Archives for May 2015

According to women’s health expert Marla Ahlgrimm, most women go through the perimenopausal transition before reaching menopause. Perimenopausal women are usually somewhere in their 40’s,   still having menstrual periods. But their cycles are changing, as are their estrogen levels. Sometimes they are high, sometimes too low, and sometimes just right. In fact, says Marla Ahlgrimm, during this time women may feel like they’re on a hormonal roller coaster ride. Perimenopause can last for a few months to a few years. Women may have physical as well as psychological complaints. Symptoms are very much like those of menopause, and women may experience one or more symptoms during perimenopause.

Common symptoms of perimenopause include the following:

• Changes in the menstrual flow
• Lumpy or tender breasts
• Bloating
• Problems with sleep
• Difficulty concentrating
• Anxiety, mood swings, depression
• PMS
• Hot flashes, night sweats
• Vaginal dryness
• Unexplained weight gain

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Q: What are phytoestrogens?

Marla Ahlgrimm: These are weak estrogens that occur naturally in plants. They are chemically similar to the estrogens found in a woman’s body. Phytoestrogens are considerably less potent than natural estrogens produced by the body.

Q: How do phytoestrogens affect the body?

Marla Ahlgrimm: There is very little definitive evidence that they have any major impact on the body. However, it’s accepted that plant estrogens may affect hot flashes, breast and heart health and bone strength. Phytoestrogens may be beneficial in helping to prevent heart disease by lowering bad cholesterol levels.

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