Articles
What is Menopause?
Menopause is a completely natural biological process that every woman will eventually experience. It’s a hormonal shift where your body transitions to a new normal, following the end of your reproductive years. Around 25 million people experience menopause each year. Even though it impacts half the population, awareness and understanding of menopause are still quite limited. At Sally-Ann Creed, we empathise strongly with anyone going through menopause. Many of the women in our business have gone through, or are going through, this transition at the moment, and we know how important it is to have a trusted source of information and advice at hand. The timing and duration of menopause differ for each individual, there’s no set path or “correct” way to go through it. In some cases, menopause can also be triggered by surgery or damage to the ovaries. Before we start on the different stages of menopause, lets go through some pretty important terminology: Early menopause happens when menopause begins before the age of 45, affecting about 5% of women. This can occur naturally or as a result of certain medical treatments, such as cancer therapies or surgeries that remove the ovaries. Premature menopause, also called Premature Ovarian Insufficiency- occurs before the age of 40. It may happen due to genetics, lifestyle factors or medical interventions. Some possible risk factors include a family history of early menopause, smoking, autoimmune diseases, infections like mumps or undergoing surgery. It affects approximately 1 in 100 people under 40, 1 in 1000 under 30, and 1 in 10000 under 20. 1. Perimenopause: The beginning of the journey. 🌸 Perimenopause takes place in the years leading up to menopause. 🌸 It usually starts in your 40s, although some women may enter perimenopause in their 30s. 🌸 This can last anywhere from a few months to several years, with the average duration being around four years. 🌸 During this transition stage, your oestrogen and progesterone levels begin to fluctuate, and the drop in oestrogen in particular can cause a variety of physical and emotional changes. 2. Menopause- The turning point. 🌸 You have reached actual menopause when you haven’t had a menstrual period for an entire year, which usually happens in your late 40s or early 50s. 🌸 At this point, your ovaries have stopped making eggs and significantly reduced their production of oestrogen and progesterone. Once you’ve reached this milestone, you enter postmenopause, which lasts for the rest of your life. 3. Postmenopause- Your new normal. 🌸 The good news is that menopause symptoms usually start to ease in this stage, although some might linger for a while. 🌸 It’s important to know that because of your significantly lower levels of oestrogen and progesterone, you’re at higher risk of health conditions like osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and bladder issues like urinary incontinence and urinary tract infections. If you’d like to learn more about menopause, consider downloading our new What The Menopause? guide. It’s full of helpful information, tips, and helpful advice on how to manage this wonderfully natural part of life.
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Menopause & Mental Health
Life is a journey filled with twists and turns, and one of the most significant passages for women is menopause. This natural transition marks the end of fertility, but it also brings along a tide of physical and emotional changes. As we embrace the wisdom that comes with age, it’s crucial to recognize the impact of menopause on mental health. Menopause isn’t just about the physical changes; it’s a symphony of hormones playing an intricate melody that can influence our emotions. As oestrogen levels ebb and flow, it’s common to experience mood swings, anxiety, and even moments of inexplicable sadness. You’re not alone if you find yourself feeling like you’re on an emotional roller coaster. Your feelings are valid, and they’re a natural part of this transformative phase. Amidst the whirlwind of emotions, self-care becomes a beacon of light. Treat yourself as you would a dear friend going through a challenging time. Prioritize restful sleep, nourishing meals, and regular exercise to support your body and mind. Engage in activities that bring you joy, whether it’s painting, gardening, or simply savouring a cup of tea. Taking time for yourself isn’t selfish; it’s a vital act of self-preservation. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. Many women are experiencing similar emotions and challenges. Connecting with friends, family, or support groups can provide a safe space to share your feelings and gain insight from others who are navigating the same path. Sharing your experiences can help break down the stigma surrounding menopause and open conversations about mental health. If you find yourself grappling with anxiety or depression during menopause, know that there is help available. Seeking professional guidance from a therapist or counsellor can provide valuable tools to manage these emotions. Therapy offers a space to explore your feelings, develop coping strategies, and learn mindfulness techniques to ground yourself in the present moment. Menopause is a time of transition, and with it comes the opportunity for growth. Embrace this period as a chance to reflect on your life, your accomplishments, and the wisdom you’ve gained. As you let go of certain aspects of your past, make space for new adventures and aspirations. This is your time to redefine yourself and embrace the fullness of your being. Menopause is more than just a biological phase; it’s a journey that intertwines physical changes with emotional shifts. It’s a time to honour the incredible resilience and strength that lies within you. Remember, your feelings are valid, and seeking support is a sign of courage, not weakness. As you navigate the complexities of menopause and mental health, do so with self-compassion, patience, and the knowledge that you’re stepping into a new chapter filled with possibilities. We find that supplementing with our Pure Hydrolysed Collagen – 2 scoops per day – will make a huge difference. Try it for yourself and see.
