Menopause and the transition to menopause - when ovulation and monthly bleeding have stopped for a woman - means a reversal of the hormones that can cause sleep problems, sweating, hot flashes, etc. Is it possible to naturally experience an easier transition?
Ancient signaling pathways live within us
Human genes are coded to receive set signals from the environment. Hormones and signaling substances are controlled cyclically via ancient cell pathways; during the day, month, year and years. Today, we need to actively and consciously make sure to receive the stop signals, as most of us do not live in direct contact with nature anymore.
Signals from nature that interact with our hormones, immune system, sleep & wake cycles, mood & energy production:
- natural daylight
- real darkness in the evening and at night
- electrons in direct contact from the earth's surface and wild waters
- magnetism from the earth
- time of day when we eat meals.
Endocrine disruptors of our time:
- all artificial light – often with a predominantly blue spectrum and with a lack of red & infrared.
This includes all light from screens, telephones and electronic devices. Street lights, illuminated shops & signs. They affect the brain's hormonal pathways during the evening or night.
The hormones require the signals Dark at night and Daylight in the morning and forenoon in order to be produced and work optimally.
- microwave radiation
Wi-fi, mobile networks, masts, electronic/24/7 connected devices affect nerve signals via an increased influx of calcium into the cell. The nervous system is then activated more for activity & alertness, and stress.
Here are some steps to try for a smoother hormonal transition:
1. Biologically adapted light & darkness.
Studies have shown that sex hormones such as progesterone and testosterone are affected by melatonin levels.
Night melatonin is released from the pineal gland during total darkness. During the day, another melatonin is created in almost all cells when you are in sunlight, in infrared or red light.
Thyroid hormones and a balanced cortisol are also supported by daylight in the morning and afternoon. Natural light at biologically correct times of the day:
- supports quality sleep and hormone regulation
- suppresses inflammation
- reduces pain
- stimulates the production of feel-good substances such as progesterone, serotonin, oxytocin
2. Prioritize sleep for brain health:
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no cell phone in the bedroom. Turn on airplane mode if you can, otherwise click off mobile data, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. You can also use a radiation protective case. Turn off all Wi-Fi before going to bed.
3. Nutrient boost smart:
Boron and copper retain magnesium in the body. Boron supports skeletal bones, healthy joints and sex hormones for both men and women.
Magnesium as drops, bath, lotion both soothes and energizes.
Copper regulates oxidative processes in energy production and:
- supports dopamine
- is necessary for hair color and for melanin that protects the skin from strong sun.
Vitamin A in fish liver oil and zinc support & balance the function of copper in the body.
Collagen and vitamin E soften joints, skin and mucous membranes.
4. Watch out for oxalate-rich foods if you have a lot of pain or sweating. Oxalates are found in berries, various types of cabbage, celery, some fruits, legumes, spinach.
- Boiling or fermenting reduces the oxalate content.
- Natural citric acid from lemon juice or dietary supplements with magnesium citrate Magnesium Breakthrough help break down oxalates.
5. Keep blood sugar and insulin under control with diet and adequate exercise:
- avoiding blue light in the evening and at night makes insulin work better, blood sugar improves and thus hormone signals.
- cut down on fast carbohydrates. In the transition and in the menopause, the metabolism changes. You can gain weight more easily and can find it more difficult to maintain muscle. Focus on quality protein, fats, gut supplements and the fruits, root vegetables and greens you can tolerate.
- choose strength training outside or at home, walking or Qi gong over exhausting exercise such as long running, long swimming, or hard cardio training.
6. Go barefoot outside every day. Dip your feet in a lake, the ocean, or a stream if you're not a full-body swimmer. Skin contact with the ground & natural water provides nourishment in the form of electrons that create energy and reduce inflammation in the body.
Take one thing at a time and feel it. Let it take time. Breathe. Good luck!
Sources:
Qi Liu, Zixu Wang, Jing Cao, Yulan Dong, Yaoxing Chen,
Insulin ameliorates dim blue light at night-induced apoptosis in hippocampal neurons via the IR/IRS1/AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway,
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety,
Volume 250,2023, 114488, ISSN 0147-6513, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114488.