Tips to Deal with Menopause

Whether you’re beginning to suffer from perimenopause, naturally occurring menopause or resulting from a hysterectomy, the change in hormones can be more than overwhelming for many. Those wonderful nights of deep sleep are a thing of the past, and are replaced with difficulty falling and staying asleep as well as night sweats that soak through your clothing causing sheets, blankets and even your partner to become drenched. You’ll eventually realize whether you’re in the heat or in the cold, hot flashes will appear out of the blue with anxiety flushing you at the worst times. In order to survive ‘the change’, you need to know what you can do to deal with menopausal symptoms and enjoy your quality of life again.

Menopause Tips:

TAKE VITAMINS MADE FOR MENOPAUSE

Evening Primrose Oil: Taking evening primrose oil will not erase menopause completely, it will however help diminish some of the many symptoms that come with the hormonal change. Symptoms such as joint pain, insomnia, anxiety and the unfortunate event of hormonal hair loss may be minimized when regularly taking this supplement. Many use natural treatments including evening primrose oil as an alternative way to treat menopause rather than risk the side effects, short and long term that may come with hormone replacement therapy.

Black Cosh: This herb is used by many suffering from perimenopause and menopause helping in alleviating negative side effects due to the change. Black cosh may have the ability to help with vaginal dryness, mood swings (and boy can they be vicious!), hot flashes and those uncomfortable excess sweating spells. When it comes to black cosh, many report that their body temperature is lowered allowing them to sleep better with fewer night sweats. There hasn’t been scientific proof although many women find relief when taken daily.

DRINK TONS OF WATER

Although drinking the recommended amount of at least 8 glasses of water daily is highly suggested for everyone, those suffering from menopausal symptoms will find that hydrating themselves may help keep their body temperature and skin cool. During times of menopause, hormonal changes are a huge cause of bloating and weight gain especially around the midsection, drinking adequate amounts of water may help with weight loss as well as with the prevention of weight gain.

WEAR LAYERS

There is nothing that triggers anxiety more than wearing a pullover sweater during menopause and having awful hot flashes that you’re unable to do anything about! Wearing layers helps prevent the body from becoming overheated or chilly due to hot flashes allowing you to better control your body’s temperature. Peeling off and adding layers as needed lowers that anxiety that is triggered the moment you start feeling flushed. So carry a sweater or jacket with you or keep a lighter top in your handbag if at any point you feel the need to change. 

AVOID TRIGGER FOODS

An important step in taking charge and dealing with your menopausal symptoms is found at home, in your kitchen. One of the last things we typically think of to minimize these side effects is getting rid of and replacing some of our favorite foods and beverages and changing our eating habits. It may not be easy for most, but the improvement of symptoms will make you thankful you made the switch!

Although these are some very important triggers, avoiding them won’t completely eliminate those hot flashes but may however greatly reduce the number you experience…

• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Spicy foods
• Fast foods
• Fatty meat
• Red meat
• Processed foods
• Excess amounts of sugar

GET READY FOR A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP

Unfortunately even those that previously had no problem with their sleep may find that during menopause their sleep habits and overall quality of sleep have changed BIG TIME. Between sleep disturbances, hot flashes, and night sweats, menopause can do a number to your body as well as your sleep. Some simple ways you can incorporate into your bedroom that may help you catch more zzz’s are quite easy to do…

• Wearing lightweight, loose, moisture wicking clothing
• Keeping a glass of iced water on your nightstand
• Setting a fan next to you to help regulate your body temperature
• Maintaining a regular sleep schedule
• Avoiding caffeine

All women will hit menopause at one point or another. Some may experience it sooner than later, some may have little to no symptoms while others have severe side effects. Everyone is different so it’s important to find what works best for you. Before adding any vitamins or supplements to your everyday routine, it is highly recommended to consult with your doctor who can walk you through options that are right for you and safe with any medicines you may be taking. Menopause doesn’t have to be dreaded, but should be celebrated as a new stage of your beautiful life.

So here’s to the change!