As we grow older, changes in hormones are inevitable. It doesn’t matter how healthy, fit or fantastic your gene-pool is. Some women can tell that their hormones are changing from as

early as their 30s but most women start showing symptoms from the ages of 40 to 44. Some of the first tell-tale signs of hormonal change, are menstrual cycles that lengthen or shorten. The build-up to the end of your reproductive years is referred to as perimenopause which the results in menopause – when a women’s menstrual cycles come to an end.

So what exactly is menopause?

Women are born with all of their eggs, stored in their ovaries. Ovaries also make the hormones oestrogen and progesterone which controls their period. Menopause happens when the ovaries no longer release an egg every month and menstruation stops.

The build-up towards menopause happens over months or years for some women and is

referred to as perimenopause. For some women this can start as early as their 30s.

The first signs of menopause

Most women nearing menopause will begin experiencing vasomotor symptoms (VSM). The

most common are hot flashes, sleep problems and vaginal dryness. During this perimenopause phase women may experience additional symptoms such as:

- Uneven or missed periods

- Sore breasts

- Needing to urinate more

- Emotional changes

- Dry skin, eyes or mouth

It helps that women understand that there are 3 phases to menopause:

1. Perimenopause – this is when ovaries slowly make less oestrogen and symptoms can last about 4 years before menopause starts

2. Menopause – this is when it’s been a year since you’ve had a period

3. Post-menopause – these are the years after menopause

Research has found that menopause and perimenopause symptoms can have a big impact on your daily life, including relationships, social life, family life and work. It also feels different for everyone. You may have a number of symptoms or none. Symptoms usually start months or years before your periods stop. With oestrogen as the main cause for hormone-imbalance that causes menopause symptoms, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often one of the first considerations for women to treat this imbalance.

Are there lifestyle changes that can help ease menopause symptoms?

Lifestyle changes help many women deal with menopause symptoms. Try these steps:

• If you’re having a vasomotor symptom like a hot flush, drink cold water, sit or sleep near a fan, and dress in layers.

• Exercise regularly to sleep better and prevent conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis.

• Strengthen your pelvic floor muscles with Kegel exercises to prevent bladder leaks.

• Stay socially and mentally active to prevent memory problems.

• Don’t smoke. Tobacco might cause early menopause and increase hot flashes.

• Limit how much alcohol you drink, to lower your chance of getting breast cancer and help you sleep better.

• Eat a variety of foods and keep a healthy weight to help with hot flashes.

• Control your stress levels by applying - living your faith

• Do not neglect your intimacy with your partner.

The trend towards natural solutions

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), menopausal hormone therapy, or post-menopausal

hormone therapy can be an effective treatment for menopausal symptoms, but it’s important to know that some types of HRT can increase your risk of breast cancer. This is why most women seek alternative or natural treatment for hormone-imbalance and menopause symptoms. South Africa is 26th on the list of countries globally where individuals are seeking natural remedies online. So yes, there has been a noticeable trend towards seeking natural solutions for health issues in recent year. This trend is driven by several factors:

1. Many people are seeking a holistic approach to health and wellness. The focus here is on overall well-being rather than just treating specific symptoms.

2. People want to steer clear of potentially harmful side-effects that may come with pharmaceutical medications.

3. Natural approaches often emphasize lifestyle changes that can have long-lasting benefits. This is especially appealing to those who are interested in maintaining good health and preventing future health problems.

4. Many cultures across the globe have long traditions of using natural remedies, herbs, and dietary practices for maintaining health. This knowledge is shared more widely through the internet these days and is being revisited and integrated into modern wellness practices.

5. Natural solutions can often be tailored to individual needs and preferences, allowing for a more personalized approach to health.

Why you should look into phytoestrogen for overall health

Phytoestrogens are compounds found in certain plants that can interact with oestrogen-

receptors in the body. This has been studied for their potential effects on women's health. Here are some potential reasons why phytoestrogens could be considered beneficial for women's health:

1. Relief of Menopause-symptoms

2. Bone Health

3. Cardiovascular Health

4. Breast Health

5. Cognitive Health

6. Hormone-related Cancers

7. Digestive Health

Phytoestrogens can act as both agonists (mimicking oestrogen) and antagonists (blocking

oestrogen) in different circumstances. For example, in cases of low oestrogen levels (such as

during menopause), phytoestrogens might have a mild estrogenic effect that could help alleviate certain symptoms. On the other hand, in situations where oestrogen levels are already high, such as in some hormone-sensitive cancers, the weak estrogenic effects of phytoestrogens might act as antagonists and potentially have a protective effect.

