It is important for both males and females to understand Menopause. As one group experiences it the other has to learn to understand it and support loved ones around them who may be going through this transition of life.

Unfortunately for women Menopause is unavoidable and for many it can be a very emotionally and physically draining experience. Menopause occurs when the ovaries cease to produce an egg cell every four weeks and therefore menstruation ceases and the woman is no longer able to become pregnant.

The loss of ovarian cells named Oocytes is an important trigger for the onset of menopause. Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. The most important changes that occur during Menopause are the significant reduction in several hormones including Estrogens, Progesterone, Melatonin and Testosterone.

As these female hormones decrease many symptoms can occur including declining elasticity of a woman’s blood vessels (especially arteries), increased susceptibility to varicose veins, excessive sweating and hot flushes and hair loss. Menopause can also lead to increased bone loss (which could lead to osteoporosis), anxiety and irritability, poor concentration, depression, insomnia, loss of sex drive and an increased susceptibility to vaginitis.

Don’t give up hope there are many natural treatments out there that can help women cope with these symptoms and that don’t cause the side effects often linked to many main stream treatments.

Name: Rebecca Franklin

Age: 23

Occupation: Sales representative

Lifestyle philosophy: To maintain a healthy body through balance rather than following extreme diets and exercise regimes.

What products do you use and why?

Evening Primrose Oil (Efamol) – Helps relieve the pain during menstruation and increases regulation of cycles.

Gingko Biloba (Natures own) – Helps improve memory and concentration when studying and at work.

Fitness regime:

Walks 30mins five times a week

Surfing a few times a week

Diet structure:

A well balanced diet which contains the five food groups

What product could you not do without?

Evening Primrose Oil (Efamol) – As it helps relieve the pain during menstruation and regulates cycles.

Pre menstrual syndrome (PMS) is another common problem which males need to understand as many males would agree that the effect of PMS impacts greatly on their own lives.  Approximately 50% of women experience painful menstruation.  Painful menstruation includes menstrual cramps and is known medically as dysmenorrhoea. There are two forms of painful menstruation.  Primary dysmenorrhoea usually commences within a few years of the first menstrual period and more severe in younger women, it is less severe after childbirth or with advancing age.  Secondary dysmenorrhoea usually commences later in life and often worsens with advancing age. Its underlying cause is often endometriosis.

There are many products which can help relieve the symptoms associated with P.M.S which include black cohosh, evening primrose oil, fish oils and flaxseed oil.  Garlic has also been used to help alleviated the symptom of PMS.  Vitamins which have been classified as useful in the treatment of PMS include Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin D and Vitamin E.  Products which contain these properties can be found on our website.

Raisins, one of the main components of fruit loafs contains good amounts of fibre helping the colon remove waste and keeping your bowels regular.

• 6 dried apricots
• 1 cup orange juice
• 400grams mixed dried fruit, e.g. sultanas, currants or raisins
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon mixed spice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup cold mashed pumpkin
• 1 ^1/3 cups organic spelt flour

This should make approximately 15 serves.

Method

1. Place apricots and orange juice in saucepan and bring to the boil.  Turn off heat and allow apricots to soften.  Once soft, place in blender and blend until smooth.
2. Place mixture back into saucepan and add mixed fruit and spices.  Bring back to the boil then turn heat off.  Allow to cool thoroughly by placing in a mixing bowl.
3. Lightly spray a 10cm x 21cm loaf tin with canola spray then line tin with greased proof paper.
4. Combine pumpkin into fruit mix and stir thoroughly.  Add mixture to spelt flour and baking powder mix.
5. Bake in a 160⁰C preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, covering loaf with greaseproof paper for the last 45 minutes.
6. Allow cake to cool, slice and serve.

Approximately five to twenty percent of women of child bearing age are affected by endometriosis. The average age of is diagnosed is 37 years (it is a difficult disease for physicians to diagnose). Endometriosis occurs only rarely after menopause.

Meno-Relief contains two well-researched herbal extracts - Black Cohosh & Soy Isoflavones at the standardised doses used in European clinical studies. Meno-Relief also contains the therapeutic dose of St John''s Wort to relieve mood swings and anxiety, along with Red Clover.

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Thexton Price: $32.26

Black Cohosh is effective in the relief of menopausal symptoms.

This ingredient is known to assist in the relief of hot flushes, night sweats, disturbed sleep, headache and irritability associated with menopause.

It is also useful in relieving cramps, muscular aches and pains, nervous tension and other symptoms of menopause.

Black Cohosh may also assist with the management of premenstrual tension and is known for the symptomatic relief of irregular periods.

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Thexton Price: $17.45

Relieves premenstrual syndrome, helps relieve dry skin and also helps relieve atopic eczema.  Capsules can be cut open and contents mixed with food.

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Thexton Price: $18.29