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The various "pauses" in menopause
In menopause, the ovaries ‘pause’ their output of estrogen but there are other pauses during this time to consider. There is simultaneously a pause in the androgenic hormones. These androgenic hormones come from the ovaries but they also come from the adrenals and this pause leads to a decrease in both testosterone and DHEA – hormones which are instrumental in the control of blood sugar, they affect how the body the body burns fuel and whether it is placed in muscle tissue and the liver as glycogen or visceral fat (which is also known as abdominal fat.) Adrenal strain Additional strain is also evident in the adrenals themselves at this time. As the ovaries are doing less work, the adrenals are forced to take over this task. As estrogen falls the adrenals work much harder to make estrone to try to compensate for the loss, and this means they are less able to make DHEA, testosterone and cortisol. Thyropause Ever heard of the “thyropause”? It’s a real thing – generally the thyroid will slow down as a person ages, and thyroid disease risk increases during menopause. Whenever there are large hormonal shifts in the body, you may see latent thyroid disease revealed, such as: Puberty Pregnancy Menopause Hepatopause There’s also “hepatopause”, where the liver is less able to regulate fuel properly. When perfectly healthy it can store extra fuel and make it available when needed – an unhealthy liver has less room to store glycogen, and instead gets jammed with triglycerides leading to fatty liver disease. This also leaves little room for regulating metabolism. Fatty liver can happen to those who don’t drink alcohol at all – called Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and this is often due to soft drinks, sugar and excess carbs. A fatty liver is hard-pressed to burn fuel correctly, it stores more fat than is needed while releasing less than is needed, and begins to enlarge. A healthy liver A healthy liver has 1-3% fat, but a fatty liver has more than 5% and disease sets in when it hits somewhere near the 10% mark, which leads to: Liver malfunction Scarring of liver tissue Liver cancer If you have fatty liver, decreasing your food intake will leave you utterly fatigued. There are less androgens available causing a decrease in basal (or resting) metabolic rate, proportionate to a loss of muscle mass – or sarcopenia. This is why intermittent fasting may not work for some women after a certain age. Menopausal weight gain This can be addressed if you follow the right steps early enough. By focusing on adrenal function you want to reset your body to wake up early and be full of energy and see the cortisol drop in the evenings when you go to bed to give you restful sleep. All too often it’s the other way round in menopause, you have too much cortisol at night when you don’t need it, and little during the day when you do, which can result in: Depression Fatigue Insomnia Anxiety Easy weight gain Difficulty losing weight Inflammation Digestive disturbances Blood sugar dysregulation Difficulty dealing with stress and lifestyle changes Your nutrition, sleep, and exercise Refocusing your diet at this time of life – earlier if possible – is key to how you will cope with all these periods of ‘pause’ in your menopause. Your macronutrients become key to managing cortisol now. You must not stop carbs, but concentrate on good quality, lower carbohydrate foods, eat moderate amounts of healthy fat instead of going low fat, and have enough protein. Timing is everything! You need to get your ‘timing’ of eating carbs right. Carbs naturally lower cortisol, so eating carbs in the morning will make you tired during the day. Your carbs should be highest at night as your carb-digesting enzymes are highest at this time, and will facilitate lowering of cortisol levels to enable you to sleep better. Tailoring your intake of carbs will make a difference to cortisol, weight and sleep. The ‘pause’ we see in menopause with regard to sleep is distressing with many women turning to sleeping pills at this time, which is really not ideal at all. Making sure you have restful sleep will help to control your weight and make you feel a whole lot better in your waking hours. Getting enough quality protein is also more important at this time of life than you may realise. It will prevent the muscle loss associated with menopause when so many women are eating less protein than they should, and this dramatically affects adrenal function which relies on high-quality protein. This will enable you to retain your valuable muscle