Menopause is a complex period in a woman's life.
Although difficult, this physiological period needs to be faced not only from a physical perspective, but also from a psychological and social point of view.
Fertility coming to an end causes the onset of various changes, with the first to provoke the hormonal variations that characterise this period being the hypothalamus, the control unit that regulates our entire autonomic nervous system.
Before identifying the symptoms that distinguish this phase, it is necessary to define menopause from a physiological point of view.
Its onset usually occurs around the age of 50, preceded by a period lasting several years prior to the complete disappearance of the menstrual cycle, called Perimenopause, followed in turn by a period characterised by the final disappearance of the latter, called Post-Menopause.
The period encompassing all phases is called "Climacterium", representing the phenomena and symptoms overall that precede, accompany and follow the transition from fertility to infertility.
The symptoms that arise are due to a reduction in the level of oestrogen following the exhaustion of ovarian activity. The most common include hot flashes, palpitations, insomnia, pain and/or joint and muscle problems, and others.
Estrogenic deficiency especially causes an increased risk of cardiovascular and osteoarticular diseases, including osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis
Unfortunately, this is a common pathology during this phase, which a considerable number of women must face.
Osteoporosis is a bone disease, marked by a loss of mass and resistance of the skeletal system, predisposing women to an increased risk of fractures.
Prevention and Resolution above all
There are three basic factors that are true real allies in preventing and combating the symptoms and diseases mentioned above. These are:
- Adequate nutrition;
- Physical activity;
- Integration.
These three factors act synergistically to counter menopausal disorders in order to reduce complications.
Preferable foods during menopause must ensure an adequate supply of functional nutrients aimed at reducing the estrogenic deficiency as much as possible.
Exercise offers physical and psychological benefits, mainly strengthening the muscular and skeletal system.
Yet, attention must also be paid to the third and final factor.
According to experts, one way to combat calcium loss and bone fragility in menopause exists: integration.
Menopause: Recommended supplementation
There are several nutrients to monitor during this delicate period. Consequently, there are specific supplements that are able to counteract the effects of ageing and hormonal deficit.
The most important supplements include: Calcium, magnesium, Melatonin, essential fatty acids, Vitamin D and Vitamin K. Calcium is a fundamental mineral for our body, mostly for maintaining the proper turnover of bone tissue and, obviously, its integration can be useful.
However, when taking calcium supplements, it is possible for it to accumulate in the arteries, which generates greater probabilities of plaque calcification.
Thus, the question is how is it possible to direct the calcium towards the bones without running this risk?
The answer is a vitamin known as K2.
Vitamin K2. When lacking, calcium goes in the wrong direction
Vitamin K2 is the key to combating the effects of ageing.
Its scientific name being menaquinone, this newly-discovered fat-soluble vitamin belongs to the Vitamin K family.
The minimum recommended amount is 25-50 mcg per day. However, it is difficult to meet this target by diet alone.
Its main function is to rebalance the calcium levels absorbed through the diet, preventing it depositing in the blood and arteries through diverting it towards bone tissue.
Vitamin K2 supplements: essential for a woman's well-being
The integration of Vitamin K2 mainly leads to two important benefits:
- Reduction of the risk of formation of calcified build-up of plaque in the arteries;
- Improved bone calcification.
Hence, it is clear that its deficiency generates a disadvantageous calcium metabolism, whilst its integration ensures protection from cardiovascular and osteoarticular pathologies.
We are now going to look at the many benefits arising from integrating this precious vitamin.
It primarily supports the heart, given that it reduces calcium accumulating in the arteries.
It is a valuable aid for bones, due to its support of the production of osteocalcin, which strengthens the entire osteoarticular system.
It averts dental diseases, improving teeth sensitivity and preventing cavities from forming.
Additionally, it is also offers a guarantee at an aesthetic level, by contributing to the maintenance of skin tone and slowing the onset of wrinkles. Its regular intake also limits circulatory problems, including the onset of varicose veins.
However, in order to function correctly, the latter needs the support of another Vitamin, specifically Vitamin D.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, known as "Calciferol", present in the human body in two forms: as Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2) and Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3). Vitamin D2 is present in foods of plant origin, absorbed through the diet; Vitamin D3, on the other hand, is synthesised through the skin, from absorbing the sun's rays, and is present in products of animal origin.
It is considered to be a regulator and precursor of calcium metabolism, hence why it is useful in bone calcification. Moreover, it helps maintain calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood.
Although this vitamin is scarcely present in food, its integration is an essential part of good medical guidance focused on the osteoarticular and muscular health of women in menopause.
Integration of Vitamin D3, the benefits
Integrating Vitamin D3 offers a number of benefits to the body, including:
- Increases calcium and phosphorus fixation;
- Prevents tumours;
- Prevents depressive phenomena;
- Controls insulin secretion regarding all factors of potential cardiovascular risk;
- Supports the immune system.
The synergistic functioning between Vitamin K2 and D3
The best way to avail of the benefits listed above is certainly by combining these two vitamins that act synergistically in the process of bone calcification.
The synergy between Vitamin K2 and D3 is a winning combination, both for the bones and cardiovascular system, as together they significantly contrast the loss of bone density, becoming significant elements both for osteopathy onset and established osteoporosis.
In the midst of the vast world of food supplements, our Vitamin K2 and D3 supplement proves to be one of the main allies in preventing, dealing with and resolving the main disorders and diseases provoked by menopause.
The result of numerous scientific research in support, it is a combination of excellence, being a supplement that is increasingly recognised and utilised by the medical community in the prevention of cardiovascular and osteoarticular diseases.
