So, you have been waking up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat, you are picking up weight, you are mad or crying all the time, and you don’t know why.
While every woman is different, it appears that the average age is about 51 and the symptoms vary but include, hot flashes, weight gain, mood swings, vaginal dryness, thinning of the hair, breast changes, and insomnia.
Menopause occurs when the hormones that make you fertile begin to diminish. These hormones are estrogen and progesterone. The ovaries produce them and when they decline you begin to have irregular periods, along with a host of other symptoms.
You may have already seen your Doctor for some of the ill effects that come with menopause, such as incontinence, brittle bones, heart palpitations, lack of sex drive, anxiety, or panic attacks.
Just know that you are not alone and that while you cannot stop the hands of time, you can make sure that your time does not have to be stricken with one hot flash after another. There are things that you can do to help regulate this time of your life.
- Exercise: This will help fight weight gain due to your metabolism slowing down; it will also help reduce your stress and anxiety during this time.
- Eating right: Choosing the right foods can help fight heart disease and osteoporosis, which are more prevalent in women after menopause.
- Dong Quai: This an herb that belongs in the same family as carrots, its benefits include helping to regulate your hot flashes.
- Black Cohosh: Contains triterpene glycosides that help to regulate the symptoms of mood swings.
- Primrose oil: Fights bone loss in osteoporosis and help increase sex drive.
It is true that menopause treatment is not a one size fits all, which is why it is essential to pay attention to your body and what works best for you. It also helps to keep a fan in your purse.
