Menopause is the cessation of menstruation in women and is the result of a natural biological process. Menopause is diagnosed when a woman has gone 12 months without having her menstruation.
In the United States, the average age of menopause is 51, though it can occur as early as a woman's forties. Perimenopause refers to the time period preceding menopause, during which a woman's menstrual cycle may experience alterations.
Ovulation becomes erratic and a woman's quantity of mature eggs in her ovaries decreases at this time. Simultaneously, less estrogen and fewer progesterone are produced. Menopause is not a medical condition, but rather a natural progression of female aging. Some women have no discomfort throughout menopause, and they may even be pleased to finally be done with unpleasant periods and childbearing. Other women, however, may have menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, sex pain, irritability, and even melancholy during this time. Certain health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and breast cancer, are more likely to strike after menopause. Menopausal symptoms can be effectively treated with a variety of approaches, including dietary changes, exercise, and hormone replacement therapy.
MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS
Common symptoms of menopause are as follows;
- Hot flashes are acute bursts of heat that are frequently accompanied by sweating and flushing of the face and upper torso.
- Excessive perspiration during sleeping can interrupt sleep patterns and create discomfort.
- Irregular menstrual cycles: Menstrual cycles become irregular, with fluctuations in period frequency and duration.
- Vaginal dryness refers to a lack of lubrication in the vaginal area, which causes discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse.
- Mood swings: Mood fluctuations such as anger, anxiety, and depression.
- Sleep problems include difficulty falling or staying asleep, as well as poor sleep quality.
- Fatigue is defined as persistent exhaustion and a lack of energy.
- Libido alterations: decreased sex drive or changes in sexual desire.
- Urinary issues include increased urination, urinary incontinence, and urinary tract infections.
- Cognitive changes: Some women may report memory, attention, or mental clarity issues.
HOW TO GET RELIEF FROM MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS NATURALLY
1. Wear layered clothing
You can reduce the severity of menopause symptoms like hot flashes by dressing in layers. When dealing with heat flashes, you can take charge of your comfort by selecting three or more top layers. Layering your clothing is a great way to stay comfortable and stylish in a range of temperatures. Layering works especially well with lightweight, airy fabrics. Fabrics made from natural materials such as cotton, linen, and silk are breathable and can aid in temperature regulation. During menopause, it might be difficult to feel comfortable or put together, but wearing thin layers of natural textiles can assist.
Skin-tight clothes should be avoided during menopause since they can make you feel much hotter and sweatier. Fabrics made from natural fibers like cotton, linen, bamboo, and silk are preferable to those made from synthetic fibers because they allow more air circulation. Hot flushes can be exacerbated by the increased heat and dampness retained by synthetic clothes. Wearing loose-fitting garments like palazzo pants and tunics is also recommended. One of the easiest strategies to manage your comfort and stay cool during hot flashes is to dress in layers. You should also wear clothes that highlight your best assets, such as high-waisted bottoms, A-line dresses and skirts, caftans, skimming silhouettes, empire waist tops and dresses, and so on. V-necks and other necklines that are exposed in the center are the most figure-flattering.
2. Stay hydrated
There are many reasons why it's important for menopausal women to drink enough of water.
- Hot flash prevention can be achieved by consuming at least eight glasses of water daily. Drinking cool water at the first sign of a flash helps reduce its severity.
- Water intake has been linked to improvements in menopause-related symptoms such as nausea, hot flashes, headache severity and frequency, and cramping.
- Increased water intake is associated with enhanced cognitive performance.
- Drinking more water can improve the health of your skin, hair, and nails.
- Drinking more water helps alleviate bladder discomfort and decrease the need to urinate frequently.
- Water helps alleviate the bloating that sometimes comes along with hormonal shifts.
- In order to alleviate these symptoms, it is suggested that you consume 8 to 12 glasses of water daily. Drinking enough water before, during, and after workouts and games is also crucial. After hot flashes and night sweats, simple water may not be enough to prevent dehydration during menopause.
3. Limit caffeine and alcohol
During menopause, limiting caffeine and booze can help in a number of ways, such as:
- Getting rid of hot flashes: Drinking caffeine is linked to more frequent and more severe night sweats and hot flashes. This menopause sign is easier to deal with if you drink decaf coffee or tea.
