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Join Our Team: We're Looking for Forum Supporters!
by Mya000
Last post
 Monday
...See more Hello everyone! We’re thrilled to announce that our Women's Issues Community Forum is on the lookout for Forum Supporters to join our team. If you’re passionate about women’s issues and eager to make a positive impact, this could be the perfect role for you! 🔍 What We’re Looking For: * Preferably Female: While we value all contributions, having female supporters helps ensure our discussions reflect direct lived experiences and viewpoints. * Knowledgeable About Women’s Issues: A strong understanding of discrimination and related topics is crucial to effectively contribute and support our community. Official Requirements for the Role: * Forum Supporter Responsibilities: * Focus on 1 or 2 sub-communities. * Maintain engagement by posting and replying to threads with empathy. * Uphold a record of zero behaviour points. * Active participation in the community prior to application is required. * For Members: * 50+ forum upvotes. * 50+ forum posts. * Make 10+ forum posts per month. * Have taken the Member Oath. * For Listeners: * Verified Listener status. * 50+ forum upvotes. * 50+ forum posts. * Make 10+ forum posts per month. * Have taken the Listener Community Guide & Listener Oath. 🌟 Why This Role Matters: * Informed Discussions: Your contributions will help guide insightful and supportive conversations about women’s issues. * Supportive Space: By fostering a compassionate environment, you’ll help ensure that every member feels heard and supported. If you’re ready to make a positive impact and meet the requirements, click the link below to apply! 👉 Click here to apply! [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefNgW-Va7dyBx67M3d27INmkndnwm1C3Ywa7NJoFa2EscQkA/closedform] Thank you for your dedication and commitment to our cause. We look forward to working with you to make our community a better place for everyone!
Women's Issues Community Taglist! Stay Updated
by SoulfullyAButterfly
Last post
 Monday
...See more The Women's Issues Community Tag List is a way to stay connected with new discussions, resources, and posts shared by our forum supporters. By joining the tag list, you’ll receive notifications when important updates are posted (up to 4 times a week). These updates can include everything from wellness tips and discussions to helpful resources that align with the community’s focus on women’s issues. If you'd like to be added or removed from the tag list, simply leave a comment below. Being part of the tag list helps you stay engaged and ensures you don’t miss out on opportunities to connect and share your thoughts! ------------------------- Current taglist - updated by Mya on 17th October @adventurousBranch3786 @ashleybell415 @ASPIRINGCOUNSELOR @Aylathegreat @azuladragon34 @blxepxndx @calmmoon2104 @Callmetanya5 @creativeTalker5179 @DaisyBeeBlooming @daydreammemories @decisivePapaya238 @Eddy94 @emotionalkitty101 @fluffypickles123 @GentleLily3 @gentleWater9634 @GoldenRuleJG @halcyonCloud2036 @HarmonyBlossom @iloveyouxx @Jaeteuk @janiewanie423 @K87 @Kala @KarmaTheRascal @KaylaMaulfair @KindnessMatters2020 @lalabrowni @listenwithempathy @LittleSunshine2036 @littleLemon4973 @LovingPeacefulHeart @MoreThanJustMe @Mya000 @Noorahmed89 @OptimisticMoon1124 @PFord79 @pioneeringShade8010 @purpleTree4652 @RainbowRosie @RobinNew @shyMoon8539 @sincereSkies9563 @SirenOfSerenity @sky2Ocean20 @Smilintru67 @softSummer7903 @SomeHope2022 @SoulfullyAButterfly @tealPark1424 @TheCucumberry @trueconfidant123 @victoriousLily5344 @woMango9097 @zaramerch
Navigating Menopause: Insights into Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Care
by trueconfidant123
Last post
 September 13th
...See more About Menopause Menopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive years, typically occurring between ages 45-55 due to reduced ovarian function and lower estrogen levels. The transition, known as perimenopause, begins with changes in the menstrual cycle and can last several years, impacting overall well-being. Both hormonal and non-hormonal treatments are available to manage symptoms, and menopause may also result from medical or surgical interventions. Causes, Timing, and Induced Factors Menopause is confirmed after 12 consecutive months without menstruation, generally between ages 45-55, but it can occur earlier due to genetic, demographic, or health factors. Premature menopause may arise from chromosomal abnormalities or autoimmune disorders. It can also be induced by surgeries (e.g., ovary removal) or medical treatments (e.g., chemotherapy). Women who undergo certain surgeries or medications may still experience menopausal symptoms. Symptoms and Management Hormonal changes during menopause affect physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being. Common symptoms include: * Hot flashes * Night sweats * Irregular periods * Vaginal dryness * Sleep disturbances * Mood changes There is an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis due to reduced estrogen levels. Both hormonal and non-hormonal treatments can help manage these symptoms. Pregnancy is still possible during perimenopause, so contraception is recommended until 12 months after the last period. Post-menopause, women remain at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Menopause as a Life Transition Menopause is a significant life stage influenced by health, reproductive history, lifestyle, and cultural factors. The symptoms of perimenopause and post-menopause can impact personal and