mass, especially when combined with some healthy, regular exercise. So some of the ways to reset your hormones and lose that menopausal weight creeping up will include: Eating carbs at the right time of day (ie. sweet potato at night and eggs in the morning) Eating enough good quality protein at each meal Not going low fat, but eating healthy fats in moderate proportions Getting sufficient sleep and resetting that cortisol curve Dealing with stress effectively Taking the right targeted supplements for you personally Don’t try any rash or strange diets at this time of life! You will further destroy a fragile metabolic rate that is in need of fixing, and which can be done if you do it sanely. Men and women are very different and a completely different approach needs to be taken when it comes to weight loss in women, particularly those in menopause. Your body and brain are in need of vital nutrition from good food at this time of life, don’t skimp on quality. Visit our Health Resources page for helpful free resources to help you along your journey https://sallyanncreed.co.za/health-resources/ This post is subject to our general disclaimer https://sallyanncreed.co.za/disclaimer/.
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Weight Gain In Menopause
We hear this so often. The moment women go into either menopause or peri-menopause, the weight starts piling on and all the wheels come off. Yes, it’s a hormonal problem, that’s pretty obvious, but what can you do about it? Know this, there is hope! The first thing to comfort yourself with is the knowledge that this a normal phase of life. It’s not a disease and should not be treated as such. Natural methods, lifestyle, supplements and diet can get you sailing through this time of life. Here are some helpful guidance to support you VERY important: You have to realise that carbohydrates are not your friend. This is because as we get older our insulin automatically (like everything else!) goes south or rather in the case of insulin becomes less sensitive. This means more insulin is produced and the more insulin you are producing the more fat you are storing around your belly. You have to now ‘break up’ with carbs like bread, sugar, alcohol and dairy. If you are one of the lucky ones who has sailed through menopause without this problem and you may well sit there and laugh at the rest of us. Not many people escape this middle-aged spread story but you are blessed if you can still indulge in all your favourites. While still getting away with no weight gain. We are all very envious. Great news – we are here to help and would like to support you along your journey. You naturally experience fatigue at this time of life (don’t worry, it passes!), and you could end up reaching for processed food or ready meals from sheer exhaustion – and turn to sweet things and alcohol to comfort and relax so you get through the day. You need to eat wholesome REAL food. This is a secret hiding in plain sight – eating real food every single meal you possibly can. And if you need an afternoon power nap, take one – it can refresh you no end. Thyroid hormones dictate how much energy the cells of the body can produce. When the levels of hormone increase, it tells the body to burn fat to produce cellular energy (ATP). Compromised thyroid hormone levels will prevent burning carbs and fat, and lead to weight gain. Extra stress at this time of life all contribute to how our hormones react. Very often around this time you are dealing many stressors and there is simply no time for you! This is a huge part of the equation. Stress leads to excess cortisol being produced by the adrenals, and may lead to weight gain. Estrogen is not the only hormone which is affected. As estrogen declines, so cortisol is elevated, thyroid hormones may be affected, and then there is insulin and leptin. Your body is undergoing a complete hormonal shift. Be kind to yourself and realise that this is something that you can control up to a point with lifestyle and diet. And by saying NO to more outside requests so that you have the time and stamina for things you need to do for yourself and your family. Insulin is the hormone responsible for decreasing circulating blood sugar. It’s necessary and wonderful when it “works” properly. But to keep a balanced level you need to dump the sugars and grains and anything high in carbohydrates. (The Low-Carb Creed outlines all this with lists and ideas for you). More carbs means more insulin, which means more fat storage, and perhaps insulin resistance, which is a decreased sensitivity to insulin, and a precursor to diabetes. Insulin resistance