Menopause is a natural transition in a woman’s life marking the end of her reproductive ability. It occurs in a woman's midlife from the late 40 to early 50s. During menopause, there is reduced activity of the ovaries and a decline in hormone levels.
Perimenopause is the transition that comes before menopause and is after the last menstrual cycle wherein a woman still faces symptoms associated with menopause due to erratic hormonal levels. Postmenopause is the period after menopause when a woman with an intact uterus who isn’t pregnant or lactating has not experienced a menstrual cycle for a year.
Postmenopausal women are at increased risk for osteoporosis, heart disease, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and more due to age-related factors and hormonal imbalance.
Menopause, Perimenopause, or Postmenopause, are the different progressive phases in a woman's life, it is not a disease and hence does not require any treatment; however one can look for ways to treat the symptoms.
Turmeric and Menopause
Turmeric is referred to as ‘The Golden Goddess’ not only because of its golden hues or aromatic flavor but also for its healing properties. Turmeric offers a wide range of natural therapy and it's a natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-cancer, etc.
Curcuminoids are a group of compounds that impart a vibrant yellow color to Turmeric. Curcumin is an active ingredient and it contributes significantly to Turmeric’s healing properties.
Turmeric serves to be therapeutically healing for various health disorders some of which are relevant to menopause. Here are 6 benefits of Turmeric
Turmeric - a Phytoestrogen
Phytoestrogens are plant metabolites that mimic the activity of estrogen in the body. Phytoestrogen supplementation therapies are suggested as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy. Studies prove that Turmeric is a phytoestrogen.
Low levels of estrogen during menopause can lead to risk for many health ailments like reduced bone density, cardiovascular disease, etc. Low levels of estrogen may also lead to symptoms like hot flashes, sleeping disorders, vaginal dryness, joint pain, and mood swings, Turmeric can prove to be helpful to avoid ailments as it can help increase and balance estrogen levels.
Turmeric - a Painkiller
Turmeric has analgesic properties as compared to most natural painkillers.
Curcumin is effective in improving postoperative pain, fatigue, and recovery, thus demonstrating its anti-inflammatory as well as analgesic activity. This property of turmeric may also help in the treatment of migraine, joint pain, or muscle soreness caused during menopause.
Turmeric - for Hot Flashes
Hot flashes are one of the most common unwanted symptoms affecting almost 75% of women in perimenopause. During a hot flash, there is a feeling of intense heat with sweating and a rapid heartbeat. Low levels of estrogen cause this symptom of hot flashes primarily.
A study conducted on menopausal women shows that menopause and hot flashes bring about biochemical changes such as reduced antioxidant activity. Turmerics has antioxidant activity and is as potent as Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Turmeric is especially recommended for women who choose not to take HRT and prefer the more natural way to treat their hot flashes.
Turmeric - An Anitdepressant
Depression and other emotional incidences are very common during perimenopause. Researchers’ findings have confirmed that factors such as later-stage perimenopause, sleep deprivation, stress, and the presence of hot flashes are related to the onset of depression during perimenopause. Apparently, depression is not directly affected by the level of estrogen in the body.
A clinical trial held in the Government Medical College of Gujarat, India evaluated the safety and efficacy of curcumin as an antidepressant in comparison to fluoxetine or Prozac. The results of this trial confirmed that curcumin has comparable antidepressant activities to that of fluoxetine. Curcumin does not have any adverse side effects like other antidepressants.
Curcumin boosts DHA levels which are helpful in controlling anxiety and are essential for brain development and functioning.
Turmeric - An Immunity Booster
In postmenopausal women, low immunity is very common. A review has shown that curcumin is an immunity booster and has anti-inflammatory effects. Traditionally Tumeric milk is a household remedy for cold and flu in almost every Indian family and has been used for generations to protect against cold and flu.
Turmeric - For Bone Health
Bone health during menopause deteriorates due to the low levels of estrogen. Low levels of estrogen can reduce bone formation creating an imbalance between bone generation and absorption leading to weak bones. A study conducted in Korea shows that bone loss caused to low estrogen can be improved by the consumption of Curcumin. Due to its anti-oxidative properties, curcumin can increase bone density.
A different study shows that turmeric has anti-arthritic properties and a potential that can exceed the same properties in ginger and indomethacin. Turmeric reduces inflammation and simultaneously activates the body's defense system due to its anti-oxidant effects. This reduces the onset as well as the progression of rheumatoid arthritis.
It is these attributes of turmeric that contribute to preventing the development of osteoarthritis.
How much Turmeric (Curcumin)?
Consulting a physician is very essential in cases of menopause as the average intake of Curcumin depends on the condition of the individual and their health condition like if they have osteoarthritis, high cholesterol, etc.
Most studies use doses of 500 - 2000 mg of turmeric per day, this is usually in the form of an extract with a curcumin concentration that is much higher than the amount present in the foods consumed.
Bioglan Active Curcumin Tablets contain 95% Curcuminoids along with BioPerine which enhances the absorption of Curcumin and imparts its full benefits of it, these are also available in gummies. Bioglan Organic Turmeric Capsules contain 1000mg of Turmeric along with Vitamin D giving it an extra boost for bone health.
Menopause is a testing time for most women, but with the right advice, a healthy lifestyle, and regular supplementation women can easily sail through these times. A natural way to treat symptoms eliminates the side effects that may be caused by HRT. An average of one-third is what a woman spends her life in the postmenopause phase. Turmerics' healing properties are beneficial for women right from perimenopause to postmenopause. A tried and tested the theory of ages, let us know of your experience with Turmeric after using it during menopause.
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