What is menopause?
Menopause is like a retirement party for your ovaries! It marks the end of your reproductive years and the start of a new chapter in your life.
During this time, the body undergoes some pretty major changes, including a decrease in hormone production, which can lead to some fun symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and the sudden urge to throw your husband's clothes out the window. Almost as fun as puberty, except now your hair is gray.
Exercise, a healthy diet, and a good sense of humor can go a long way in managing menopause symptoms. Some people benefit from hormone therapy, herbal remedies, or prescription medications if needed (check with your doctor first before starting any of these options.)
How do I know if I am in menopause?
Does it sometimes feel like you're standing on the surface of the sun? You could be in perimenopause, which is the time leading up to menopause.
During perimenopause, your ovaries produce less estrogen, which can lead to irregular periods that can be heavier or lighter, or longer or shorter than your normal cycle. This is when you may start to experience symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.
Perimenopause usually starts in your mid-40s, but surgeries, medications, or other factors can impact when it starts.
You're officially in menopause when you haven't had a period for 12 consecutive months. The average age in the US is 51, but again, that can vary.
After you reach menopause, this is when you are in postmenopause.
What are adaptogens?
You will find products here that contain adaptogens. Check with your healthcare provider before starting products with adaptogens, as these mighty wonders can have adverse reactions with some medications and conditions.
Adaptogens are natural substances found in certain plants, mushrooms, and herbs that help your body cope with stress and maintain balance.
They can help you feel more energized, focused, and relaxed. You can add them to food, take them in capsule form, or as a tincture (liquid form).
Common adaptogens you might find in products on this site include:
- Ashwagandha: It's like a celebrity in Ayurveda medicine. It can help reduce stress and inflammation and improve cognitive function and sleep.
- Reishi mushrooms: Known for their immunity-boosting powers and anti-inflammatory properties, research has shown that beta-glucans found in reishi mushrooms can help stimulate the production of immune cells, such as natural killer cells and T-cells, which are crucial for fighting off infections and cancer. However, more research is needed in this area.
- Lion's mane mushroom: Like the Swiss army knife of mushrooms. They are believed to help enhance memory and focus, reduce anxiety, support the immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote gut health.
- Holy basil (tulsi): Can reduce stress and anxiety, improve respiratory health, reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, and boost the immune system.
- Cordyceps mushroom: Used for centuries in Chinese medicine, they can improve respiratory health, lower inflammation, increase energy and exercise endurance, and contain compounds such as polysaccharides, antioxidants, and ergosterol that may have anti-aging effects.
- Maca (Peruvian ginseng): Used to support sexual function, improve bone health, balance hormones, and reduce stress and anxiety.
What herbs help with menopause symptoms?
It is important to note that while supplements are generally considered safe, they can interact with certain medications and may not be appropriate for everyone. As with any supplement, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider before starting to take it, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
While not an exhaustive list, some of our products contain popular herbs used to treat menopause symptoms.
- Black cohosh: Known for its potential to alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. It is believed to have estrogen-like effects on the body. Black cohosh may also help regulate the menstrual cycle in women with irregular periods.
- Chasteberry (Vitex): May help alleviate hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. It is believed to have a balancing effect on hormones, specifically by increasing progesterone levels and reducing levels of prolactin, which may help regulate the menstrual cycle and alleviate menopausal symptoms.
- Red clover: Red clover contains compounds called isoflavones, which have estrogen-like effects on the body. These compounds may help alleviate hot flashes, and may have a protective effect on bone density.
How did you decide what products to carry?
It's important to me to offer solutions that are specifically formulated to address menopause symptoms, have high-quality ingredients, and are highly rated by customers to validate their performance. Glow Menopause Solutions carries brands and products that have values like being women-owned and prioritize ingredients that are organic or non-GMO.