Why Menopause Is Worse For Some

Why Do Some Women Suffer More Than Others

It is common knowledge what the menopause is and its effects on many women, but it does seem to be worse for some women, there are reasons for this and knowing what is happening could help combat those unpleasant symptoms associated with the menopause.

It is widely thought that in particular women of African background may be prone to experiencing worse symptoms than those of Caucasian background

tiredAnother main symptom of menopause is lack of sleep, new studies suggest that the menopause doesn’t actually start in the ovaries, it may well start in the brain

A study about menopause was conducted by the National Institutes of Health. The study is referred to as Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN). More than 3,000 women participated in the study between the ages of 42 and 52.

The study discovered that most women fell into one of three groups.

The first group had increases in their Oestrogen levels followed by a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH). This process would usually cause the women to ovulate, but it failed to have this effect in this group of women.

Oestrogen levels peaked in the second group but had no correlating surge in LH, this was triggered by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland responding to the higher oestrogen levels.

The final group had similar oestrogen levels early on in their monthly cycles. They did not experience any increase in their oestrogen levels later on like the other two groups and also their LH levels didn’t surge like other groups. However the LH levels, were higher for most of the cycle in this group than they were in the first two groups.

What this evidence demonstrated was that the test subjects brains were not responding to the hormones as expected.

Too Much Caffeine Is Not Good For You

Caffeine is another cause of the symptoms of menopause becoming worse. Drinking coffee slows the body’s absorption of minerals. It can also cut down the re-absorption of magnesium, iron and calcium.

Excess caffeine consumption can contribute to an increased level of hot flushes and night sweats in many menopausal women.

Drinking too much coffee can cut down the re-absorption of calcium, women who are heavy coffee drinkers may havetoo much coffee an increased rate of bone loss. Excess levels of caffeine will also increase levels of stress hormones such as adrenaline, cortisol, and norepinephrine. A result of raised levels of these hormones can include raised heart rate, blood pressure and possible panic attacks.

Women who are prescribed HRT to fight menopausal symptoms and keep drinking high amounts of caffeine run the risk of developing Parkinson disease and other health problems.

Therefore it is generally accepted that women of menopausal age should cut down their intake of caffeine.

Naturally, HRT does have its place in the fight against menopausal symptoms, it is perfect for certain women, but doesn’t suit all, however there are many other totally natural products that can help reduce these symptoms without adding to the risk of other potential health problems.

Find Out More About Natural Treatments for the Menopause
