Today, we are addressing the important questions from our Hormone University community! We receive really great questions and always love answering them! So if you have any, please be sure to send them to us!
How much magnesium should we take?
Magnesium has numerous benefits for our body. For taking magnesium in through your diet, a man is recommended to intake around 400-420 mg of magnesium per day. For a woman, the recommended amount is around 310-320 mg of magnesium. It is further recommended that women who are pregnant should consume more magnesium than those who are not pregnant. If you are considering taking a magnesium supplement, the most that any adult should take in through this is 350 mg. These amounts are according to the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements.
Are migraines after menopause associated with changes in our hormones?
The frequency and severity of migraines can increase in the period of time leading up to menopause (perimenopause), during and after menopause. The reason for the potential increase in migraines is due to the decreasing levels of estrogen in the body. Some studies have shown that 45% of women experienced worse migraines during menopause.
There are a few useful tips and habits that can help you to manage migraines. These include turning off any bright lights, getting good sleep and minimising distractions. There are also certain foods that are thought to trigger migraines, so it can be useful to understand your own triggers. Some common foods associated with migraines include cheese, chocolate and alcohol. Exercising and finding ways to manage stress can be important in mitigating migraines. Also, caffeine in small amounts can help alleviate migraines, therefore drinking caffeine in moderation can help.
Can stopping taking the birth control pill affect your mental health?
Taking any form of birth control changes the composition of hormones in our bodies, and stopping taking birth control also affects our hormones and has potential side effects. Some people may experience mood swings and depression once they stop taking the birth control pill as our hormone levels are adjusting. Some anxiety that may also come with coming off the birth control pill is anxiety about unplanned pregnancies.
If you find your mental health being affected after coming off birth control, consider finding new habits to try and calm your mind, such as meditation or yoga. It is also important to speak with your doctor about the experiences you are having as an effect of stopping birth control.