professional life, making care essential for healthy aging. With the global population of postmenopausal women growing, this period presents an opportunity for reassessing health, lifestyle, and goals. Women today are living longer, with those aged 60 in 2019 expected to live an additional 21 years on average. Challenges in Menopause Care Perimenopausal women often face challenges in accessing quality health services and menopause-related information. The topic is frequently undiscussed in families, communities, workplaces, and healthcare settings. Many women may not recognize their symptoms as related to menopause, and embarrassment can prevent them from seeking help. Healthcare providers may lack specific training on menopause, and issues like vaginal dryness and STI risks are often overlooked. Many governments do not adequately fund menopause-related services, which are often deprioritized in favor of other health concerns. Prompts for the Community * What’s one thing you wish more people understood about menopause? * How has menopause affected your life, and what strategies have helped you manage it? * What advice would you give to someone starting their menopause journey? Feel free to answer all or any questions you would like to. We would love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Your voice can help break the silence and support others facing similar challenges. For further support, consider consulting a healthcare provider if you're concerned about menopause symptoms or how they affect your well-being, and explore support groups and resources dedicated to helping women navigate this life transition. ------------------------- Resources and Further Reading WHO on Menopause [https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/menopause] (source for the above content) The Menopause Society [https://menopause.org/] Menopause: What It Is, Age, Stages, Signs & Side Effects [https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21841-menopause] Everything You Should Know About Menopause [https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause] -------------------------
Women’s change of life
by SeekForgiveness730
Last post
 September 10th
...See more I’m 52, still having my periods, but, I started having hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings, night sweats… etc etc a year or two ago. I’ve started hormones and noticed many “symptoms” coming back. My doc has upped the hormones. My thing is… how do I stop from feeling like I’m going crazy? It’s overwhelming. i call this stage in my life UNPUBERTY. All the hormonal discrepancies and highs and lows of a teen but in reverse. My emotions become overwhelming and if feel intolerant.  I’m having a hard time. anyone? 
The warnings of menopause
by GeorgiaFrazier
Last post
 July 30th
...See more In the months or years leading up to menopause (perimenopause), you might experience these signs and symptoms: * Irregular periods * Vaginal dryness * Hot flashes * Chills * Night sweats * Sleep problems * Mood changes * Weight gain and slowed metabolism * Thinning hair and dry skin * Loss of breast fullness
Understanding Menopause: Let's Navigate This Journey Together!
by Mya000
Last post
 July 18th
...See more Hello wonderful ladies of the Women's Issues Community! Today, we're diving into a topic that affects us at some point in our lives – menopause. It's a natural and inevitable phase, yet it can be accompanied by various physical and emotional changes. Let's explore this journey together, armed with scientific resources, facts, and open-minded discussions in the comments section. 🔍 Exploring the Menopausal Transition Menopause signifies a pivotal phase in a woman's life, marking the permanent cessation of menstruation. Typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age hovering around 50, menopause is a natural process that unfolds when the ovaries cease their hormonal secretion of estrogen and progesterone, consequently halting the monthly ovulation cycle. The criterion for defining menopause is met when a year has passed without menstruation. The experiences linked to menopause can be broadly categorized into two realms: — Symptoms During Menopause: Menopause can usher in a range of symptoms, encompassing hot flashes, insomnia, fatigue, irritability, and more. These manifestations stem from the hormonal fluctuations arising from the cessation of ovarian function. These symptoms can vary in intensity among individuals. We will delve deeper into these as we proceed. — Increased Risk of Certain Diseases: Beyond the symptomatic challenges, menopause also ushers in an elevated risk of certain conditions, including osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. 💡 Understanding the Onset of Menopause: At birth, each girl carries a finite reserve of ovarian follicles. Throughout her reproductive years, spanning from puberty to menopause, a woman's body undergoes menstrual cycles in which the potential for conception exists. This menstrual cycle is divided into two phases, separated by ovulation: During the follicular phase, the body prepares for ovulation. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates ovarian follicles, facilitating the maturation of an egg. Concurrently, the follicles release estrogen, which thickens the uterine lining and affects cervical mucus consistency. Ovulation is triggered by heightened levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), influenced by estrogen. This surge prompts the release of the mature egg as the follicle ruptures. Subsequently, the luteal phase bridges ovulation to the onset of menstruation. The follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, producing progesterone to bolster the uterine lining for possible implantation. