Menopause is often called the 'silent transition,' which means it's a period of at least 12 months since a woman's last period. During this time, women can experience changes in their body, mood, sleep, inflammation, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. These changes can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems.

The hormonal shifts during menopause can affect your mood and eating habits, making you more prone to obesity and heart issues. With the dipping levels of oestrogen and plunging progesterone (usually released by the ovaries), we are left with a depleted and tired system that has not yet learned to stabilise itself without one of its master switches.

Menopause also affects blood sugar control, a risk factor for heart disease and diabetes, and research has shown that women tend to have more food cravings, binge eating, and higher obesity rates than men. Diet and the bacteria in your gut can also influence how menopause affects your health.

In one of our studies, researchers found that a bitter hops extract called Amarasate™ can reduce hunger in women. In the study, women who took Amarasate™ during a 24-hour fast ate less and felt less hungry. This is also good news for women who are going through the menopausal transition and are struggling with food cravings during this time.

Also, new research suggests that what you eat can affect your gut and brain. Eating prebiotic-rich foods like garlic, onions, bananas, and wheat or taking a prebiotic supplement can help control your response to high-calorie foods.

On the subject of weight loss, there's some concern about specific synthetic weight loss drugs called GLP-1 agonists, which might have rare but severe side effects like pancreatitis and bowel issues. Investigators say their findings are not about scaring people off these weight loss drugs but increasing awareness that these potential adverse outcomes can happen. Given the wide use of these drugs, these adverse events, although rare, must be considered by patients considering them for weight loss.

Calocurb is a natural product that can help control your appetite. It's the only supplement that naturally activates the GLP-1 hormone without the severe side effects mentioned, which can reduce overeating and cravings.

We're here to support your health journey, and we hope you find the provided information helpful. In honour of Menopause Awareness Month, check out this informative short animated video that sheds light on what menopause is like. It's well done and provides excellent insight.

Let's keep the conversation going!