Estrogen is the principal female hormone. It helps to give you most of your feminine characteristics in terms of the feminine shape, feminine patterns of hair growth and breast development. Without estrogen (and progesterone added later) you wouldn’t menstruate.
Estrogen also plays a part in the proper functioning and maintenance of the body e.g. in the brain, skin, heart, blood vessels, bladder and maintaining sexuality.
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The low levels of estrogen which exists just before, during and after menopause lead to a variety of symptoms. These include hot flushes, palpitations, depression, dry skin etc.
In terms of sexuality, low estrogen levels can have a negative effect leading to slower sexual arousal or complete loss of libido, painful sex due to inadequate vaginal lubrication. The vulva may also be dry and itchy.
Zinc is an important mineral which you need for several reasons. It helps in controlling blood sugar, in wound healing and helps prevent infection with viruses. It helps some vitamins to function properly e.g. Vitamin A. It helps in the production of histamine.
Low histamine levels may make it more difficult to achieve orgasm.Women are particularly prone to zinc deficiency because of monthly blood loss through menstruation and the tendency to diet which limits intake of essential nutrients to help replace the monthly loss. As you experience menopause, the lack of estrogen & zinc deficiency together can have a negative effect on sexuality.
Solutions
- Use natural hormone replacement therapy to restore hormone balance. This will help with menopausal symptoms and help libido.
- Increase your histamine levels by increasing your zinc intake. Eat more seafood like sardines and oysters and more seeds and nuts. You may also add a good zinc supplement which will be most effective when taken with a healthy, balanced diet.
