We are, all of us, heading into the next stage of our lives at any given time, either approaching or in the middle of changes that will determine how we live and what complaints we have over the coming years. As most women start to head through their forties, it’s not just the signs of aging that are worth keeping an eye on. Menopause is likely to be on the way and, for years heading towards it, there will be a series of changes that, simply put, can be a real hassle to deal with. Here, we’re going to look at how you can take a head start to make the changes that come with menopause a little easier to deal with.
Getting irregular
One of the most common symptoms of menopause is that irregular periods can start to show up. There is a variety of things that can help you manage irregular periods. There is medication such as Medroxyprogesterone that is widely used. It’s also important to talk to your doctor about missed periods just because there are multiple causes, and you want to be able to narrow them down to be certain as to what is causing yours, such as changing birth control pills and things like an overactive thyroid can cause irregular periods, too.
What to do about hot flashes
One of the most famous issues with menopause is the hot flashes that can suddenly hit. Also known as hot flushes, these are sudden flares of heat that can leave you sweating and your skin flared up. They tend to start leading up to menopause, but some women experience them for the rest of their life. Taking steps to keep yourself cool (such as having a personal wearable fan and dressing in light clothes) can help, but some solutions aim to put a more permanent end to these flashes, such as HRT or hormone replacement therapy. Given how frustrating hot flashes can be, it’s a good idea to prepare some form of management, at least.
Discomfort down under
With changes to periods and hormones, it’s not uncommon for women to experience vaginal discomfort as a symptom of menopause. While you should talk to your doctor about this if it gets very severe, you can manage light discomfort with the help of over-the-counter vaginal lubricants. Avoid those with glycerin as some women find that they are sensitive to that chemical, which can cause a burning or itching sensation.
Dealing with changes in your mood
With the hormonal changes and the discomfort directly caused by menopause, it’s not unheard of for women to experience changes to their mental health and mood. Investing in self-care time can improve things, but many doctors will prescribe low-dose antidepressants, which can help get you through the mood swings but can also help to further control hot flashes.
Getting a good night’s sleep
Both the hot flashes and irritability that come with menopause can lead to difficulty sleeping at night, especially if you’re experiencing night sweats. There are plenty of tips you can use to cool yourself down at night and relax for better sleep, such as choosing natural materials for bedding and pajamas, as well as taking the time to meditate to maintain a calm mind before going to bed. As mentioned, HRT can help eliminate hot flashes for many women, and night sweats can go with them, too.
Start managing your health more completely
Menopause marks the beginning of a woman’s journey into middle age, which can come with all kinds of aches and pains. As such, you should try to do more to manage your everyday health. Eating a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help alleviate some of the worst symptoms of menopause. Smoking can also increase hot flashes and even bring menopause on earlier, so you will want to look at the possibility of quitting if you haven’t already.
Managing the symptoms of menopause isn’t always easy, and you should be willing to talk to your doctor about what else you can do to make the transition a little easier on yourself. Hopefully, the tips above give you a good place to start.