Menopause is a natural part of aging for women, but it comes with uncomfortable symptoms and side effects. These symptoms may lead to anxiety or depression if left untreated. The experienced doctors at Adriatica Women’s Health want to help you understand the symptoms of menopause and how to alleviate them so you can get back to enjoying your life.
What are the symptoms of menopause?
Most women in the United States go through menopause by the time they turn 52. This change of life, as it’s often referred, may cause irregular periods or no periods at all. If you don’t get a period for 12 consecutive months and you are not pregnant, nursing or sick, it is very likely you have reached menopause.
Here are a few more symptoms that women going through menopause may experience:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Headaches
- Insomnia/trouble sleeping
- Emotional changes/mood swings
- Reduced libido
- Sensation of rapid heartbeat
- Memory lapse of cognitive problems
- Vaginal dryness or infections
- Joint pain
How can I ease the symptoms of menopause?
Here are six ways that can help make the transition go more smoothly.
- Exercise
Hot flashes can cause depression, anxiety, and stress. Stay active to reduce stress and improve your mood. Regular physical activity also builds muscle and may reduce bone loss, an issue for aging women. - Keep a journal
Get to know what may trigger your hot flashes by keeping a journal of daily activities, meals and stress. - Eat mindfully
If you notice hot flashes after a spicy meal, caffeine or alcohol, change up your food choices until you find a plan that works for you. Perhaps limit caffeine to mornings and avoid alcohol in the evenings.
- Keep a regular schedule
Keep your body stable with a regular sleeping, eating and activity schedule. When your body knows what to expect, it will be better able to withstand hormonal changes. - Limit stress
Many women experience relief from menopause symptoms through yoga and meditation. At the onset of a hot flash, yogic breathing is also beneficial. Six to eight deep breaths per minute, twice a day for 15 minutes. The secret to yogic breathing success is the exhalation should be twice as long as the inhalation. - Relieve vaginal dryness
Menopause reduces the amount of estrogen hormone in your body, which leads to this uncomfortable and sometimes painful condition. With MonaLisa Touch®, Adriatica Women’s Health’s OB/GYN specialists can restore your vaginal health quickly and easily.
You don’t have to suffer from the uncomfortable symptoms associated with menopause and decreased estrogen. Call us today at 972-542-8884 to schedule an initial consultation. You can also schedule an appointment using our easy online form.