Hormones Unveiled: Navigating Menopausal Liver Changes

Podcast Season 2 Episode 4 transcript.

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Today, we're discussing changes in liver function during menopause.

Now, we all know menopause is a natural and inevitable part of a woman's life, but the journey can be filled with twists and turns. One often overlooked player during this phase is the liver. Yes, the liver, our unsung hero, works behind the scenes to process hormones and maintain balance. The liver helps support metabolism, immunity, the elimination of toxins, digestion and vitamin storage, among other functions.

As we age, our ovaries gradually produce fewer hormones, leading to the well-known symptoms of menopause. However, many may need to realise that there are many changes in menopause that can affect the functioning of the liver and contribute to the development of liver disease, the most common being fatty liver disease.

Oestrogen protects the liver at a cellular level by increasing our body's immune response.

Research has shown that as oestrogen levels decline, less blood flow to the liver leads to reduced overall function and a reduced ability to regenerate.

This leads to symptoms like headaches, itchy skin, fatigue, nausea, easy bruising, brain fog, pigmentation, insomnia, and more. Therefore, it's important to have a liver function test every year.

So, how can we support our livers during this critical time? 

Well, it starts with lifestyle choices. We are exposed to hundreds of chemicals in foods and personal care products. A few changes, such as eating organic (where possible), drinking less alcohol, and using more natural skin care products, give the liver time to catch up and recalibrate to remain efficient.

Try to eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants. Include foods like broccoli, berries, avocado, beetroot and proteins. Proper hydration is essential to flush away toxins from the liver and body.

Regular exercise, like yoga and walking, stimulates lymphatic drainage, which in turn encourages detoxification. Dry skin brushing towards the heart, massage, and acupuncture can also help lymphatic drainage.

Before we wrap up, remember that every woman's menopause journey is unique. If you're experiencing challenges, don't hesitate to seek support from healthcare professionals, friends, or support groups. You're not alone on this journey; a wealth of knowledge and resources are available to help you navigate these changes.

Remember, we run a Menopause Cafe once a month in our skin clinic, so you might want to join us. Check the next cafe date on our website.

That wraps up another episode of "Radio Menopause." I hope you found today's exploration of menopausal liver changes both insightful and empowering. Keep in mind that your liver is amazingly resilient and has regenerating capabilities, so small changes can make a big difference in keeping it healthy.

Try our Amazon page - some nice things to make menopause more bearable!

#radiomenopause

What Are Hot Flushes and Night Sweats?

Podcast Season 2 Episode 3 transcript.

Listen to Apple, Spotify, and our website - or wherever you get your podcasts!

Today, we're delving into the fiery realms of hot flushes and the nocturnal nightmares of night sweats during menopause.

Firstly, let's demystify hot flushes. Picture this: you're minding your own business, perhaps in the middle of a meeting or engrossed in a good book, when suddenly, a wave of heat starts at your chest and engulfs your entire body. That, my friends, is a hot flush. It's like having your tropical vacation without the sandy beaches or fruity drinks.

But what's really happening inside our bodies? Well, blame it on the hormonal roller coaster. During menopause, estrogen levels take a plunge, and this sudden drop can confuse the hypothalamus, the body's thermostat. It sends mixed signals, causing blood vessels to dilate and making you feel like you're about to spontaneously combust! The result? That unmistakable sensation of intense heat and flushed skin.

Now, let's talk about their sneaky nighttime counterparts – night sweats. Imagine waking up drenched in sweat, your once peaceful slumber rudely interrupted by the need to change your nightwear (if you wear any!), and soaking wet hair for the third time this week. Night sweats are like hot flushes' mischievous nighttime cousins and are linked to the same hormonal shifts that cause hot flushes. The body temperature rises, prompting the brain to send out signals that lead to excessive sweating. This can result in disrupted sleep, leaving you feeling fatigued and, let's face it, a bit irritable during the day.

So, how do we navigate these fiery episodes? There's no one-size-fits-all solution; it's about finding what works for you.

Some suggestions include the following :

• Wear light clothing made of natural materials like cotton.

• Keep your bedroom cool at night.

• Take cooler showers, use a fan, keep a hydrating mist handy and have a cold drink.

• Reduce your stress level, which is not always easy. Try to fit in some time for self-care in your busy schedule. CBT can also help manage hot flushes.

• Avoid or reduce potential triggers, such as spicy food, caffeine, hot drinks, smoking and alcohol.

• Exercise regularly but not late at night.

• Lose weight if you're overweight. Women who are overweight are associated with worse hot flushes during menopause, but the effect of weight loss on flushing is unclear.

For those considering hormone therapy, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss the potential benefits and risks. Knowledge is power, my friends, and being informed about your options empowers you to make the best choices for your unique journey through menopause.

As we wrap up today's episode, remember you're not alone in this adventure. Embrace the changes, celebrate the victories, and know that the "Radio Menopause" community is right here with you.

Thank you for tuning in to another episode of "Radio Menopause." I'm Ruth Casaletto, signing off with a reminder that, despite the heat, we're navigating these waters together. Until next time, take care and stay cool!

#radiomenopause

Our First Menopause Cafe

Podcast Season 2 Episode 2 transcript.

Listen to Apple, Spotify, and our website - or wherever you get your podcasts!

Welcome to another episode of Radio Menopause. Today, we're buzzing with excitement as we discuss our first Menopause Cafe, which we held in the events room of our skin clinic studio.

Picture our studio, filled with people from all walks of life sipping tea and coffee (maybe eating the odd biscuit!) and sharing stories about their menopause journey. The atmosphere was filled with unity and understanding among the people present. And the topics we explored? They ranged far and wide, reflecting our participants' diverse experiences and concerns.

Towards the end of the event, we asked people to fill out an anonymous feedback form. One section asked for suggestions on topics we could focus on when inviting experts for question-and-answer sessions.

Topics suggested were Hormone Replacement Therapy. How does one navigate the decision to choose it? What are the options available? And when, if ever, is it time to stop HRT? Obviously, it's a hot topic.

Other discussion suggestions included natural remedies and supplements to alleviate symptoms. The group wanted to know more about the physical toll menopause can take on our bodies, including muscle aches, skin changes, and hair woes.

Of course, menopause isn't just a solo journey. It resonates through our relationships, impacting our families and partners in unexpected ways. How we navigate these shifting dynamics was mentioned as a popular topic to focus on for future discussions.

People were also curious about mindfulness and meditation and how they could help with hot flushes and mood swings.

Several times, people commented that they felt validated and relieved they were not alone with their symptoms.

It is clear that our Menopause Cafe events will inspire our regular podcasts, where we can share what people really want to talk about.

If you want to join a Menopause Cafe near you, please see the link in the description.

#radiomenopause