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum regresses, causing a decrease in progesterone levels. This drop triggers the shedding of the uterine lining, initiating a new cycle. This cyclical pattern continues until the reserve of ovarian follicles is depleted. With no follicles remaining, ovulation ceases, and the production of progesterone and estrogen declines, culminating in the establishment of menopause. Premenopause is characterized by dwindling progesterone levels, while the cessation of estrogen production marks the onset of menopause. 🩺 Symptoms During Menopause: Menopause often accompanies climacteric symptoms that vary in intensity due to hormonal changes tied to ovarian function cessation. These symptoms, arising from estrogen and progesterone deficiencies, are not experienced universally and include: — Hot Flashes or Vasomotor Symptoms: These symptoms manifest as intermittent shivers, sudden intense heat rising from the chest to the face and neck, palpitations, excessive sweating, and chills. Their duration is typically short-lived, though they can be frequent and disrupt sleep. — Night Sweats: These can occur independently of hot flashes, leading to disrupted sleep due to excessive sweating. — Vulvovaginal Dryness: Gradual vaginal dryness results from declining female hormones and can lead to vaginitis. — Urinary Issues: Increased susceptibility to urinary infections, frequent urination, and leakage can arise. While some climacteric symptoms may be transient, others, like urinary issues, persist throughout menopause. — Common Post-Menopausal Symptoms: Post-menopausal women frequently report various symptoms, including headaches, fatigue, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, and joint pains. 🕒 Understanding Early Menopause: Early menopause, occurring before the age of 40, can be spontaneous (genetic) or induced by factors like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy. In such cases, hormone replacement therapy may be prescribed until the age of 50 to mitigate potential complications. 📚 Backing Our Discussion with Scientific Resources As we delve into this topic, let's ensure that our knowledge is backed by reputable scientific resources. I encourage everyone to share articles, studies, and research papers that offer insights into menopause and related health issues. Let's empower each other with reliable information! 🗣️Join the Discussion: Sharing Our Experiences and Support Let's create an open and supportive environment in the comments section. Feel free to share your menopause experiences, the challenges you've faced, and the coping strategies that have helped you. Whether you're approaching, experiencing, or have already passed through menopause, your wisdom and insights hold great value. If you have questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to ask. Together, we'll provide answers and mutual support during this transformative phase. Menopause marks a significant milestone in a woman's life, and by uniting as a community, we can navigate this journey more smoothly. Important note: I have done my best to compose this post based on reliable sources, but I am not a healthcare professional, and there might be errors in this content. If you have health-related questions, it is crucial to consult a licensed healthcare professional who can provide guidance. I also encourage you to refer to multiple scientific sources when seeking information on a subject.
Am I just depressed or is it menopause?
by selfdisciplinedPenny281
Last post
 June 12th
...See more I've been in menopause for a few years now.  For most of my life I have struggled with depression and been diagnosed multiple times with ADHD and dysthymia.  Once I hit menopause, I found other women I knew were experiencing depression, but they said it was depression caused by menopause. For the past few years I've had a much harder time dealing with my depression.  I was in outpatient therapy, multiple medications and tons of therapy sessions.  I've gotten better after hitting a real low, but not that much better, I'm still depressed.  I'm starting to get curious how much of my depression might be caused by menopause. Has anyone in the group experienced an onset of depression from menopause?  Or had menopause harmone therapy relieve them of depression symptoms?
possibly thrown into perimenopause?
by littleLemon4973
Last post
 June 28th, 2023
...See more Had a tubal ligation then went off the pill 2 years ago after being on the pill for 22 years. Now I feel like I'm going crazy. Anxiety is much worse, 10-12 pound weight gain mostly in the belly, I'm tired all the time, night sweats, much more irritable and emotional, no excitement over much anymore, vertigo, high blood pressure. Just really don't feel like myself anymore. I feel like I'm going crazy some days and have no control over my body anymore. I thought in time it would get better but 2 years is along time. I spent at least a year going to different doctors and getting tests and they all sent me out the door. I spoke to a naturopath who said she could help but she is not covered by insurance and I can't afford it so I did my own research and tried some supplements which really didn't seem to help. I'm giving it one last ditch effort and seeing a new dr that supposedly specializes in mid life hormones in a few weeks but other than that I feel stuck here. Anyone else??
