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!
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