How to track your menopause symptoms | Dr. Sarah Berry and Tamsen Fadal
ZOE Science & Nutrition
Deep Dive
Why are women often unprepared for menopause symptoms?
Women are often unprepared because previous generations, including their parents, did not openly discuss menopause. This lack of communication leaves women unaware of what to expect, leading to confusion and fear when symptoms arise.
What happened to Tamsen Fadal during a live TV broadcast?
Tamsen Fadal experienced a sudden, intense hot flash during a live TV broadcast, causing her to break out in sweat, feel her heart racing, and fear she wouldn't make it through the next segment. She had to leave the studio and cool down on the bathroom floor.
How many symptoms of menopause have been identified?
There are over 50 identified symptoms of menopause, ranging from common ones like hot flashes and night sweats to less commonly discussed symptoms like brain fog, anxiety, and weight gain.
What is the Menoscale Calculator, and how does it help women?
The Menoscale Calculator is a free tool developed by Dr. Sarah Berry that allows women to track their menopause symptoms and their impact on quality of life. It provides a score and helps women monitor changes in their symptoms over time, making it easier to identify what treatments or lifestyle changes are effective.
How does estrogen affect fat distribution during menopause?
Estrogen directs fat to the hips in premenopausal women, but during menopause, as estrogen levels decline, fat is redistributed to the stomach. This change is due to the reduction in estrogen, which no longer guides fat to the hips.
What role does the gut microbiome play in menopause symptoms?
The gut microbiome changes during menopause, with an increase in certain 'bad' bacteria associated with inflammation. These changes are linked to a higher number of menopause symptoms, particularly psychological ones like anxiety and brain fog.
How can diet help alleviate menopause symptoms?
A personalized nutrition program, such as the one offered by ZOE, can reduce menopause symptoms by up to 35%. Specifically, a diet rich in plant-based foods, fiber, and healthy fats can help manage symptoms, especially psychological ones like brain fog and anxiety.
What are the most common symptoms of menopause, aside from hot flashes?
The most common symptoms of menopause, aside from hot flashes, include sleep disturbances, memory loss, irritability, anxiety, depression, low libido, weight gain, and slowed metabolism. These symptoms affect over 80% of women in perimenopause.
Why do menopause symptoms reduce over time?
Menopause symptoms reduce over time because the body adapts to the hormonal changes. During perimenopause, hormones like estrogen fluctuate wildly, causing intense symptoms. As the body stabilizes post-menopause, symptoms become less severe.
How does menopause impact women's health beyond symptoms?
Menopause increases the risk of various health issues, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity-related illnesses. This is due to changes in blood pressure, cholesterol, inflammation, and insulin sensitivity, which all worsen after menopause.
- Over 50 menopause symptoms exist, many beyond hot flashes and night sweats.
- Menopause symptoms significantly impact women's lives and careers.
- The Menoscale calculator helps track and understand symptoms.
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