Our journey into understanding midlife’s complexities continues! Building on my dear friend’s sad, frustrating, enraging, yet all too common midlife medical journey, we’re continuing into the often-overlooked realm of nutritional deficiencies and midlife hormonal symptoms.
Beyond the iron, Vitamin D, and B vitamin deficiencies that I shared in my last newsletter, there are 3 other common deficiencies that mimic or compound peri-menopausal/ menopausal symptoms.
These are worth your attention, as deficiencies in midlife can be common despite healthy healthy, whole-foods diets. Addressing them can often lead to surprising improvements in energy and overall wellbeing, and ease many of the awful symptoms you might be all too familiar with.
Let’s continue…
- Magnesium:
Essential in over 300 enzymatic reactions, magnesium influences sleep, bone health, heart rhythm, muscle function, and stress management. Deficiencies can manifest as insomnia, increased stress, muscle cramps, and mood swings, which can easily be mistaken for menopausal changes. - Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
Beyond brain health and inflammation regulation, studies show that omega-3’s support joint health, mood and cognitive function. Deficiencies can present as depression, memory issues, and joint pain, which can resemble or worsen peri-menopausal changes. (As our bodies don’t naturally produce omega-3s, they’re considered an essential fat, which we need to incorporate through diet or supplements.)
NOTE: Supplements can be contraindicated with blood clotting disorders or blood thinning medications, so as always, seek expert nutritional guidance. - Calcium:
Crucial to bone health, calcium becomes even more critical during after 35 years of age and especially after 45 years, as declining estrogen levels heighten the risk of osteoporosis. Deficiency may not mimic menopause symptoms directly, but significantly impacts long-term bone health, emphasizing the need for adequate intake in midlife and beyond.
NB: Always seek professional guidance when adding or changing your supplements. Lab tests and/or nutritional assessments with a holistic medical or nutritional therapist can help ensure a tailored and safe approach.
Beyond Silence: A Call to Action
The time of suffering in silence and grinning and bearing is over. Can we please get a “Hallelujah!” to women’s voices finally being heard in the hormone realm?!
We possess far more agency over our midlife experience and symptoms than traditionally thought. It’s about more than just battling hormones; it’s about nurturing your overall health with a comprehensive and informed approach.