Menopause

Menopause may produce obvious effects like night sweats and hot flashes, but it also produces effects that cannot be seen. The ovaries stop producing eggs and the body produces less estrogen and progesterone. A lifetime of exposure to environmental contaminants may affect the onset of menopause and have other effects on a woman’s health.

Since the hormone system of menopausal women is changing, the biological effects from exposure to endocrine disruptors or hormone mimics in food, water and personal care products may be more pronounced. It has been suggested that over time, the severity of women’s symptoms during menopause has worsened, and is linked to the rise in hormone altering chemicals in products and food.

What You Can Do to promote a healthier menopause

• Be watchful of your diet
  • Avoid eating meats that are not organic because they contain antibiotics and hormones. Instead  purchase locally raised, grass fed beef/poultry which is richer in omega 3s. If you opt not to purchase organic meats, select low-fat cuts and trim the meat, since more chemicals are stored in the fat.
  • Seek calcium-enriched foods: yogurt, almonds, cottage cheese, broccoli, spinach, sesame seeds. 
  • Select dairy products that are organic since many items contain antibiotics and hormone disruptors and/or low-fat dairy products (more chemicals are stored in the fat portion).
  • Increase your Vitamin D intake and discuss your intake needs with your health care provider.
  • Eat lots of fruits/vegetables and whole grain products.
  • Meat: Broil or Bake. AVOID FRIED FOODS, unless cooked in natural oils (safflower, extra virgin olive oil).
  • AVOID sugar, white bread, flour and caffeine.
• Switch to natural care personal care and cleaning products (see the Green Resources section of this site)
• Exercise: hot/cold flashes can be avoided by regularly exercising – try Yoga, Tai Chi or gardening

For more information visit:
The American Congress of Obstetricians Gynecologists: Pause magazine