- Scientists have shown that drinking alcohol lowers melatonin, which is the hormone that controls when you sleep and wake up. During menopause, drinking less alcohol can help you sleep better.
- Lessening mood swings: Heavy drinking can make a woman depressed during menopause. Having less booze can help with mood swings.
- Limiting the amount of alcohol you drink can help lower your chance of getting some health problems during menopause.
- Limiting sweet drinks can help cut down on sugar cravings, which tend to get worse during menopause.
During menopause, it's best to drink no more than one or two drinks a day. Hot flashes and night sweats are less likely to happen if you drink decaf coffee or tea. During menopause, there are many options for caffeine, such as:
- Decaffeinated coffee and tea are better choices if you want to reduce hot flashes and night sweats.
- Herbal teas like ginger, mint, lavender, or chamomile tea have no caffeine and can help you feel calm and at ease.
- Chicory root "coffee" replacement: If you want a warm drink, try a "coffee" substitute made from chicory root.
- During menopause, eating foods high in B vitamins can help strengthen your nervous system and keep stress at bay. Accept foods like eggs, beans, and lentils.
- Drinking more water can help ease menopause symptoms like hot flashes, headaches, and cramps.
4. Get Adequate sleep
There are many advantages to getting enough sleep during menopause, including:
- Enhancing the quality of sleep for menopausal women, who frequently struggle with sleep disruptions like hot flashes and insomnia. Sleeping enough hours each night can help you get better sleep and have fewer interruptions.
- Anxiety and despair are common in women through menopause, and reducing these feelings can help with sleep problems. Sufficient sleep has been shown to alleviate depressive and anxious feelings.
- During menopause, drinking extra water can help improve cognitive performance.
- Getting enough shut-eye during menopause might lessen the likelihood of contracting a variety of health problems.
- During menopause, it is especially important to receive the required amount of sleep (between 7-8 hours) each night.
During menopause, there are a number of natural therapies that can help you get a better night's rest.
- Natural sleep aids include valerian root and chamomile, both of which are available as herbal supplements.
- Melatonin: Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate our sleep cycles and can be used as a supplement to improve sleep quality.
- The combination of L-theanine and lemon balm may help menopausal women relax and have a good night's rest.
- The quality of your sleep can be improved by establishing a calm evening routine that includes putting away electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime.
- It's also possible to find relief from sleeplessness associated with menopause by using over-the-counter drugs. If you're interested in investigating this possibility, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
- Improvements in sleep quality during menopause may also result from adopting a healthier lifestyle, which includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress-reduction strategies such as meditation and yoga.
5. Herbal remedies
There are a number of advantages to using herbal supplements during menopause, such as:
- Menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, sleeplessness, lethargy, sexual dysfunction, and vaginal dryness, can be treated with medicinal herbs.
- Some herbal medicines, like black cohosh, are safe, with a lower risk than a placebo.
- Herbal remedies have been used for menopause for centuries, and some of these remedies have recently been shown to have beneficial effects in clinical trials.
- Black cohosh has been studied more than any other plant used to treat the symptoms of menopause.
- Herbal treatments may be safer than conventional pharmaceuticals since they produce fewer negative effects.
You should check with your doctor to make sure herbal remedies are safe for you to take before using them. There may be drug interactions or negative effects from using some herbs.
Although many herbs can be helpful in relieving menopausal symptoms, there are a few that should be avoided. Some herbs to stay away from or use sparingly are listed below.
- Women with hypertension should avoid licorice root since it raises blood pressure.
- Antidepressants, birth control pills, and blood thinners are just some of the medications that St. John's Wort may interact with.
- Women who have difficulties sleeping should avoid ginseng because it can make it more difficult to fall asleep.
- Women who are using blood thinners or who have a bleeding issue should avoid Dong Quai since it can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Red Clover: Phytoestrogens included in red clover may cause drug interactions, thus this herb should be handled with care.
6. Mind-body techniques
Using mind-body methods during menopause can help in a number of ways, such as:
- For example, the relaxation response is a mind-body technique that can be used to reduce the stress reaction, lower catecholamines, and help keep the autonomic nervous system in balance.
- Improving menopausal symptoms: Mindfulness training has been shown to help with many different menopausal symptoms, like hot flashes, night sweats, muscle and joint pain, anxiety, and other mood problems that come with the change.