leads to weight gain, possible high blood pressure and raised blood lipids – even the dreaded fatty liver – so it’s it is important to either not let this happen, or address it now and reverse it. Cortisol, our main stress hormone, increases blood sugar levels providing fuel to the cells to provide energy. Very high blood sugar levels lead to cortisol resistance and adrenal fatigue, as the adrenals are unable to keep up with the demand for more and more cortisol – all this leads to weight gain and no energy. Leptin is the hormone our fat cells produce to tell the hypothalamus in the brain that we have had enough to eat, thank you. Too much fructose especially leads to leptin resistance where the messaging system stops working, the brain doesn’t get the message that you are full, you remain hungry and continue to eat more and more to satiate yourself. Take some helpful supplements during this difficult time. The following are all helpful – and may get you flying through this bumpy time: B Complex – this is a winner for menopause Omega-3 fish oil Renewed Balance cream (a natural progesterone – only if you are not on HRT) Vitamin D3 – really important for 1000 reasons! Vitamin K2 for heart and bones Pure Hydrolysed Collagen is amazing for so many reasons too Glutamine (prevents cravings) Berberine (blood sugar balance) All of these products are available from the online store on our website here www.sallyanncreed.co.za/shop – use the “search” button if you get stuck finding them.
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Quick Tips for Menopause
1. MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS RESPOND TO COLLAGEN Here is some first hand feedback from our customers… “Almost all my menopause symptoms are gone after a few months on the collagen! I only get hot flushes now when I drink alcohol, then it’s my own fault! Lol” JB Hi Sally, FYI…had been taking your Pure Hydrolysed Collagen to assist with my arthritis for 4 months and naturally my pain subsided. But what transpired was the best and most unexpected thing. My menopausal hot flushes disappeared as well. At first I didn’t tie the two together but I had a bad month financially and couldn’t get my collagen and that’s when the hot flushes returned!! Perhaps coincidence? I think not! I have had hot flushes for over 5 years and nothing has helped before this. The fact that they have reappeared after stopping the collagen is what was so interesting. I’m back on the collagen now and will see if the flushes stop again. Hold thumbs!!” KL I have to say I started only this week with your pure collagen and already I noticed a significant difference in the frequency and severity of my hot flashes. Ursula D 2. MENOPAUSE AND YOUR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM Keeping your digestive system working well is another key to good health not only in menopause but throughout your life. Eat organic vegetables where you can, pasture-fed meats and chickens, eggs from pasture-fed chickens and game. Ditch the sugar, alcohol and junk and concentrate on really fresh and healthy foods. 3. MENOPAUSE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY Stay active – exercise on its own won’t help you manage your weight but it does help to prevent muscle loss and helps to sensitise insulin. You don’t have to run a marathon or spend all day at the gym. Simply walking every few days or an hour or so is enough. 4. MENOPAUSE AND CHEMICALS Avoid chemicals on your face, when cleaning your home, washing your body and your clothing. Wherever possible, choose natural alternatives to chemicals. Look around your home. You’ll be horrified at how many chemical substances you use every day. 5. MENOPAUSE AND HEALTHY CHOICES Avoid genetically modified foods, avoid man-made fats and oils. Stick to animal fat and olive oil, butter and other healthy fats. You can get all the support you may need and embark on a ‘food journey’ through the 63 Days to Optimum Health Book. You will be guided over the course of 9 weeks to transition in your emotions, food intake and habits to create a new you. Hopefully (if you want to) you will lose weight, feel heaps better, and continue to apply these principles indefinitely. This book is for anyone seeking to ‘create health’ or maintain it. This comprehensive guide offers sections on gut heath, market place myths, substitutions for unhealthy old favourites, superfoods that improve immunity and nourish the body, and delicious, cook-from-scratch recipes that celebrate the benefits of making whole foods at home. By making informed choices, you can enjoy day-long energy and ongoing health.
