Menopause is a natural ageing process, but unfortunately, it can come with a variety of symptoms that can impact our everyday life. Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, as oestrogen levels naturally decline due to a change in the balance of the body’s hormones.
If you’re currently experiencing menopause, you may be interested to learn about the role magnesium can play in helping to reduce the symptoms. Westlab offers some helpful advice and insights into how this essential mineral could be of benefit to you.
Common symptoms of menopause
Most women will experience symptoms, some more intensely than others. Some symptoms will also be much more noticeable than others, such as hot flushes and night sweats and low mood. You might also experience difficulty sleeping, mood changes and general aches and pains. These symptoms are all normal but if you become worried or find your symptoms troublesome, then see your doctor.
How does magnesium help with menopause symptoms?
Magnesium plays an extensive role throughout the body and supports over 300 processes. This includes the endocrine system, which is responsible for producing and balancing hormones.
It goes without saying that menopause can be a stressful time as it is, but there’s a chemical reason why it might be more stressful than usual. The stress hormone cortisol is generally managed by your progesterone levels, but as progesterone also drops during menopause, you might find yourself unable to manage your stress as well.
Similarly, you might experience a decline in serotonin due to reduced levels of oestrogen and progesterone. Serotonin is known as the ‘happy hormone’ and is directly linked to mood. Mood swings, feeling low and experiencing heightened stress can all be worsened if your body is deficient in Magnesium.
Menopause can also cause disturbed sleep, as melatonin levels naturally drop during this time of life. Magnesium supports the processes within the pineal gland, which is essential for the regulation of melatonin and therefore aids the sleep-wake cycle. This can help support a more regular sleep pattern and try to reduce unwelcome fatigue.
Finally, a menopause symptom you may be less aware of is a reduction in oestrogen. In turn, this can result in a decrease in bone density, which increases your risk of osteoporosis. Magnesium plays a role in maintaining and strengthening bone density, as it can help to stimulate the hormone calcitonin. Calcitonin helps to deposit calcium in the right places around the body. So, if magnesium levels are low, there’s a chance that calcium will be deposited in soft tissue areas instead of the bones. The right balance of both Calcium and Magnesium in the body is essential during menopause.
How to keep healthy levels of magnesium
Magnesium can be difficult to absorb orally, so an additional way to help increase magnesium levels is transdermally, or through the skin. By adding magnesium to your bathing routine, you can enjoy the benefits of helping replenish magnesium levels whilst relaxing and taking some time for yourself. Bathing for just 20-30 minutes two or three times per week with magnesium flakes can help restore your levels of magnesium while relaxing your mind and body.
Have you experienced symptoms of menopause yet? How do you deal with them?
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