Functional Mushrooms For Menopause: Which Mushrooms Can Help Symptoms Of Menopause

I read this article a few days ago.

It’s about one woman’s experience using lion’s mane to help with the symptoms of menopause. 

It was pretty interesting and she said it did indeed help.

So it got me wondering, what mushrooms are best for menopause symptoms?

Menopause and its symptoms

Menopause is a natural biological process that occurs in women, typically between the ages of 45 and 55. 

The average age for menopausal onset in the UK is around 51 years old; however, genetics can play a significant role in determining when an individual starts experiencing this transition.

Common symptoms associated with menopause include:

• Mood swings: Hormonal fluctuations can lead to emotional changes, affecting mood, irritability, and anxiety levels.
• Brain fog: Cognitive function may be impaired during menopause due to hormonal shifts, resulting in difficulties concentrating or feeling mentally "foggy."
• Insomnia: Menopausal women often experience disrupted sleep patterns, leading to insomnia and daytime fatigue.
• Hot flashes: A sudden sensation of intense heat is a common symptom experienced by many women going through menopause.
• Fatigue: The hormonal changes during menopause can cause persistent feelings of exhaustion.

Recent research has also highlighted the link between menopause and changes in metabolism, leading to weight gain and an increased risk of heart disease. 

To alleviate symptoms of menopause, some women turn to prescription medications; however, these treatments often come with side effects. 

As an alternative, natural remedies like medicinal mushrooms have gained popularity. These substances may help reduce the severity and frequency of menopausal symptoms.

Which mushrooms could help?

Medicinal mushrooms, a diverse group of fungi, possess therapeutic properties that have been recognised for their potential health benefits. 

These mushrooms can positively impact gut and immune system health, enhance sleep quality, improve physical performance, sharpen focus, and boost memory.

Researchers have also investigated the possibilities offered by medicinal mushrooms in addressing menopausal symptoms.

Due to their complex chemical composition, these fungi are often classified as adaptogens – substances that help the body adapt to stressors such as hormonal changes during menopause. 

As a result, they may provide relief from some of the discomforts associated with this natural life transition.

These are the 3 best mushrooms for menopause symptoms:

Lion’s mane

Lion's mane mushroom has been gaining attention (particularly on social media) for its potential benefits in alleviating menopausal symptoms. 

It may do this in a number of ways. 

Firstly, it contains phytoestrogens that can bind to estrogen receptors in the brain, leading to improved mood stability and reduced mood swings. 

Additionally, lion's mane's well-documented neuroprotective and neurogenerative (it has been shown to promote the growth of nerve cells) properties can enhance cognitive function during this period when some women experience memory fog or difficulty concentrating.

Furthermore, studies suggest that lion's mane can help improve sleep quality, which is often disrupted during menopause. 

Its adaptogenic nature may also allow it to assist in maintaining hormonal balance and reducing the severity of hot flashes.

Reishi 

One possible way reishi may help is by acting as an adaptogen, assisting the body in adapting to hormonal changes and reducing stress levels associated with menopause.

Additionally, reishi's antioxidant properties may contribute to improved overall health during this period when some women experience increased inflammation and oxidative stress. 

By promoting relaxation and supporting a healthy immune system, reishi mushroom could also help alleviate symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, and insomnia commonly encountered during menopause. 

Cordyceps

Cordyceps has been shown to be effective at improving energy levels and reducing fatigue due to its ability to increase oxygen uptake and enhance physical performance.

Cordyceps is also a potent antioxidant and could help alleviate symptoms such as mood swings, hot flashes, and sleep disturbances often associated with menopause. 

Final thoughts

With functional mushrooms emerging as a natural alternative for alleviating menopausal symptoms, lion's mane, reishi, and cordyceps are the ones with the most potential. 

By adding them into your diet or using them as supplements, you could experience a reduction in the severity and frequency of common menopause symptoms. 

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