It’s Time to Talk About Menopause

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So, here’s the deal: Menopause is a totally natural part of life that happens to you between the ages of 45 and 55. It marks the end of your periods and fertility—yep, no more baby-making! This happens because your ovaries start dialling down their production of oestrogen and progesterone, the hormones that keep everything running smoothly.  

 

But hold up, it’s not like it just happens overnight. Technically, Menopause is only after you've gone a full year continuously without a period. There’s this pre-menopausal phase called peri-menopause, where your hormones start doing a little dance. It usually kicks in during your 40’s, but you might start feeling the shift in your late 30’s. Your hormone levels will fluctuate all over the place, and that’s when symptoms like hot flushes, mood swings, and sleepless nights can show up. 

 

Hot Flushes 

Let’s talk hot flushes—aka the heatwave that shows up when you least expect it. You know the ones: that sudden surge of warmth that starts in your face, neck, or chest and spreads all over your body. You’ll be sweating one minute and freezing the next. Fun times, right? 

Why does this happen? Well, oestrogen usually helps keep your body’s temperature in check. When those oestrogen levels dip, your body’s thermostat gets a little confused and thinks it’s overheating. Cue the hot flush. You might get them occasionally, while others feel like they’re living in a sauna for months on end. But don’t worry—there are ways to help keep your cool. 

 

Can Probiotics Save the Day? 

You might know probiotics as the “good” bacteria that keep your gut happy, but guess what? They can also be your best friend when it comes to vaginal health, especially during menopause. 

Here’s the thing: as oestrogen drops, the balance of bacteria in your vagina can get a little out of whack. Normally, your vagina has plenty of Lactobacillus bacteria that help keep things nice and acidic (which is the good, healthy kind of acidic). When oestrogen drops, those good bacteria can start to diminish, and the not-so-friendly bacteria and yeast might start throwing a party. Yikes! 

Enter probiotics. They help bring balance back to your vaginal microbiome by keeping the bad bacteria in check and supporting a healthier environment down there. Strains like Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus crispatus are especially good for this. 

If you’re looking for an easy way to support your vaginal health, check out Caruso’s Menopause Probiotic. One capsule a day and you’re good to go! It’s packed with those helpful probiotics, plus Black Cohosh—a herb known for helping to relieve hot flushes associated with menopause. It’s like a one-two punch for menopause relief. 

 

 

Lifestyle Hacks to Keep Things Cool 

Alright, let’s talk about the fun stuff: how to make this menopause thing a little easier with lifestyle tweaks. 

  • Dress to Impress (Yourself): Layer up, keep a fan handy, and steer clear of super hot drinks. Trust us, these little moves can make a big difference when a hot flush hits. 

  • Move It: Regular exercise doesn’t just keep your body in shape; it can also help balance your hormones and keep your mood in check. Win-win! 

  • Eat Like a Boss: Fill your plate with fruit, veggies, and whole grains. Your body (and your hormones) will thank you. 

  • Zen Mode: Yoga, acupuncture, and other relaxing activities can work wonders to ease symptoms. Plus, they help keep you calm and cool (literally). 

 

Menopause Isn’t a Dirty Word, It’s a New Chapter 

Here’s the thing: Menopause might bring on some uncomfortable moments, but it’s a natural, totally normal stage of life. Every woman’s experience is different, so finding what works for you is key. The best part? You’ve got tonnes of options to help manage it—from lifestyle changes to probiotics, to chatting with your healthcare provider. 

And remember, you’re not alone in this! Whether it’s leaning on friends, joining a support group, or getting some expert advice, there’s a whole tribe out there ready to support you as you navigate this next chapter. 

References 

Mei Z, Li D. The role of probiotics in vaginal health. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2022 Jul 28;12:963868. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.963868. PMID: 35967876; PMCID: PMC9366906. 

Vicariotto F, et al. Efficacy of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PBS067, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BL050, and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LRH020 in the Amelioration of Vaginal Microbiota in Post-Menopausal Women: A Prospective Observational Clinical Trial. Nutrients. 2024; 16(3):402. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16030402 

Hechtman, L. (2019). Clinical Naturopathic Medicine. (2nd Ed.). Elseiver, Australia 

Sadahiro, Ryoichi MD., et al. Black cohosh extracts in women with menopausal symptoms: an updated pairwise meta-analysis. Menopause 30(7):p 766-773, July 2023. | DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002196 

Bone, K., Mills, S. (2013). Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, Sydney.  

 

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