- Mind-body therapies like yoga, tai chi, and meditation-based programs can help lessen menopause symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Lessening anxiety: Relaxation methods can help ease anxiety and give you more peace of mind during menopause.
- Mind-body techniques can help with general health during menopause by reducing stress and making it easier to sleep.
Before you start a new workout or relaxation program, you should talk to your doctor to make sure it is safe and will help you.
Mindfulness training can help with a number of menopause effects, such as:
- Yoga: Studies have shown that yoga can help menopausal and vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats.
- Tai chi: Tai chi has been shown to improve general menopausal and vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats.
- Breathing exercises: These can help lessen the stress and worry that comes with menopause.
- Meditation: Meditation can help lessen the stress and anxiety that come with menopause and make life better overall.
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a program that blends yoga, body awareness, and meditation to help people deal with stress and feel better overall.
- Progressive muscle relaxation is a method for reducing stress and anxiety that includes tightening and then relaxing different muscle groups.
7. Phytoestrogens
Phytoestrogens are chemicals found in plants that can act like estrogen in the body. Using phytoestrogens during menopause has the following benefits:
- Phytoestrogens may help menopausal women with hot flashes feel better without causing any major side effects.
- Phytoestrogens may be a natural alternative to hormone replacement treatment (HRT) for promoting bone strength and preventing osteoporosis.
- Improving mood and energy: A woman's mood and energy can be affected when her estrogen levels drop. Some women try to avoid problems with their periods by eating foods that are high in phytoestrogens.
- Some phytoestrogen mixtures have been shown to reduce the number of hot flashes.
- Some phytoestrogens have been shown to help menopausal women sleep better and remember things better.
- Balancing overall hormone levels: Phytoestrogens can help balance overall hormone levels, which can be helpful in situations where estrogen is too high, like during perimenopause when estrogen is the most important hormone.
Some common foods that contain phytoestrogens are:
- Soybeans, tempeh, and soy milk all have a lot of phytoestrogens.
- Oats and rice are good grain sources of phytoestrogens.
- Flaxseed, sesame seeds, almonds, cashews, peanuts, and pistachios are all seeds and nuts that are high in phytoestrogens.
- Chickpeas and lentils, which are legumes, are good sources of phytoestrogens.
- Phytoestrogens can be found in plums, pears, apples, grapes, strawberries, and other plants.
- In vegetables, phytoestrogens can be found in beans, sprouts, broccoli, spinach, garlic, and onions.
- Wine and tea both have phytoestrogens in them.
8. Regular exercise
During menopause, maintaining a regular fitness routine gives various benefits, including the following:
- Enhancing one's physical fitness: Regular exercise can enhance one's physical fitness in a number of different ways, including cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and flexibility.
- During menopause, women typically experience a decrease in muscle mass and an increase in belly fat, which can be a barrier to weight loss. Participating in regular physical activity can aid in both the prevention of weight gain and the promotion of weight loss.
- Losing extra weight or maintaining a healthy weight through exercise during and after menopause can help you reduce your chance of developing many types of cancer. These cancers include breast cancer, colon cancer, and endometrial cancer.
- Bones can be strengthened by exercise, which can also reduce the rate of bone loss that occurs after menopause, hence lowering the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.
- Gaining weight during menopause can have major repercussions for your health, including the reduced risk of developing other ailments. The risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes is increased by carrying excess weight. The benefits of regular exercise can mitigate these dangers.
- Enhancing one's mood, adults who engage in regular physical activity have a lower risk of both depression and cognitive deterioration.
- One study found that menopausal women who exercised for a year saw significant gains in mental health compared to those who did not exercise. This improvement was seen in comparison to those who did not exercise.
The following are some of the most effective forms of exercise for treating symptoms associated with menopause:
- Aerobic exercise: Aerobic exercise can help lower the risk of heart disease, boost energy levels, and improve the quality of sleep, all of which are benefits of cardiovascular exercise.
- Activities such as walking, jogging, cycling, and swimming are all good examples of cardiovascular exercise.
- Exercises that involve resistance can help women retain their bone density and muscular mass, which can be of benefit to them as they go through menopause.
- Lifting weights, doing exercises that use only your own body weight, and using resistance bands are all forms of resistance training.
- Yoga: Yoga can help reduce levels of stress and alleviate some menopause symptoms, such as night sweats and hot flashes. Yoga can also assist improve sleep quality.
