Menopause is the phase in a woman’s life that coincides with the cessation of menstruation. After a year has passed without a menstrual period, this condition can be diagnosed. In simple words, menopause is faced by every woman in their life usually when they are 45-55 years old. This marks the end of her fertile years and her ability to conceive anymore naturally.
There are certain effects or rather symptoms of menopause that every woman has to face which are unavoidable under any conditions. These symptoms are very hard to cope up with since “it’s the first time, you are facing this condition“. Although there are certain treatments such as hormone replacement therapy to cope up with these menopause symptoms.
But gradually, people are moving towards the natural ones. This is where turmeric for coping up with menopause symptoms comes into play.
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What is turmeric and how it may help you to cope up with menopause symptoms?
Turmeric is a very common spice in India coming from the root of Curcuma longa. It is used in various recipes to enhance the taste. Turmeric also possesses several medicinal properties because of the presence of curcumin (an active ingredient in turmeric). Curcumin in Turmeric has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, turmeric is considered great for your heart, treats type 2 diabetes, improves memory and fights free radicals.
When it comes to coping up with menopause symptoms turmeric is considered an absolute gem. Because of its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric helps in relieving you from the major symptoms faced during menopause.
To understand how haldi or turmeric helps you to overcome the symptoms of menopause, we need to understand the actual problems faced during menopause.
Signs and Symptoms of menopause
Not all, but some of the symptoms mentioned underneath are faced by women during the perimenopause period (these symptoms start showing up before the period stops). These symptoms continue during the menopause period and gradually start to end with the postmenopause period. The various signs and symptoms of menopause are as follows
- Hot flushes
- Frequent pain in joints
- Frequent mood swing
- Weight gain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Vaginal dryness
- Low libido
- Sleeping problems
- Urinary tract problems
- Sudden Sweating
- Itching
- Anxiety issues
- Low sex drive
- Constipation
- Overthinking
If you are facing any of the few mentioned symptoms during your menopause period, you don’t need to worry as it is quite normal. These symptoms may last for about four years after you hit your menopause period. Sounds irritating right? This is where turmeric comes into play.
How turmeric benefits you during your menopause period?
Helps to boost your libido
As mentioned previously, low libido is a common symptom of menopause. This is because both testosterone and estrogen levels start going down during menopause. This results in low sex drive, vaginal dryness and low libido. This can have a huge effect on relationships. According to Ayurveda, curcumin present in turmeric can boost testosterone levels and ultimately increase your libido. Consuming turmeric during the menopausal period can definitely help you to overcome this problem within 5 weeks.
Helps with frequent mood swings
Unfortunately, one of the most common symptoms of menopause is mood swings. These mood swings can have a significant impact on a person’s relationships, quality of life, and even sense of self-worth. They can cause irritability and fatigue, as well as low mood and increased anxiety.
On the other hand, it is believed that turmeric can help with low mood and anxiety by helping to balance serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenalin levels within the brain. But that’s not all; it may also be able to boost levels of the hormone BDNF, which is responsible for the creation of new neurons in the brain. This can help to alleviate brain fog and contribute to the overall health of the brain.
Helps with joint pain
The active compound, curcumin present in turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties which help in providing relief against joint pain. Due to the decreased estrogen levels during menopause, it is normal for you to witness joint pains and stiffness in your body. Consuming turmeric under such conditions could decrease inflammation and provides you with temporary relief from joint pains.
Balances hormones
The levels of both hormones (testosterone and estrogen) start going down during the perimenopause period and continue to decrease with age. This sudden change in your hormones may result in the production of irritation, hot flashes, mood swings and anxiety issues. Turmeric is a phytoestrogen and has antioxidative properties which help in overcoming these symptoms by balancing out your hormones.
May treat vaginal infections
Due to the lowering of estrogen levels during the menopausal period, vaginal infections and vaginal dryness are quite common. Consuming turmeric regularly will help you to cope up with such problems.
Helps in treating anxiety and depression
During menopause, anxiety and depression along with mood swings are quite common. There are enough pieces of evidence to show that turmeric increases DHA levels, which ultimately helps in treating anxiety and depression.
Balances all your doshas
According to Ayurveda, Turmeric helps in balancing vata, pitta and kapha (three doshas). Balancing the three doshas is very important and improves your overall physical and mental health which is highly essential during the menopausal period.
How to consume turmeric during menopause?
Rhizomes, like turmeric, can be eaten raw or cooked, and the powdered form can be added to a variety of foods (including curries, stews, homemade falafels, and roasted vegetables), as well as beverages (lattes – read on for turmeric latte recipe, smoothies, juices and teas). You have the option of grating or chopping the fresh rhizome, which can be found in a number of grocery stores and health food stores or purchasing the powdered dry root. In order to attain therapeutic doses and optimal absorption, it is recommended that you take turmeric extract in the form of a supplement. This is also possible. Capsules and tinctures of herbs are the two most common delivery methods for supplements.
Conclusion
If you are looking for something natural to cope up with the symptoms of menopause, turmeric should be your best choice. But turmeric during menopause may not work for all. Although the results are proven and there is enough scientific evidence behind the effectiveness of turmeric during menopause, some women may not benefit enough from it. Under such conditions, it is always recommended to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
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