Menopause in women marks the end of her reproductive period when all menstruation ceases. This happens when the ovaries no longer releases an egg for fertilization monthly as it had before, and the hormone estrogen is no longer produced. Normally this occurs after the age of forty, but has been known to happen earlier for some women.
Menopause can be a very traumatic time for some women. The body goes through many changes and women can experience multiple symptoms like heat flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, loss of sex drive, depression, fatigue, muscle aches and pains, and many others. Sadly, there are still many doctors who are not sensitive or properly educated about menopause, its causes, symptoms, and the effect is has on women all around the world. But there is help available for women who are struggling to survive menopause. Here are some tips to help you deal with menopause:
- Eat more fish. Fish is a great source of the fatty acids that help you keep your memory sharp. It also helps fight problems with dry skin. Add fishes like tuna, sardines, halibut, salmon and mackerel to your diet. Also eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Eat more nuts and seeds to help with some of the dry skin problems associated with menopause.
- Cut back on coffee and tea, because caffeine causes dehydration.
- Stop drinking alcohol. Alcohol causes you to perspire and increases hot flushes.
- Exercise regularly. Exercise is just one of those things that makes you feel and look better and always helps the body deal with anything that tries to break it down.
- Stay away from salt-cured meats like sausage, bacon, ham, bologna and hot dogs.
- Take time for yourself. Have a special time and place where you can be refreshed and pamper yourself if need be.
- Keep your mind active and try to stay positive. Don’t let negative thoughts and emotions control how you feel. Surround yourself with people who make you happy. Talk with them about how you feel so they can encourage you when you need to be uplifted.
- Get advice from your physician. If something is bothering you or you just don’t feel right, seek your doctor’s help. Don’t be hesitant to discuss what you’re going through.
- Get a calcium supplement. As the level of estrogen in the body decreases, the loss of calcium increases. Get your physician to recommend a good calcium supplement to replace the loss.
Menopause is not an easy time for women, but you can survive it. Follow the tips above and you will soon learn to recognize and cope with the many symptoms brought on by menopause. – Dykeman