- Additionally, it has the potential to enhance both balance and flexibility.
- Exercising your mobility helps to preserve your range of motion and protects you from injury. They also have the potential to enhance one's equilibrium and coordination.
Before beginning a new fitness regimen, it is vital to check in with a medical professional to be certain that the regimen will be both beneficial and risk-free for you. In addition to this, it is essential to select workouts that are suitable for both your current level of fitness and the requirements of your health.
9. Balanced diet
During menopause, eating a healthy diet can help in many ways, such as:
- Reducing the risk of health problems: Eating a healthy diet can lower the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and other health problems that are more common after menopause.
- Keeping a healthy weight: A healthy weight can help lower the risk of diabetes and heart disease. As estrogen levels drop, it can be harder to keep a healthy weight.
- Improving happiness and energy: Eating healthy foods can make you feel better, fight fatigue, and give you more energy.
- Benefits for body composition: Low-fat, plant-based meals are linked to body composition benefits.
- Adding dairy products, healthy fats, whole grains, fruits, veggies, foods high in phytoestrogens, and good sources of protein to your diet may help relieve some menopause symptoms.
- Eating veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, and kale can help make hot flashes less severe.
Here are some important foods that menopausal women need to eat:
- Calcium: Calcium is important for keeping bone health, which can be at risk during menopause because estrogen levels drop. Calcium can be found in dairy products, leafy veggies, and foods that have been added to them.
- Vitamin D: Your body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium and keep your bones healthy. Vitamin D can be found in fatty fish, egg yolks, and foods that have been added to them.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation and improve heart health in women going through menopause. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in foods like fatty fish, flaxseeds, and chia seeds.
- Fiber: During menopause, women need more fiber to keep their guts healthy. Whole grains, fruits, and veggies are good food sources of fiber.
- Phytoestrogens: Phytoestrogens are plant chemicals that can act like estrogen in the body and may help relieve some menopause symptoms. Soy products, flaxseeds, and whole grains are all good food sources of phytoestrogens.
- Vitamin K: Vitamin K is important for healthy bones and for making sure blood clots. Green leafy veggies, meat, eggs, and cheese are all good sources of vitamin K.
Before making big changes to your food or adding supplements, it's important to talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian. Also, it's important to pick things that are good for your health and fit your tastes.
10. Seek support
Getting help during menopause can help in the ways listed below.
- Emotional support: Menopause can be a trying period, so reaching out for aid from loved ones or a therapist can help you adjust to the new normal.
- The physical benefits of exercise during and after menopause include the prevention of weight gain, the lowering of cancer risks, the strengthening of bones, the lowering of the risk of other diseases, and an improvement in mood. One way to keep themselves motivated and on track with their fitness objectives is to join an exercise group or hire a personal trainer.
- Menopausal women can benefit greatly from the support of their partners who, among other things, can be understanding and patient when their partners experience mood swings or other menopausal symptoms and who can help out around the house.
- A good diet helps alleviate menopause symptoms and make the transition less difficult. Appropriate dietary modifications can be made easier with the guidance of a qualified dietitian or nutritionist.
- Participating in a menopause support group or online community might help you feel less alone and more connected to others who understand what you're going through.
Partners can help women during menopause in the following ways:
- Partners can help by encouraging women to be as open as possible with their doctors about how they're feeling and what they've tried to do to alleviate their symptoms. One way that partners may provide the best support for their loved ones is by asking them about their emotions and experiences.
- To better understand and meet their partner's needs during menopause, partners can educate themselves on the condition and its physical and emotional symptoms.
- Emotional support from a spouse can help menopausal women through the difficult mood swings and other symptoms that often accompany this period in life.
- Encourage physical activity: Partners can aid women in coping with symptoms by encouraging them to go for walks, swim, or try out new forms of exercise like yoga.
- The effects of menopause can be mitigated with the assistance of supportive partners.
- Cooperate: Partners can help one other through the difficulties of menopause by working together. This includes offering to attend to couples counseling where both partners feel secure and free to open up about the issues they are encountering in their relationship, being there for each other, and finding mutually enjoyable activities.
Partners should keep in mind that menopause can affect women in a variety of ways, and that the type of assistance each woman needs may vary greatly. If you want to know how you can best aid and support your spouse, it's best to ask her directly.