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5 things worth knowing about menopause
Hot flashes, night sweats, hormone replacement therapy (HRT)… If that’s about as much as you know on the topic of menopause, here’s your chance to get to grips with this often-dreaded stage of life. Knowledge is power, after all. What is menopause? Sometimes referred to as ‘change of life’, menopause signals the end of a woman’s reproductive cycle and is diagnosed once a woman has not had a menstrual cycle for 12 consecutive months – this change occurs as a result of the ovaries producing less of the hormone estrogen, and results in several menopause-related symptoms. The process includes three well-defined stages: Perimenopause – this encompasses the period leading up to menopause as well as the 12 months following the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle. Menopause – this stage follows 12 months after a woman’s last period, whether this occurs naturally or as the result of the ovaries being removed. Postmenopause – this covers the period following menopause, but it can be tricky to determine exactly when it starts. Here are five things you may not yet know about menopause – and which, if this phase of life still awaits you, should prove helpful when you get there. The symptoms of menopause are many and varied While hot flashes and night sweats are undoubtedly the most well-known indicators of menopause, this stage of life comes with a laundry list of (not-so-lovely) symptoms, some of which can kick in as soon as your early forties. These include but are not limited to: Mood swings Debilitating fatigue Hair loss Insomnia Memory issues Weight gain Bloating Vaginal dryness Increase in allergies Digestive problems Accelerated ageing While we’re on the topic of symptoms, there are some foods and drinks that can aggravate the situation, so try to avoid them wherever possible. Alcohol Coffee Very spicy food Sugar in any disguise (that includes fructose, agave etc.) Dairy products (with the exception of butter) Fizzy drinks Junk fats Soya Your cholesterol levels can increase Unfortunately, menopause can spell disaster for cholesterol levels – even if yours have always been normal. This has to do with the decrease in estrogen levels during menopause, which causes (?) a subsequent increase in levels of LDL (the ‘bad’ cholesterol) and a decrease in HDL (the ‘good’ cholesterol). What’s important to remember here is to get your cholesterol checked regularly, regardless of whether you’ve done so in the past. That way you can take measures to address it should you find your levels rising. Weight gain is a problem for many You’ve heard about the dreaded ‘middle age spread’ and sadly it’s a reality for many women during menopause, when hormonal changes can cause an associated change in your weight. So, what can you do about it? Stay active While regular exercise alone won’t help you lose weight, it is vital for preventing muscle loss and helping to sensitise insulin (more on why the latter is important below). And you don’t have to run a marathon or spend all day at the gym to make it worth your while – going for a walk several times a week is enough. Cut the carbs This is good advice at any age, but as we get older our insulin becomes less sensitive, with the result that our bodies produce more of it. And the more insulin we produce, the more fat we end up storing around our bellies. So, if you’re a fan of carbohydrates, which automatically trigger insulin production, now is the time to part ways with them in favour of a slimmer, relatively symptom-free menopausal you. Keep your digestive system in shape Again, this is advice worth following throughout your life. Here are a few valuable tips to keep in mind when planning meals: Ditch the sugar, alcohol and junk – focus on fresh, healthy foods instead. Source organic vegetables, pasture-fed meat and chicken and eggs from pasture-fed chickens, whenever possible. Avoid genetically modified foods. Use healthy fats – animal fat, olive oil and butter. Avoid all seed oils – these are inflammatory and will result in weight gain. There are alternatives to HRT Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is very often recommended for woman experiencing menopause, but it’s vital that you think very carefully before embarking on this course of action as natural estrogen is very different to the synthetic estrogen we are given during menopause – synthetic hormones build fat and can predispose you to cancers. There are safe natural options you can try and seeking advice on what these are and which ones could work for you could be a huge help during the menopausal years. There are