The role of diet in managing menopausal symptoms: A narrative review

Abstract

Menopause is a natural stage that occurs when women stop menstruating, during which many women experience physical and psychological symptoms that can affect their quality of life and ability to work. Dietary modifications and food supplements may be explored by some women as alternatives to hormone replacement therapy, although existing reviews and expert position statements have given this limited consideration. This narrative review summarises the current evidence for dietary patterns, and botanical and food supplements, in the management of common menopausal symptoms, including vasomotor symptoms (VMS; hot flushes; night sweats), changes in bodyweight and composition, psychological symptoms (depression; anxiety; cognitive changes), sleep disturbances, joint pain, skin changes and urogenital symptoms. Soy isoflavones may reduce the frequency and/or severity of VMS, although results are inconsistent, and it is unclear whether dietary and supplemental sources have comparable effects. Adopting a healthier dietary pattern may support a healthy bodyweight and benefit VMS. However, evidence suggesting dietary patterns may benefit depression, anxiety, and cognition remains largely observational. While some botanicals, such as black cohosh and St John's Wort, have been reported in some studies to alleviate symptoms (such as VMS and depression), these are not currently recommended due to uncertainty about the appropriate dose and preparation, and potential safety concerns. Evidence for other symptoms is currently too limited to draw conclusions. While further trials at different menopausal stages are needed, adopting a healthier dietary pattern in accordance with dietary guidelines is likely to help support women's health before, during and after the menopausal transition.

Evaluation of nutritional status and eating habits of Polish women during the menopause transition – a pilot study

“…Separately, a high intake of refined pasta and rice was associated with an earlier onset of menopause [29]. The literature review shows that overall healthy dietary patterns during menopausal transition may mitigate symptoms such as hot flashes or urinary incontinence [30]. For this reason, women can benefit from making changes to their diet if they receive the right support from specia lists, including a dietitian.…”

Treatments and Management of Menopausal Symptoms: Current Status and Future Challenges

“…The guiding principle must be variety in moderation, cutting out excess fat and too salty foods, drinking at least 25 milliliters (ml) of water per kilogram (kg) of body, and giving preference to spices. Obese or over-weighted women need to change their lifestyle and follow a more moderate diet, while the literature discuss the usefulness of some drugs such as orlistat [95][96][97][98].…”

Menopause Hot Flashes and Molecular Mechanisms Modulated by Food-Derived Nutrients

“…Clinical manifestations of menopausal transition include menstrual disorder, hot flashes, sweating, insomnia, palpitation, vertigo, headache, tinnitus, problems with memory, inability to focus, mood changes (anxiety and depression), changes in body weight and composition, skin changes and genitourinary atrophy symptoms. Approximately two-thirds of women suffer from these menopause-related symptoms [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ].…”

“…The frequency of hot flash episodes varies from occasional attacks in a week or day to at least one every hour [ 2 , 8 , 10 , 11 ]. Hot flashes are often associated with impairments in quality of life, loss of productivity, depressed mood, embarrassment, fatigue, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and possibly even poorer memory function and social isolation [ 4 , 7 , 12 ]. The physiological and molecular mechanism of hot flashes is still incompletely known.…”

“…The hot flashes are triggered by a small elevation in core body temperature, which causes activation of the sympathetic nervous system by peripheral vasodilation and increased activity of sweat glands. This mechanism may be associated with the response of the hypothalamus to decreased estrogen levels and modulation of the neurotransmitter activity (serotonin and noradrenaline) [ 4 ].…”