Menopause happens when a woman's menstrual cycle stops, which also means that she will no longer be able to conceive naturally. Usually, the frequency of the monthly period starts to slow down for a few years or months before they completely stop, although some women find that they literally stop from one day to the next. Menopause is natural, and every woman is expected to experience it. Most commonly, this happens between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age being 51. Each woman will have a unique experience through menopause, and notice different symptoms in various levels of severity.
How To Manage Your Menopause Symptoms And Signs – What To Expect
There are a number of common symptoms associated with menopause. These include night sweats, hot flushes, insomnia, vaginal dryness, reduced libido, discomfort during intercourse, anxiety, low mood, poor concentration, and memory problems. Women experience these symptoms in varying degrees. Some breeze through menopause, whereas others have a terrible time, leading to significant depression. It is important to always seek medical attention when you believe you are going through menopause, even if it is solely to confirm the diagnosis.
How To Manage Your Menopause Symptoms And Signs
If you do find that it is causing you some problems, you may need to know how to manage your menopause symptoms. While most women have heard of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for treating menopause, this has gotten a bad name, having been associated with various cancers. Although HRT has improved, most women shy away from it, and quite rightly so, since there are many natural things that you can do instead.
The first and most important thing is that you eat a healthy, nutritious, and balanced diet. Increase the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat, as well as soy and tofu, beans, foods high in calcium, flaxseed, and the right kind of fats. Do also try to limit your alcohol intake and avoid sugars as much as possible. It is also beneficial to eat small meals often, rather than three large meals per day.
Next, you need to exercise. Working out is crucial to overall health, but never more so than when you are going through menopause. Firstly, this is because menopause is a sign that you are getting biologically older, and exercise will keep you fit, healthy, and young. Secondly, exercising will stop you from putting on weight, something that is common during menopause. Lastly, exercise improves your mental health. Many women experience a certain degree of depression during menopause because their hormone levels change, and because they have to come to the realization that they are no longer able to bear children.
Last but no least, if you find that diet and exercise are not enough, you can try some herbal remedies. Some work as an adaptogen for the natural hormones in your body. Do make sure you discuss this with a physician, however, because some herbal remedies interact with other types of medications, including over the counter ones. However, if taken the right way, they can make a real difference to how you feel.