Estrogen and Menopause + Golden Maca Latte Recipe

Around the time of Menopause or “Moonpause,” we go through changes in our hormones that may remind us of almost a second puberty. At this time, we may also go through changes in our roles as caregivers.  Perhaps our children are grown and we no longer need to provide the same involved care. Moonpause is a beautiful gift of womanhood. It is the transition to embracing the changes for the next half of life, by turning inward to care for ourselves and nurturing our dreams that may have been set aside during our motherhood years.

How Does Menopause Affect for Our Hormones?

During perimenopause, we generally start to see pauses in our moon cycle, where we might not have a bleed for several months. Eventually a whole year goes by after our last bleed, and we will now have transitioned into Moonpause- the final pause of our moon cycle. This final pause means we no longer release an egg, thus our bodies stop producing the high levels of estrogen we experienced during our menstrual years. Estrogen is a building hormone, and it builds the uterine lining and helps mature healthy eggs for ovulation. With no longer needing to ovulate and release an egg each month, estrogen declines. (Note, in some cases of women with a higher BMI may actually have high estrogen after going through menopause).

With lower amounts of estrogen, women may experience vaginal dryness. The juiciness of the fertile years may have seemed to disappear.

What Foods Can We Eat to Naturally Increase the Libido?

Maca!

Maca is a root vegetable grown in Peru, and once again, I will praise the health benefits of the Cruciferous family because maca is indeed classified as a Cruciferous vegetable. Maca is found in most health food groceries stores as a powder because the root has been dried and ground up.

Maca is an adaptogenic herb, and it stimulates the libido, along with uplifting the mood and focus, while providing energy.

It has a bit of a malty flavor and it usually added to smoothies as a superfood to increase energy. It can also be taken in encapsulated supplements.

I love adding it to my breakfast oatmeal or raw energy bites. But most especially, I enjoy it in my delicious hot Golden Maca Latte. The latte is golden in color from turmeric, an anti-inflammatory root that is known for creating the bright yellow color in curry dishes. It is blended with coconut oil and coconut milk which makes it creamy and delicious. I also add a bit of honey to gently sweeten this drink. Though I am still within my menstrual years, I often use maca to stimulate my energy, especially before going to the gym or working out.