It's important to note that while phytoestrogens can be beneficial for some individuals, they might not be suitable for everyone, especially those with specific medical conditions or concerns. As with any dietary consideration or supplement, it's a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet or adding phytoestrogen-rich foods or supplements, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take medications.

The link between lignans and phytoestrogens

Lignans are a group of naturally occurring compounds found in plants, particularly in seeds and whole grains. They are a type of phytoestrogen, which means they have some structural

similarity to human oestrogen and can have mild estrogenic effects in the body. Lignans are

known for their potential health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential hormone-balancing properties.

Meet the novel HMR Lignan – an active natural ingredient found in Lilia Menopause Capsules

Currently, there are two types of lignans on the market:

1. Flax hull (SDG) lignans, derived from the hulls of flax seed; and

2. Lignan that is derived from the Norwegian Spruce tree (HMR lignan).

The HMR lignan is by far more superior than the SDG lignan for various reasons:

- Quick absorption

- The ability to pass the Blood Brain Barrier (it is in the brain the 7HMR Lignan exerts its anti-ageing properties)

The active ingredient of HMR lignan is different from that of SDG flax hull lignan, and is 7-

hydroxymatairesinol (thus, HMR). HMR lignan is extracted from the Norwegian Spruce tree, and yields high amounts of HMR lignan. Once ingested, it is directly converted by gastrointestinal bacteria into the major-endogenous-mammalian lignan (enterolactone). HMR lignan forms more enterolactone than SDG flax hull lignan, since another endogenous- mammalian lignan called enterodiol, is formed by SDG lignan, and is less bioactive in systemic tissues compared to enterolactone. Cleavage of sugar chains must occur for SDG flax hull lignan, by the intestinal bacteria, before the mammalian lignans are formed.

HMR lignan reportedly is readily and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract (SDG lignan is not completely absorbed, although adequate blood levels do occur from dosages used). Thus, better bioavailability and a more rapid uptake occurs for enterolactone formed from HMR lignan.

Since HMR lignans bioavailability to the body is better than SDG flax hull lignan, this allows

reduced doses to be used. HMR lignan was developed in Finland, and was subsequently

licensed for distribution by the Linnea Company in Lokarno, Switzerland. The extract of the Norwegian Spruce tree is essentially pure HMR lignan, so the fibre component of SDG flax hull lignan is missing. HMR lignan is worthy of consideration as a viable competitor of SDG flax hull lignan.

Do you need to be concerned about adverse effects?

SDG lignan, having fibre as a component, may increase stool frequency (and occasionally

diarrhoea). HMR lignan contains very little (if any) fibre, so this side effect is not expected with HMR lignan.

No adverse effects to the use of SDG flax hull lignan have been reported. In human studies with HMR lignan, single doses of 1,200 mg did not have any side effects.

We recommend Lilia Menopause Capsules for the following reasons:

1. This safe, plant-based oestrogen has been backed by clinical studies to show its effective help in women from their mid-30s, when it comes to the following health- related issues:

- Perimenopause & Menopause Health

- Breast Health

- Body Weight & Sugar Metabolism

- Collagen Production

- Antioxidant & Anti-tumour Effects

As older women, we cannot defy the effects of ageing without help. Lilia Menopause Capsules is derived from the Norwegian Spruce, a plant-based oestrogen which is significantly more potent that flaxseed lignans. Made in Switzerland, Lilia Menopause Capsules will help you with a variety of health-related issues.

2. A daily dose of 10 to 30 mg of Norwegian spruce lignans is effective to help women manage menopause. Clinical studies have shown that it reduces hot flushes significantly, improves bone mineral density and enhances cognitive function. Visit www.liliasa.com to read more on these clinical studies.

3. Try Lilia Menopause Capsules for 2 weeks and start feeling the change as many women have testified. If you struggle with vaginal dryness, you can also try our synthetic hormone free Lilia Vaginal gel. Both our products are made in Switzerland to bring you only the best.

Get the best natural help for your overall health and shop online at www.liliasa.com.