How Protein Helped This 38-Year-Old Navigate Early Menopause

When you hit your 30s, life seems to be in a comfortable rhythm. But for some, like Protima Sonawar, a 38-year-old marketing executive, unexpected challenges can arise. Protima recently discovered she was entering perimenopause, a transitional phase leading up to menopause, much earlier than she had anticipated. This has brought with it a whirlwind of fluctuating hormones and a constant sense of fatigue. 

Her experience is not uncommon. In fact, many women start experiencing perimenopausal symptoms in their late 30s or early 40s. It's a phase marked by changes in menstrual cycles, mood swings, hot flashes, and, as Protima can attest, a drop in energy levels.  

"I felt like I was losing control of my own body. One moment I’d be fine, and the next I’d be exhausted, emotional, and overwhelmed," Protima shares.

Determined to regain her vitality, Protima began exploring natural solutions. That’s when she discovered Gytree's plant-based proteins. These products are designed specifically to support women through their hormonal fluctuations, offering an energy boost and promoting overall well-being. 

• Rich in essential nutrients
• Supports hormonal balance
• Provides sustained energy
• Enhances overall vitality including hair and skin texture

By incorporating Gytree's plant-based proteins into her daily routine, Protima noticed a significant improvement. "It’s been a game-changer for me," she says. "I feel more energized and capable of handling whatever the day throws at me."

What led Protima to understand her perimenopause better?

She never anticipated that at thirty-eight, she'd be navigating the turbulent waters of perimenopause. It all started with seemingly harmless symptoms: occasional hot flashes, unexpected mood swings, and an insatiable fatigue. Initially, she brushed them off as stress or poor sleep. But when the symptoms grew more persistent and impactful, she knew it was time to dig deeper. 

Her journey to understanding her perimenopause began with a visit to her primary care physician through a virtual consultation. The doctor explained that perimenopause is the transitional period leading up to menopause, characterized by fluctuating hormone levels.

Protima was surprised to learn that these changes could occur in her late thirties, much earlier than she had anticipated. She was handed a list of common symptoms, including temperature changes, blood pressure fluctuations, metabolic shifts, and the dreaded mood swings—all of which resonated with her experience. 

In India, women hit menopause earlier

Menopause is a significant phase in a woman's life, marking the end of her reproductive years. In India, the average age of menopause is around 46.2 years, which is notably earlier compared to Western countries where the average age is approximately 51 years. According to a study published in the Journal of Mid-life Health, about 3.1% of Indian women experience premature menopause, which occurs before the age of 40. This is higher than the global average of 1%.

How low protein makes menopause worse

Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass, which tends to decline during menopause due to hormonal changes. A protein deficiency can exacerbate this muscle loss, leading to increased fatigue and reduced physical strength, making menopausal symptoms feel more severe.

Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can lead to weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. Adequate protein intake helps regulate metabolism and can aid in weight management. Without sufficient protein, managing weight becomes more challenging, potentially worsening menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings.

Feeling overwhelmed, Protima sought out more information. She read countless articles and even joined online forums where women shared their experiences. It was on one of these forums that she first encountered the concept of plant-based proteins, a brainchild of Gytree, designed to help women like her regain their energy and vitality.