Menopause, the time in a woman’s life when menstruation ends, is a normal and natural stage of life usually occurring around age 50. Over the next two decades, 40 million American women will experience this important change. Unfortunately, many women experience significant discomfort before, during, and after menopause. Symptoms can include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbance, depression, mood swings, decreased libido and vaginal dryness. The most common of these complaints, hot flashes, affects 75 percent of women passing through menopause and lasts for an average of about two years.

The good news is that there are many nutrients that can manage the symptoms of menopause:

Chasteberry, or vitex agnus-castus, is most known for its ability to normalize the activity of female sex hormones. As women experience a decline in estrogen and progesterone, vitex may be helpful in reducing some of the undesirable symptoms associated with menopause.

Vitamin B6 is essential in formation of neurotransmitters, dopamine, and serotonin. These neurotransmitters play a key role in regulating mood. Depression may be lessened through supplementation of this essential micronutrient.

Theanine, an amino acid, may improve sleep quality, promote better recovery from exhaustion, and increase “refreshed feelings” upon waking.

It is important before adding additional supplements to your protocol to contact a healthcare practitioner. Over-the-counter supplements are often poor in quality, and recommended dosages do not equal therapeutic (effective) dosages.

For more information about additional ways to manage menopause, call Denville Medical & Sports Rehabilitation Center at 973-627-7888 or visit DenvilleMedical.com.