Laura Frontiero writes:
Let’s play a quick game of “Myth or Fact” about midlife hormones.
For each statement below, note to yourself whether you think it’s a fact or a myth:
Hot flashes are inevitable and uncontrollable.
Putting on the pounds is just part of getting older.
Your libido is destined to disappear.
Mood swings are all in your head.
Osteoporosis is an unavoidable part of aging for women.
Ready for your results?
Answer: They’re ALL myths!
The truth is, while hormone changes are a natural part of aging, the symptoms women experience aren’t set in stone.
Your midlife journey doesn’t have to be a wild, uncontrollable ride.
Debunking the Midlife Hormone Myths
Let’s get into some real talk about what’s happening in your body:
Hot flashes: They can be triggered by specific foods or environmental factors that we can identify and manage. While common, they’re not inevitable for all women.
Stubborn fat: Being unable to drop pounds (especially around the middle) could be linked to insulin resistance or thyroid issues, both of which are treatable. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help manage your physique.
Low libido: Often, it’s more about stress and sleep quality than an inevitable decline. Hormonal changes can affect desire, but it’s not a predestined outcome.
Mood swings: They’re real and often tied to estrogen and progesterone fluctuations that we can balance naturally.
Osteoporosis: While the risk increases with age, osteoporosis is not inevitable. Weightbearing exercises, adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, and a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk.
The biggest midlife myth of all? That you just have to grin and bear it.
Natural Strategies That Work
There are numerous natural, effective ways to manage your symptoms and restore balance:
Optimize your meals: Focus on anti-inflammatory foods, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats to support hormone production and reduce symptoms.
Enhance sleep quality: Establish a consistent sleep routine and create a cool, dark sleeping environment to improve sleep and reduce night sweats.
Manage stress: Incorporate stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to balance cortisol levels and improve overall hormonal health.
Support your thyroid: Ensure you consume enough iodine, selenium, and zinc to support healthy thyroid function and metabolism.
Consider natural supplements: Herbs like black cohosh, red clover, and dong quai are beneficial in managing menopausal symptoms for some women.