it can be a confusing and uncomfortable period for many women, and they are often unsure what to do. It’s important to not only address menopausal symptoms but provide support and maintenance for critical health systems to lay a foundation for healthy aging.
The hormonal changes that occur during menopause can cause significant changes to mood and sleep patterns but also set the stage for subsequent health issues like heart disease or osteoporosis. For example, estrogen plays an important role in bone metabolism, especially the mechanisms related to calcium resorption. In post-menopausal women, bone mineral density and mass is more rapidly reduced as their bodies naturally produce less estrogen. On average, postmenopausal women lose 4 percent bone mass per year. This bone loss leads to osteopenia and osteoporosis and greatly raises risk of bone fractures in post-menopausal women.
While women might understand the importance of vitamins and minerals during this time, they may be less sure about the benefits of botanical solutions. But many of these remedies have been well studied for their benefits during and after menopause. For example, scientific evidence notes the positive effects of olive leaf extract on supporting healthy blood pressure,1 and, when blended with citrus extracts, for maintaining healthy cardiovascular function.2
Another useful solution is from soy. “Soy isoflavones are widely known to support the well-being of women with menopausal symptoms and a growing collection of scientific evidence has clarified how isoflavones can protect bone strength in menopausal women,” explained Dr Laetitia Petrussa, scientific marketing manager of IFF Health.
Long-term clinical studies with SoyLife isoflavones show they can help build bone strength and address bone loss leading to osteoporosis, Dr Petrussa added. The study also showed that long-term intake of soy germ isoflavones in high concentrations do not have a negative influence on breast health and other health parameters.3
References:
1. Perrinjaquet-Moccetti P et al. “Food supplementation with an olive (Olea europea L.) leaf extract reduces blood pressure in borderline hypertensive monocygotic twins.” Phytotheraphy Research. 2008,22:1239-1242. 2. Sanchez Macarro M, et al. “Effects of a combination of citrus flavones and flavonones and olive polyphenols for reductions of cardiovascular disease risk: An exploratory randomized, double-blind placebo controlled study in healthy subjects.” Nutrients. 2020;12(5):1475. 3. Wong WW, et al. “Soy isoflavone supplementation and bone mineral density in menopausal women: A 2-year multicenter clinical trial.” Am J Clin Nutr. 2009;90(5):1433-1439.