supplements that can help In spite of the difficulties associated with menopause, there is good news in the shape of several fantastic supplements that can help your body navigate this challenging time. B Complex A menopause all-rounder Omega-3 fish oil Powerful anti-inflammatory agent Improves memory function Calms and improves mood levels Improves fat burning Renewed Balance Body Cream A natural progesterone – only suitable if you are not on HRT Addresses a multitude of menopausal symptoms including: Osteoporosis Insomnia/restless sleep Anxiety/depression Brain fog Mood swings Weight gain Vitamin D3 Important for cardiovascular health Improves depression/anxiety Prevents fatigue Prevents bone and muscle pain Vitamin K2 Improves bone density – directs calcium to the bones, rather than, for example, the kidneys where it forms kidney stones Enhances remineralisation of bone, reducing osteoporosis Regulates the function of hormones Improves brain function Promotes healthy blood sugar levels Pure Hydrolysed Collagen Collagen is found in your bones, skin, ligaments and joints and literally holds everything together in the body Promotes healthy joints and rebuilds cartilage Prevents wrinkles and can smooth some of them out Improves arthritis Strengthens arteries Promotes weight loss through fat-burning Glutamine Eliminates or significantly reduces cravings for sugar, alcohol and tobacco Improves blood sugar levels Helps burn fat As an essential transmitter, glutamine is wonderful for memory loss, focus and concentration Prevents muscle wasting Berberine Normalises blood sugar levels There are also a number of targeted nutrients and specialised supplements that you can trial under the direction of a trained Functional Nutritional Therapist.
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Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS)
BURNING MOUTH SYNDROME is a distressing condition that is all too common. Your mouth feels as though you have had a big gulp of boiling water and scalded your tongue and lips, gums, palate and/or throat or all of the above. It can appear out of the blue, develop over time or come and go. Some of the conditions which are linked to this include diabetes, allergies, candida overgrowth, acid reflux, thyroid conditions, menopause or medication. It also seems to be not too bad in the morning, and then get worse as the day progresses. Some of the symptoms include: Pain Increased thirst Changes in, or loss of taste Metallic taste in mouth that remains even after eating or brushing teeth Burning sensation in one or more areas of the mouth RISK FACTORS While this can happen spontaneously, some common medical conditions that can cause BMS include: Sjogren’s Syndrome Radiation therapy Chemotherapy Low blood pressure medications Vitamin B deficiency Iron deficiency Acid reflux Diabetes Thyroid problems Fungal infection in the mouth Allergic reactions to dyes, foods, toothpaste, fragrances or environmental elements OTHER RISK FACTORS YOU MIGHT CONSIDER: Being female Postmenopausal Over the age of 50 Dry mouth A recent illness New medication A recent traumatic life event Elevated stress levels Conventional therapy is merely giving salivary replacement products and various drugs, many with side effects. Here are a few things we have found to have helped people we’ve dealt with: VITAMIN B12 UNDER THE TONGUE: one of the main nutrient deficiencies which can cause this is Vitamin B12, and more than 50% of people with BMS had high homocysteine levels due to B12 deficiency. B12 reduces homocysteine, and in most cases will eliminate BMS. In addition to this, make sure you eat more beef, liver, wild-caught salmon, sardines and mackerel to boost your levels. Take B12 for around 8 months, then see how you go without it after that. It will take a little while to work. IRON RICH FOODS: sometimes in addition to a B12 deficiency – or because of low B12 – your iron stores will be low. Don’t ever take iron unless you have a blood test!! Too much iron is more dangerous than too little – but you can eat iron-rich foods like: organic beef liver, grass-fed beef, sardines, and other animal products for heme-iron (the most important one). Non-heme iron although poorly absorbed and not the same as animal-derived iron, can be obtained from spinach, pistachios and raisins. ZINC: a deficiency in zinc is also a cause of BMS, and this deficiency is widespread. Some signs of deficiency are a weak immune system, diarrhoea, allergies, thinning hair, leaky gut and acne. Zinc-rich foods include: pumpkin seeds, grass-fed beef (very nice source), cashews, cocoa powder and kefir.
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