For Women, Midlife Brain Fog Is Real. Here’s Why.
by innateJoy9602
Last post
 June 6th, 2023
...See more "Blanking on someone’s name. Forgetting why you entered a room. Struggling to concentrate on a task. Women in their 40s and early 50s often notice declines in their memory, focus and ability to learn new things—symptoms sometimes called “brain fog.” For some women, brain fog may stem at least partly from poor sleep caused by night sweats and hot flashes, or mood symptoms that are common during perimenopause, doctors say. In other cases, there’s strong evidence indicating that brain fog is fueled by the hormonal changes themselves—namely, the fluctuations and ultimate decline in estrogen levels, says Dr. Maki. What happens after menopause? Many women bounce back after menopause and their memory normalizes, say doctors and researchers. However, there is some preliminary evidence that the slight decline in “encoding,” or the process of learning something new, may continue in some women What can you do about it? Menopausal hormone therapy is recommended for symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats and is sometimes also used to help treat mood disorders and sleep disruption. Dr. Faubion encourages women to stick to good habits for cardiovascular and brain health, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. The guidelines also recommend staying connected with friends and exercising your brain by learning new things." Read the full article on The Wall Street Journal [https://www.wsj.com/articles/brain-fog-perimenopause-midlife-women-memory-problems-forgetting-menopause-77e5cb95] [https://www.wsj.com/articles/brain-fog-perimenopause-midlife-women-memory-problems-forgetting-menopause-77e5cb95] ✨Takeaway: The symptoms, which include forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and memory decline, may be caused by normal midlife hormonal changes during perimenopause. While the majority of women experience normal cognitive performance during perimenopause, about 60% of women report a decline in memory function. Memory problems often resolve once women reach menopause. ✨Reflection: Have you experienced brain fog as a result of hormonal changes? #Women #Midlife #Brain #Fog #Menopause #Perimenopause #Memory ------------------------- If you enjoyed this article, you may also like: "Defining Premenopause, Perimenopause, and Menopause" [https://www.7cups.com/forum/WomensIssues_217/MenopauseandPerimenopause_1853/DefiningPremenopausePerimenopauseandMenopause_298211/]
Perimenopause
by communicativeApple9259
Last post
 March 13th, 2023
...See more Have you ever experienced hot flashes or sweats during your period and it is normal to have depression as well.
Why We Should Get Comfortable Talking About Menopause Publicly
by fruityPond7887
Last post
 March 11th, 2023
...See more "If you are reading this article while you should be sleeping, or while sweating in a tank top when it is 10 degrees outside, or while melting down during a meditation or yoga class, you are not alone. If you found this piece while scrolling after being irrationally frustrated about a work situation or ruminating over the ten extra pounds that appeared on your waist despite clean eating and regularly working out, or while desperately seeking to understand if brain fog is normal for someone your age, you are not alone. You are in fact, in great company, we just were taught not to speak about “the change” publicly. I’m not an expert on perimenopause, menopause, or any woman’s health issue. I am a woman, just like you, trying to figure out how to live, work and function while feeling like I am burning up from the core of my being, who happens to work in Well-being, and knows we need to talk about these issues more, especially in the workplace. A few days ago, feeling exhausted and hot (not in a good way), I wrote something about perimenopause and menopause on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7029069246101868544/]. After 15 minutes of journaling about what I was going through, I picked up my iPhone, typed the words into a post and hit send. It was terrifying. Then the comments started: women I had worked with for years, women I had never met and possibly never will, men supporting their partners and friends, and this moved me to tears (it wasn’t just the menopause, though, I have found uncontrollable tears to be a side effect). Most importantly, it gave me peace. I was not alone in my pool of sweat. There are millions of women in the workplace and the world, and we are all going through this together. This isn’t my typical piece of writing where I can offer a top five list of tips or do anything to magically make the pain go away. Trust me, if I could, I would. I have found strength training helpful, and I do love journalling followed by meditation. Not to mention, the cardigan which is my new best friend. What I really want to offer is community, conversation and hope. You are not alone. We are not alone. And the only way we are going to get through this time is together." *Women have been told to keep quiet about topics relating to our health that we can't physically change. Our menstrual cycles, perimenopause, and menopause are not things that we should have to keep silent about. So many women experience issues with these and there's nothing wrong with it! We shouldn't be shamed for going through difficult times with our reproductive health and I wanted to share this to inspire everyone to talk more openly about it (if you are comfortable!) because there is nothing wrong with you. We shouldn't have to hide our symptoms because it makes people uncomfortable. Reproductive health is just as important as any other body system and it deserves to be acknowledged! If you would like, please share some words of encouragement for anyone who may be experiencing difficult with their cycles, perimenopause, or menopause. Thank you!❤️* #Menopause #Perimenopause #ReproductiveHealth Please find the full article at Thrive Global. [https://community.thriveglobal.com/why-we-should-get-comfortable-talking-about-menopause-publicly/] If you liked this article, you may like this one [https://www.7cups.com/forum/WomensIssues_217/Discussions_2507/TheMotherhoodPenaltyintheWorkplace_298282/] on being a mother in the workplace. [https://community.thriveglobal.com/why-we-should-get-comfortable-talking-about-menopause-publicly/]
