Stages of Menopause Perimenopause Irregular, short menstrual periods Uncomfortable symptoms include hot flashes, insomnia, irritability, and backaches May last four to five years or longer Menopause 12 months after the last menstrual period Production of progesterone and eggs stops Normally happens between the ages of 45 and 55 Postmenopause

Symptoms Irregular menstrual periods Hot flashes Irritability, depression, anxiety Insomnia, poor sleep quality Palpitations, night sweats Forgetfulness (in some women) Vaginal dryness Headaches, vaginal infections, joint aches and pains

Risks of Hormone Replacement Therapy Gynecological tumors The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that long-term hormone replacement therapy increases incidence of gynecological tumors by 20% Risks surface within 2 years of use Osteoporosis Risk of osteoporosis increases by 26% Prone to fractures in the hips, wrists and spine

Risks of Hormone Replacement Therapy Cardiovascular disease Heart disease risk increases by 80% Heart attack risk increases by 29% Stroke Risk of stroke increases by 41% Endometrial growth Deep vein thrombosis

Animal Estrogens vs. Phytoestrogens Cancer-causing   Cardiovascular disease Stroke Osteoporosis

Phytoestrogens Regulate the immune system Do not cause cancer Inhibit cancer cell growth and activate cancer cell apoptosis

Phytoestrogens By filling estrogen receptor sites on cells, phytoestrogens help to prevent cancer and reduce risk of estrogen-dependent cancers Coumestrol can reduce incidence of borderline ovarian tumors In a study of 51,823 women: Those with high lignan intake had 17% lower breast cancer risk In a study of 383 women: High genistein levels in blood were related to lower breast cancer risk

Strategies for Menopause Quit smoking Avoid alcoholic drinks Reduce fat intake Fats store excess estrogens Minimize refined food intake Lower blood pressure Exercise, aerobics

Strategies for Menopause Nutritious plant foods Phytoestrogens Vitamin C—tissue repair and iron absorption Fiber—helps to regulate estrogen levels Menopausal women are 50% less efficient than adolescents in absorbing calcium Calcium—soy, broccoli etc.

Nutritious Plant Foods Chinese Yam Sage Raspberry Ginkgo Licorice

Chinese Yam May lower blood pressure and protect the heart Boosts immunity; the polysaccharide YP-1 may help to increase T-cells RDPS-I polysaccharide helps to fight tumors Dioscorin has antioxidant effects that protect against free radical damage Protects the nervous system

Sage Relieves hot flashes and night sweats Rich in phytoestrogens Nourishes the immune system Antioxidant activity Anti-inflammatory

Raspberry Rich in phytoestrogens Relieves hot flashes High antioxidant content Contains anthocyanins and vitamin C 50% higher antioxidant activity than strawberries and 10 times the antioxidant activity of tomatoes Raspberry extract has been found to suppress cervical cancer cell production

Ginkgo Rich in phytoestrogens Terpenoids help to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease Helps to enhance immunity Anti-cancer Quercetin—may inhibit estrogen- activated cancers such as bladder, breast and ovarian cancers

Ginkgo Helps to prevent osteoporosis Antioxidant activity Flavonoids help to fight free radical damage Empowers memory

Is ginkgo toxic? Contains ginkgotoxin (4’-Omethylpyridoxine) Only toxic in large amounts Mostly due to overconsumption of ginkgo by children Relieved by vitamin B6 Toxicity of plant varies with season Toxicity higher in ginkgo harvested at the end of July and beginning of August

Licorice Phytoestrogens Beta-sitosterol’s estrogenic activity is 1/400th of the strongest form of estrogen in the body Supports adrenal gland function and enables adrenally produced hormones to work for longer periods Supports hormonal balance

Licorice Relieves menopausal symptoms Hot flashes Fatigue Irritability Memory problems Antioxidant effects—glabridin and glabrene Immune-enhancing

Are phytoestrogens safe for men? Research shows that phytoestrogens: Will not alter testosterone levels Have no effect on sperm concentration, count or motility

Are phytoestrogens nutritious for men? Research shows that phytoestrogens: Are beneficial to health Can help to prevent breast and prostate cancer

Can men consume these plant foods? Chinese Yam, Sage, Raspberry, Ginkgo, Licorice These natural and wholesome plant foods aid health in many ways including: Boost memory Counter stress Improve immunity Antioxidant activity to protect against free radical damage

Chinese Yam Helps to lower blood pressure and protect the heart Boosts immunity by enhancing T-cell proliferation Anti-tumor Antioxidant activity protects against free radical damage Neuroprotective

Sage Boosts immunity Antioxidant activity

Raspberry High antioxidant activity 50% higher than strawberries 10 times that of tomatoes

Ginkgo Boosts memory Improves immunity Anti-cancer Antioxidant activity protects against free radical damage Lowers risk of cardiovascular disease

Licorice Antioxidant activity Boosts memory Improves immunity

MENOVIE Chinese Yam Sage Raspberry Ginkgo Licorice Recommended intake: 3 capsules, two to three times daily

MENOVIE Suitable for men and women

+ + MENOVIE Nutrifresh Aromantic

+ + MENOVIE O-SEED ESSERENE

+ + MENOVIE Aromantic G-ART

+ + MENOVIE VEGAPLEX STRESGON