The menopause, which signals the end of a woman's reproductive years, is a natural process. It is commonly understood to be when a woman has gone 12 months without having her period and is no longer able to get pregnant. Menopause is a natural and inevitable aspect of aging, but the symptoms that frequently go along with it can be rather inconvenient and interfere with daily life.
Hot flashes, nocturnal sweats, and mood swings like impatience and anxiety are some typical menopause symptoms. A crimson, flushed face, sweating, and abrupt feelings of warmth that permeate the entire body are all symptoms of hot flashes. Hot flashes and night sweats are similar, but night sweats happen when you're sleeping and can interfere with your sleep schedule. Hormone variations, which can alter brain chemistry and cause feelings of anger and anxiety, frequently cause mood changes after menopause.
Other menopause symptoms may include vaginal dryness, exhaustion, trouble sleeping, and memory issues. All of these symptoms may interfere with daily activities and lead to a lower quality of life. Many women seek relief from these symptoms through hormone replacement treatment or other pharmaceuticals, but some may want a more natural approach. L-theanine, an amino acid, is one such choice that has demonstrated promise in easing menopausal symptoms and enhancing general wellbeing.
History
Tea leaves contain the amino acid L-theanine in their natural state. It has been used in traditional medicine for generations and was first isolated and recognized in Japan in 1949. Due to its calming and relaxing properties, it has become more well-known as a supplement in recent years.
How it works
Tea leaves contain the amino acid L-theanine in their natural state. It is thought to function by enhancing the brain's production of alpha waves, which are connected to a relaxed mood. When a person is relaxed or meditating, alpha waves, which have a frequency of 8–12 Hz, are present in the brain. The soothing effects of L-theanine are thought to be connected to the generation of alpha waves.
L-theanine may aid in the creation of dopamine and serotonin, two neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation, in addition to enhancing alpha wave activity. Low levels of dopamine have been connected to depression and other mood disorders. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is involved in pleasure and reward circuits in the brain. Low levels of serotonin have been associated with irritation and feelings of anxiety. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, and hunger. L-theanine may help elevate mood and lessen symptoms of tension and anxiety by increasing the production of these neurotransmitters.
Although L-theanine has been demonstrated to have soothing and mood-enhancing benefits, additional research is necessary to completely understand how it works and to establish the ideal dosage and usage period.
Studies and result
L-ability theanine's to ease menopausal symptoms has been the subject of numerous investigations. In one trial, 50 postmenopausal women received 200 mg of L-theanine twice day for eight weeks. The results were published in the Journal of Midlife Health. Hot flashes and night sweats significantly decreased, and the quality of sleep was significantly improved, according to the findings.
40 menopausal women participated in a different study that was published in the Journal of Reproductive Medicine. For six weeks, the participants administered 100 mg of L-theanine twice daily. This study also discovered a significant improvement in sleep quality and a significant decrease in hot flashes. Most participants in each of these studies reported a decrease in menopausal symptoms and an improvement in general wellbeing.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the L-theanine dosage utilized in these research could not be the same as what is advised for everyone. Before beginning any new supplement, it is always important to speak with a healthcare professional to identify the right dosage for your particular needs.
Recommended Dosage
According to the aforementioned studies, taking 200–400 mg of L-theanine daily appears to be useful in easing menopausal symptoms. It is advised to begin with a smaller dosage and increase it gradually to the maximum dosage to observe how your body responds.
Conclusion
A natural amino acid called L-theanine has demonstrated potential in lowering menopausal symptoms including hot flashes and enhancing sleep. While more research is required, it might be worthwhile to take into account as a natural alternative for treating menopausal symptoms.
Reference
- Journal of Midlife Health, "The effects of L-theanine on menopausal symptoms of women in perimenopause", https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4257254/
- Journal of Reproductive Medicine, "The effects of L-theanine on the reduction of psychological stress and the improvement of sleep quality in menopausal women", https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29686570