Defining Premenopause, Perimenopause, and Menopause
by innateJoy9602
Last post
 February 23rd, 2023
...See more "Menopause, premenopause, and perimenopause refer to specific stages in a person's fertility cycle during and at the end of their child-bearing years. There are a wide range of fluctuations in hormones from adolescence, at the beginning of the menstrual cycle (monthly period), to the fertility peak in the mid-20s and then toward menopause. Perimenopause usually occurs in your 40s and menopause at an average age of 51, but the actual timeframe can vary from person to person. Early Menopause Some people experience menopause earlier than in their 40s, perhaps even before their 30s. The age you were when your periods started has no effect on when the perimenopausal phase starts Menopause Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, but for some people, menopause can happen as early as the 30s or 40s. For others, menopause may not occur until they reach age 60. Under normal circumstances, you do not suddenly experience menopause. Instead, it occurs gradually and involves different phases. Perimenopause Perimenopause usually occurs during the 40s. The most significant sign that someone is in the perimenopausal phase of the reproductive cycle is that they have visible symptoms. These symptoms occur due to the decrease in estrogen and other sex hormones. Some healthcare providers may refer to this phase as "menopause transition." Premenopause This phase does not involve any of the classic signs or symptoms of menopause (such as night sweats, insomnia, or missed periods). A person experiencing premenopause has periods that may or may not be regular, and they are still considered fertile in the reproductive phase of life. What Is Amenorrhea? Amenorrhea simply means the absence of monthly periods. There are several reasons that amenorrhea may occur when it is not linked with menopause or perimenopause." Read the full article on Very Well Health [https://www.verywellhealth.com/menopause-definitions-4588759] ✨Takeaway: Menopause, premenopause, and perimenopause are three stages in a person's fertility cycle. Early menopause is possible and may occur even before the person reaches their 30s. Amenorrhea is the absence of monthly periods, which may occur for various reasons. ✨Reflection: How has the onset of menopause/premenopause/perimenopause affected your overall health and well-being? #Women #Menopause #Premenopause #Perimenopause #FertilityCycle ------------------------- If you liked this article, you may also enjoy: Everyday Mindfulness Practices [https://www.7cups.com/forum/CommunityProjectsEvents_184/ArticlesandQuotes_2369/EverydayMindfulnessPractices_285660/]
Menopause treatments
by GeorgiaFrazier
Last post
 February 20th, 2023
...See more Treatments may include: * Hormone therapy. Estrogen therapy is the most effective treatment option for relieving menopausal hot flashes. Depending on your personal and family medical history, your doctor may recommend estrogen in the lowest dose and the shortest time frame needed to provide symptom relief for you. If you still have your uterus, you'll need progestin in addition to estrogen. Estrogen also helps prevent bone loss. Long-term use of hormone therapy may have some cardiovascular and breast cancer risks, but starting hormones around the time of menopause has shown benefits for some women. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of hormone therapy and whether it's a safe choice for you. * Vaginal estrogen. To relieve vaginal dryness, estrogen can be administered directly to the *** using a vaginal cream, tablet or ring. This treatment releases just a small amount of estrogen, which is absorbed by the vaginal tissues. It can help relieve vaginal dryness, discomfort with intercourse and some urinary symptoms. * Low-dose antidepressants. Certain antidepressants related to the class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may decrease menopausal hot flashes. A low-dose antidepressant for management of hot flashes may be useful for women who can't take estrogen for health reasons or for women who need an antidepressant for a mood disorder. * Gabapentin (Gralise, Horizant, Neurontin). Gabapentin is approved to treat seizures, but it has also been shown to help reduce hot flashes. This drug is useful in women who can't use estrogen therapy and in those who also have nighttime hot flashes. * Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay). Clonidine, a pill or patch typically used to treat high blood pressure, might provide some relief from hot flashes. * Medications to prevent or treat osteoporosis. Depending on individual needs, doctors may recommend medication to prevent or treat osteoporosis. Several medications are available that help reduce bone loss and risk of fractures. Your doctor might prescribe vitamin D supplements to help strengthen bones.
