Menopause
Does it really has to go that way?
Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age being around 51. During menopause, a woman’s body undergoes hormonal changes that lead to the cessation of menstrual cycles and the end of fertility. The body experiences a decline in hormones; the primary hormones involved in the menstrual cycle are estrogen and progesterone, which are produced by the ovaries. As a woman approaches menopause, the ovaries gradually produce fewer of these hormones. This hormonal decline can lead to changes in the menstrual cycle, such as irregular periods.
Before menopause, many women go through a phase called perimenopause, which can start several years before menopause itself. During perimenopause, hormone levels fluctuate, leading to irregular menstrual cycles, changes in menstrual flow, and various symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. Menopause is officially diagnosed when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. At this point, the ovaries have significantly reduced their production of estrogen and progesterone. As a result, the symptoms experienced during perimenopause may continue or even intensify.
Common symptoms
Common symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood changes, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, urinary changes, and changes in skin and hair texture. Not all women experience these symptoms, and their severity can vary.
Estrogen plays also a role in maintaining bone density. The decline in estrogen levels during menopause can lead to a higher risk of osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones that are more susceptible to fractures. Estrogen also has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system, and its decline during menopause may contribute to an increased risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues.
The hormonal changes associated with menopause can sometimes contribute to mood swings, irritability, and even depression in some women. It’s important for women to seek support if they are struggling with these emotional aspects.
After menopause, a woman enters the postmenopausal phase. While some symptoms may persist, others may improve over time. The risk of certain health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, may become more prominent during this phase.
It’s worth noting that every woman’s experience with menopause is unique. Some women may have a relatively smooth transition with few symptoms, while others may experience more intense and prolonged effects. If you’re approaching or experiencing menopause, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider to manage any symptoms and discuss potential treatment options if necessary.
Does it really have to go that way?
This is the common version of the story. You are going through menopause, you will have to suffer all of the above mentioned symptoms plus probably some more (depression, anxiety, and so on). The reality is, even if your ovaries do not perform anymore, you have two backup organs which will help to produce hormones. They are the adrenals glands. The adrenals make ALL of the hormones that the ovaries make: they make estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and other hormones (cortisol, aldosterone, etc).
During menopause you have a decreased ovarian function and the adrenals should back the ovaries up and start making these hormones. In theory, the widely accepted symptoms of menopause should not be there! (if you adrenal glands were working properly).
Cholesterol
It all boils down to cholesterol. Cholesterol is the required material for your adrenal glands not only to make all of those hormones, but it is the absolute required material also to make essential nutrients like Vitamin D, bile salts, Vitamin A and K and also to supply your brain (25% of your brain is basically cholesterol). Did you ever imagine that the very thing that people are telling you to avoid because it causes heart disease is in reality that important for your body?
You might think – well I do eat lots of healthy fat in my diet: olive oil, canola oil, avocado, coconut…well I have some bad news. There is no cholesterol in plants / plant oils. Unfortunately, cholesterol comes only from animal products. 80% of the cholesterol that feeds the adrenal comes in the form of LDL (the so called bad cholestrol).
By cutting out cholestrol from our diet, or by taking medications that do not allow absorption of cholesterol, we initiate a series of problems (including the big menopausal symptoms) like depression, anxiety, loss of memory.
One of the side effects of Statins (a class of drugs used to avoid absorption of cholesterol) is something called Transient Global Amnesia. Moreover, when you take statins, you actually increase risk of cancer (statistically, people with high cholesterol seem to develop some sort of immunity to cancer).
Increasing cholesterol in your diet leads to a reduction and sometimes a disappearance of all the above mentioned menopausal symptoms.
Watch this VIDEO by Dr. Eric Berg DC explaining this mechanism.
Best food
The n.1 food that can help you is high quality grass fed butter. Or any type of fat cheese (e.g. Brie), creme, egg yolks, sea food. They all support the adrenals and contribute to better function. Obviously, consuming high amount of butter needs to happen in conjunction with other dietary modifications (e.g. reducing carbs).
Avoid trans Fats. Trans fats are artificially created fats that are often found in processed and fried foods. They can raise LDL cholesterol while lowering high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Avoid or minimize foods containing:
Fried foods (French fries, fried chicken). Commercially baked goods (pastries, doughnuts, cakes) made with partially hydrogenated oils
Avoid highly processed snacks. Many packaged snacks, such as chips, crackers, and some microwave popcorn, often contain high levels of unhealthy fats that can raise LDL cholesterol.
Baked Goods. Commercially produced baked goods like cookies, pastries, and cakes can contain high levels of saturated and trans fats. They are generally speaking really low quality food.
Fast Food and Fried Foods. Fast food items, like hamburgers, fried chicken, and fried potatoes, tend to be high in unhealthy fats that can contribute to elevated LDL cholesterol levels.
Certain Cooking Oils. While olive oil and other healthier oils are beneficial, using excessive amounts of oils high in saturated fats, like palm oil and coconut oil, can raise LDL cholesterol.
Processed and Packaged Foods. Many processed and packaged foods, including some frozen meals, canned soups, and convenience foods, may contain hidden sources of unhealthy fats that can impact LDL cholesterol levels.
LINKS:
Dangers of Statin Drugs: What You Haven’t Been Told About Popular Cholesterol-Lowering Medicines
DNA Methylation in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Cytochrome P450 CYP1A1: wider roles in cancer progression and prevention
Edoardo Elisei DC
Alive Chiropractic LTD
alivechiropractic.co.uk
1C Crown Gate Square
POUNDBURY
01305602314
15/8/2023
A collection of informative and engaging videos that offer visual insights into the world of chiropractic care. Visual content is a powerful tool for education and empowerment, allowing you to deepen your understanding of chiropractic principles, techniques, and the benefits of maintaining a healthy spine.
