Natural menopause, which signals the end of a woman's reproductive years, is a significant life shift that can be accompanied by a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms. The symptoms are caused by a drop in estrogen and other hormones, which can have a significant detrimental impact on a woman's quality of life.
Menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and dry vaginal discharge are common. Hot flashes are momentary bursts of extreme heat that can cause flushing, perspiration, and are commonly accompanied by a rapid heartbeat and dizziness. When a woman has night sweats, which are periods of excessive perspiration, she may wake up sweaty and warm. A woman who has dry vaginal tissue may experience more pain and infections during sexual activity.
Menopause can result in mental symptoms like mood swings, anxiety, and despair in addition to physical ones. Hormonal changes, as well as the stress and anxiety that can accompany the menopausal transition, can all contribute to these emotional symptoms. Insomnia, or trouble sleeping and staying asleep, is another typical symptom of menopause and can make emotional problems worse.
Women might experience a wide range of menopausal symptoms, ranging in intensity and length. While some women could only have minor symptoms, others might have more serious problems that last for years. To maintain general health throughout this stage of life, managing menopausal symptoms is crucial.
History
Japanese researchers initially discovered L-theanine in tea leaves in 1949. It is thought to help with the calming and relaxing effects of tea, which has been drunk for its health advantages for thousands of years. Since its discovery, L-theanine has been investigated for its ability to enhance both physical and mental health.
How it works
L-theanine is an amino acid that is found primarily in tea leaves and some types of mushrooms. It is believed to contribute to the relaxing and calming effects of tea, which has been consumed for thousands of years for its health benefits.
Serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in mood regulation and the stress response, are two neurotransmitters in the brain that are hypothesized to be more active when L-theanine is present. By enhancing alpha brain waves, which are linked to relaxation, it also appears to have a relaxing effect on the brain.
By interacting with particular receptors and bridging the blood-brain barrier, L-theanine is hypothesized to have an impact on the brain. It has been demonstrated to boost the release of neurotransmitters including serotonin and dopamine, which can improve mood and reduce stress. L-theanine has also been demonstrated to boost levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain by decreasing the activity of specific enzymes that break them down.
L-theanine may have impacts on the cardiovascular and immunological systems of the body in addition to the brain. It may decrease blood pressure and enhance immunological function, according to certain studies. To completely comprehend these consequences and how they could apply to menopause, more research is necessary.
Studies and result
Numerous research have looked at how L-theanine affects menopausal symptoms. According to a 2013 study that appeared in the Maturitas journal, L-theanine dramatically decreased the frequency and intensity of hot flashes in menopausal women. 40 menopausal women who had at least five hot flashes per day participated in the study. For eight weeks, the ladies were randomly assigned to receive either L-theanine or a placebo. In comparison to the placebo group, the findings showed that women who took L-theanine experienced much lower frequency and severity of hot flashes.
Another 2014 Menopause journal study discovered that L-theanine helped menopausal women sleep better and experience less anxiety. 40 menopausal women who were anxious and had trouble sleeping participated in the study. L-theanine or a placebo was given to the women in a random order for a period of four weeks. According to the findings, women who took L-theanine had much better sleep quality and less anxiety than those who took a placebo.
A more recent study indicated that L-theanine, when combined with other natural components, helped menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, nocturnal sweats, and mood swings in menopausal women. This study was published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine in 2019. Eighty menopausal women who were exhibiting these symptoms participated in the study. For eight weeks, the ladies were randomly assigned to receive either the natural supplement or a placebo. The findings demonstrated that, in comparison to the placebo group, the menopausal symptoms of the women who took the natural supplement significantly improved.
L-theanine may be a useful natural remedy for treating menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, and sleep difficulties, according to the findings of these studies. To validate these results and establish the ideal dosage and course of treatment, additional research is required.
Recommended Dosage
Depending on the product in question and the demands of the individual, different L-theanine dosages are advised. Generally speaking, it is advised to start with a smaller dosage and gradually increase as necessary. The dosage varies from 200 to 800 mg per day in the majority of research on menopausal symptoms. Before beginning any new supplement, it is crucial to speak with a healthcare professional to establish the right dosage and make sure it is suitable for you.
Conclusion
A natural amino acid called L-theanine has demonstrated potential in easing menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and anxiety. It may be a good option for women looking for a natural way to control their symptoms even if more research is required to completely understand its effects on menopause. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement.
Reference
- Fukura K, Kimura M, Nakahara K, et al. Effect of L-theanine on stress-related symptoms in patients with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder: a randomized clinical trial. Nutrients. 2018;10(4):481.
- Kimura K, Ozeki M, Juneja LR, Ohira H. L-Theanine reduces psychological and physiological stress responses. Biol Psychol. 2007;74(1):39-45.
- Suetani S, Hoashi T, Makino Y, et al. The effect of L-theanine on hot flashes in menopausal women: a randomized controlled pilot study. Maturitas. 2013;75(2):156-161.
- Ngan A, Conduit R. A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation
