy,

radiation to the pelvic area). Seekingtreatment before menopausalsymptoms fully appear in your 40s canhelp ease the transition.

Myth 3 Menopause brings abouta diminishing sex lifeSeeking proper treatment provides relieffor body aches and pains, promotesoptimal skin condition, encouragesdeeper sleep. It also increases energylevels and promotes an overall wellbeingthat brings out confidence forgood sexual health.

Myth 4 HRT is the only effectivetreatment to alleviatemenopausal symptomsDuring menopause, a woman’sbody produces less oestrogen andprogesterone. Hormone replacementtherapy (HRT) is just one treatmentavailable that replaces these hormonesand helps ease the symptoms.However, a recent study shows thatHRT is associated to an increase in therisk of stroke (41%), heart attack (29%),cardiovascular disease (22%),thrombosis (20%), and breast cancer(26%).Women should evaluate whether thebenefits of HRT outweigh the risks. Ifthey are still uncertain or preferalternatives, there are natural treatmentoptions are available for themanagement of menopause symptoms.

Nutrafem is an example ofa natural, phytoestrogen supplementextracted from Vigna radiatabeans and extracts from eucommiaulmoides bark. It was discoveredthrough interest in the researchon the molecular genetics oftraditional Chinese herbs formenopause symptoms.

Non-steroidal and clinically testedto be safe and non-toxic,phytoestrogens in Nutrafemcomplement the body’s oestrogenby fitting on the oestrogen receptorsites like a key to a lock, triggeringmany vital processes and enhancingoverall well-being.

When consumed regularly as partof the diet, women experience lowerincidents of menopausal symptomswithout the possible side effects of HRT.Women who have taken Nutrafemhave experienced remarkableimprovement to their lives asmenopausal symptoms are morebearable, allowing them to go throughmenopause with minimal discomfort.

With appropriate support, womenand those around her can enjoy thisnew phase of life. With a healthy diet,constant exercise and naturalsupplements, every woman can enjoya smooth transition into theirmenopausal years! •