I have used chiropractic regularly for about 40 years but couldn't afford to go when the neck problem started, instead, hoping that my GP referral to physio would help. It didn't! Not wishing to get on the drugs treadmill (pain killers, anti-inflammatory etc) I finally found the budget to start a fresh programme of care at Alive Chiropractic in Poundbury.
The standard of care has been excellent, with my diary of attendance carefully curated around my busy work schedule. Being set up with a personalised app containing my appointment diary and maintenance exercises has been very simple to use.
My personal programme involved not just chiropractic care, but also therapeutic massage and personal trainer input. This has helped me rebuild my stressed body at my own pace.
Not losing my evenings after work to the misery of neck pain has given me lots more energy and we're now able to move on to help other areas of my spine which were injured in an accident 2 years ago.
Setting payments up monthly has made budgeting easier and appointments quicker, not having to worry about processing payments after treatments. Great service, fantastic care, I recommend Alive to anyone wanting to take control of their mobility.
Kind blessings
Very comfortable process. I still do suffer but after 12 sessions I feel better and have been given a great foundation to build on with consistent exercise. I will 100% be returning for check ups.
I also had a few sports massage sessions with Amelia which I would highly recommend.
Phil, Edoardo, and Steve have been fantastic. Through a combination of chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, and targeted exercises, they’ve helped relieve my back and neck pain and addressed the underlying problem areas.
Throughout my recovery and ongoing maintenance, they have been professional, supportive, and genuinely empathetic. I’m extremely happy with the results I’ve achieved so far and would highly recommend their services to anyone dealing with pain or mobility issues.
With adjustments and exercises from Eduardo and some physio massage from Phil & Amelia that is now gone and my posture, generally, is greatly restored - feeling much better!
Edo suggested some ongoing exercises and maybe an occasional review to keep on top of things.
Very professional, great result for me and a genuinely nice team to work with.
Many thanks.
Nick
I have 38 years of patchy recovery from a nursing back injury.
This intensive approach has markedly reduced my painful episodes and spinal posture problems.
My family has noticed a big difference in me with many obvious and subtle improvements.
I look forward to continuing this progress with both Edo and Phil to achieve further improvements.
Saved me from different injuries and helped me a lot of chronic issues I was dealing with.
He is a saviour.
Highly recommended
You are always polite, very knowledgeable with great approach to patients.
To all interested - do not hesitate, I highly recommend! See you soon!
Will definitely be visiting again!
I would fully recommend Alive Chiropractic,
Edo is a very warm, welcoming caring and does not judge.
He explained what and how he was going to help me , had an extensive treatment period to begin with and then became a monthly visitor .
He has been so much help to me over this time and I would recommend his gifts to everyone.
A truly lovely man and gifted communicator and practitioner.
If in pain go and give him a try , living in a body that feels like a prison is no fun but this guy has the keys to set you free!
Offers practical advice for individuals of any age
Explains proposed programs well
Very confident that treatment will be successful
Highly recommend
I am sleeping more comfortably again, my walking has improved too, my confidence has improved, I was treated with great respect. I have learnt new exercises which also has helped thanks to Ed owner of Alive chiropractor and Phil too for his excellent deep tissue massage therapy. I cannot thank them both enough, I feel like a new person!
I’ve now signed up for a regular maintenance programme. Thank you both very much, it’s very much appreciated.
He certainly has 'healing hands'.
Clearly passionate about his profession, not only does his treatment keep you supple. He also gives plenty of advise & exercises to keep yourself active.
The waiting room area is that of peace & tranquility with soothing background music.
There is ample free parking.
You've nothing to lose but everything to gain if you want to stay fit, healthy and active.
I highly recommend his expertise & personalised approach.
I highly recommend Edo and Alive Chiropractic. Great service from initial assessment, to treatment, and ongoing progress checks. As well as a range of exercises to continue at home.
As well as the work he done with me in the clinic, he has taught me many different exercises to help me with the problems in which i suffer with, as well as explaining to me how my diet can also help me going forward.
He has been a great help, and i shall continue to see him in the future so that he can help me maintain ( and improve) my well being.
Regards
Peter
Dr Edo provides a whole body approach to resolving chiropractic issues. His care plan to help solve your unique issues is fantastic, short and simple adjustments rather than long sessions of big adjustments has worked brilliantly for me. Communications are easy and booking ahead is brilliant for me and my schedule.
I can’t recommend Alive highly enough!
The reception is also very welcoming. I very much recommend this place!
Dr Edo is professional, knowledge, and believes firmly in his work which he is clearly passionate about. I feel he has an empowering vision, cares deeply, and has a refreshing balance of western and eastern understanding. Because of this, Dr Edo has a deeper, holistic approach by taking into account all aspects of one's lifestyle (diet, exercise, mental/emotional state) in sessions. For someone like myself who values a holistic perspective on health, Dr Edo's approach is invaluable and helped me relax and feel at great ease. Sam in reception is lovely and you instantly feel welcomed when coming in for a session also. Thank you to you both. Highly recommend!
Thank you!
I will happily recommend Alive Chiropractic to my friends.
Ed takes a very holistic approach, encouraging me to lose weight and work on different rehab exercises to reinforce the manipulations and adjustments he made.
Here I am some three months on, I weigh a lot less, I have incredible flexibility in my lower back and can now touch my toes and, best of all. I have full flexibility of my neck.
Eds holistic approach really works, he is very approachable and easy to chat about things with.
One caveat, Ed knows when you haven't done your exercises so don't cheat. 🙂
I cannot thank him enough for the massive improvements in my health and his encouraging me to make little changes for a healthier long term lifestyle.
