What is menopause? When does it start and end? How can you tell if you’re in menopause? What are the symptoms and treatment options? If you have questions about this life stage, we have answers! Read on to learn everything you need to know about menopause—and what to do if you experience the symptoms that may arise with this change in your life.
Menopause Facts
For menopausal women, there is the potential for increased risks for breast cancer, colorectal cancer, heart disease and other age-related health concerns. However, proper awareness and information can prevent these problems or monitor them.
Menopause nausea is one of the most common symptoms in women experiencing menopause, which can have a physical basis that includes low estrogen levels and high progesterone levels. Estrogen controls the production of hormones that prevent vomiting, whereas progesterone controls vomiting.
Tips for Feeling Better During Your First Year of Hot Flashes
Now that you’re experiencing hot flashes and night sweats, here are some tips for feeling better during your first year of menopause. First, be sure that your doctor has told you that these symptoms are from the natural reduction of estrogen in your body – it may feel weird at first, but as time goes on, it will get easier.
Next, research and find a hormone replacement therapy that works best for your body type and lifestyle; try different types of HRT to see what feels right for you. When it comes to managing hot flashes, drink lots of water, or try taking a cold shower when one happens – both can help reduce them. Lastly, don’t forget those monthly periods!
Navigating the Change in Your Relationship with Your Partner
Once I started perimenopause, my husband felt uncomfortable being too close and physical with me. He wasn’t trying to be cruel; it was just that he didn’t like feeling out of control. When I told him about the change in my feelings towards our relationship, he explained that men have issues with the stages of perimenopause.
His problems were much more related to the sadness and helplessness he experienced from watching me go through such a difficult time. Once I understood his perspective, we could find solutions that worked for both of us during those difficult years.
Tips for Managing Stress
There are many different ways to manage stress, so make sure you find what works best for your body and mind. However, since a common symptom of menopause is nausea, eating nutritiously can help keep it under control. Avoid sugar, caffeine and alcohol as they will aggravate any nausea symptoms.
Exercise regularly- walking is very effective in reducing or preventing the incidence of postmenopausal hot flashes. You may also want to try yoga; its deep breathing can release tension from the body, and it also helps reduce cortisol levels, which are high when experiencing anxiety or stress. Cognitive behavioural therapy may also be beneficial if you suffer mood swings or depression related to hormone fluctuations during perimenopause and menopause.
Keeping Physically Active While Going Through Perimenopause
Physical activity during perimenopause will help keep your symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, weight gain and mood swings, in check. One easy way to increase physical activity is by walking at least 10 minutes daily.
Try different exercise methods too, like yoga or an aerobic dance class if walking doesn’t seem interesting or accessible enough. Plus, all forms of physical activity will help alleviate some of the unpleasant side effects of menopause that can come with pre- and postmenopausal nausea.
Addressing Hot Flashes, Night Sweats, Mood Swings and Other Symptoms
It may take some time, but before long, you’ll start noticing the difference in your body temperature. You might also experience feelings of anxiety or low-self esteem that stem from hormonal imbalance. Take heart–even though it can be a little uncomfortable for a while, menopause has its rewards.
You’ll have more energy, be able to lose weight easily, and have no menstrual cramps! One thing to remember is that some women find their sex drive drops off during menopause. If this happens to you, don’t worry; most women will notice their sex drive return within six months after stopping estrogen therapy.
Read also: High Estrogen Symptoms: A Guide to Managing the Symptoms for Women
How to Deal With Irritability and Anger
Get some help. One of the most common symptoms of menopause is irritability, which can lead to anger. Talk with your doctor and find out what treatment options are available. Get involved in a social or civic group. Yoga can also help ease irritability, anxiety, and depression associated with menopause, and these exercises can help release tension and improve your mood.
Find a community class that offers relaxation techniques for managing stress. Join an online discussion forum on Yahoo! Answers, such as The Menopausal Women’s Forum. It may also help to get more sleep, eat less sugar and caffeine, reduce alcohol consumption (if any), and talk to others about how they’ve dealt with it.
When to Seek Medical Attention
1. Hot flashes and night sweats are common symptoms during menopause. Women may experience these symptoms for several years before they go through menopause.
2. A woman will likely have the following changes in her menstrual cycle as she goes through menopause, including fewer periods, irregular periods, increased bleeding between periods, and more cramping with each period.
3. One of the many reasons a woman may feel unwell is that she may struggle with a perimenopausal depression-a mood disorder that can occur because of hormonal imbalances during menopause. Talking to a doctor or mental health professional can help alleviate some of these symptoms and start healing from them quickly and easily!
What are Natural Hormone Therapies?
Doctors often prescribe natural hormone therapies to regulate the female body during menopause. They are considered a healthier alternative for managing symptoms of perimenopause and menopause that are not in line with pharmaceutical options.
Studies show that phytoestrogens in plants such as soy and flax seeds increase estrogen levels and decrease discomfort caused by hormonal fluctuations. You can also consume soy products like tofu or soymilk because they contain a form of phytoestrogen called genistein which increases estrogen levels when there is an imbalance. Using herbal supplements can also work as a way for women to deal with some symptoms associated with natural hormone therapy.
Health Risks Associated with Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
As a woman approaches menopause and after she has been postmenopausal for more than 12 months, her body can no longer make enough estrogen. Low estrogen levels cause the vaginal tissue and muscles to become thin, and the vaginal opening may widen (called atrophic vaginitis).
HRT stops or reverses those changes. It is important to note that HRT doesn’t help prevent osteoporosis, a condition of brittle bones that can lead to painful fractures. Many side effects are associated with HRT, including an increased risk for endometrial cancer, breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, and blood clots.
Conclusion
Overall, menopause is a normal part of life. Keep up your regular medical exams, and you’ll be fine. There are plenty of things menopause can do for your body, and they are not all negative! Good luck with entering the next chapter of your journey.
Remember to take care of yourself, so you’re in tip-top shape. Eat well, exercise regularly, drink lots of water, and get some sleep. Try reading or listening to relaxing music before bedtime if you have trouble sleeping. If that doesn’t work, see a doctor make sure it’s not something more serious such as insomnia or depression. And remember to schedule annual gynaecological exams with your OB/GYN (or another gynaecologist).