6 Menopause-Friendly Superfoods
by innateJoy9602
Last post
 February 19th, 2023
...See more "1. Dark Green Leafy Vegetables Dark green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, collard greens, and romaine lettuce are high in B vitamins, particularly B9 (aka folate), which promotes heart health. B vitamins are also required in the production of certain hormones. Other, non-leafy veggies that are high in B vitamins include asparagus, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and green peas. 2. Nuts and Seeds It may come as a surprise, but irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may occur in as many as one in four women after menopause. Although more research is needed on the connection between hormones and gut health, data shows that more women than men have IBS, and postmenopausal women with the condition have “more severe symptoms than premenopausal women with IBS.” Some steps to take [to support gut health] are to have adequate hydration and fiber intake. Choosing mostly whole grains, topping breakfasts with seeds, and pairing fruit with nuts for snacks are great ways to get started. Consider high-fiber options like chia seeds, hemp seeds, pistachios, almonds, pine nuts, and chestnuts. 3. Extra Virgin Olive Oil Another food that can help to support a healthy gut is: extra virgin olive oil. Olive oil is rich in antioxidants called polyphenols, which act as prebiotics in the gut, helping to stimulate the growth of healthy gut bacteria. It also helps to produce gastric acid, which improves digestion. Extra virgin olive oil also helps support a healthy heart, because as a monounsaturated fat, it helps to lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol. EVOO reduces inflammation and has been linked in studies to lower risk of heart disease, some cancers, and dementia, and the vitamin E-rich food may support bone health. 4. Resistant Starches Carbs are not the enemy! In fact, for women in menopause, carbs that are high in resistant starch — a type of complex carbohydrate that resists digestion in the small intestine and ferments in the large intestine — act as a prebiotic, feeding healthy bacteria in the gut. Resistant starches play an important role in maintaining gut health, supporting hormone production, and more. They include certain whole grains; beans and other legumes; plantains; and rice or potatoes that have been cooked and cooled. (Cooking and cooling rice and potatoes can increase the level of resistant starch.) 5. Fermented Foods Adding fermented foods like kefir, kombucha, yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut to your meals will also help to support a healthy gut, according to the experts interviewed for this story. Fermentation is one of the oldest forms of food preservation and can extend a food’s edibility for months. Fermented foods contain live microbes or cultures that strengthen the walls of the intestine, creating a healthier gut. Other fermented foods include tempeh, apple cider vinegar, natto, and raw cheese. 6. Salmon A popular coldwater fish, salmon is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on earth and is a great addition to any diet. High in protein, B vitamins, vitamin D, and healthy fats (including omega-3 fatty acids), salmon is certainly a superfood." Read the full article on Daily OM [https://www.dailyom.com/journal/menopause-friendly-superfoods/] ✨Takeaway: A healthy, balanced diet that consists of superfoods can be helpful. Six superfoods for women to try during menopause are dark green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds, extra virgin olive oil, fatty fish, bone broth, and green tea! ✨Reflection: What foods help you with managing menopause? #Menopause #Foods #Healthy #Women #Wellness #Wellbeing ------------------------- If you liked this article, you may also enjoy: Defining Premenopause, Perimenopause, and Menopause [https://www.7cups.com/forum/WomensIssues_217/MenopauseandPerimenopause_1853/DefiningPremenopausePerimenopauseandMenopause_298211/]

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Resources

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International List of Sexual & Domestic Violence Agencies

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Guide Exclusively for Listeners on Sexual Abuse

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