So you may have just been told by your doctor that you’re entering menopause. Or perhaps your body might be telling you about it through symptoms you’re going through right now. Congratulations! This is a major life change, but it doesn’t have to be a negative one. In this blog post, I’ll give you an overview of what menopause is and what to expect during this time in your life. Keep reading for more information on this transition period.

What you need to know about Menopause

Menopause is a natural process that happens to every woman. It can often be accompanied by uncomfortable symptoms. Sometimes we get so confused when certainly we are fit and fine one day and then the next day we have all these symptoms come up. 

Menopause is an important natural transition that happens to every woman as she ages. What this means is that when you’re ovulating every month and menstruating, there is always a chance of you getting pregnant. Otherwise, it can flow away with the blood. This cycle happens every month. Along with this comes the symphony of hormones. Hormones, like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, tend to go up and down. As a result, you may experience the varied effects of these hormones. 

After a certain age, you run out of the number of eggs you have in the ovary. Consequently, your hormone levels start to plummet because you don’t ovulate or get your menstrual cycle. When you’re not menstruating and your hormones are at a certain level for 12 months, this is called menopause.

Telltale Signs 

Menopause symptoms can include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and of course fatigue, which really can be critical. But did you know there are a lot of other symptoms that can pop up during menopause?

Every woman needs to be aware of the symptoms of menopause so she can identify them early and get the treatment she needs. Some of the lesser-known symptoms of menopause include weight gain, hair loss, headaches, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. 

As any woman who has gone through menopause can attest, the symptoms can be highly disruptive to both your physical and mental well-being. Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, weight gain – it’s enough to drive you crazy! 

But what many women don’t realize is that these symptoms are due to the high and low levels of hormones occurring during menopause. As your body transitions out of reproductive mode, it goes through a period of hormone imbalance which can cause all sorts of havoc.  By better understanding these hormone levels, we can provide more targeted relief.

Will there be relief in the midst of all these?

It can be a relief to know there are treatments available to lessen the symptoms of menopause. Treatments available for the symptoms of menopause include hormone therapy and lifestyle changes. 

Hormone Therapy

Now, some people like to go into hormone therapy. I recommend bio-identical hormone therapy. Bio-identical hormone therapy is one option that is available and it can be very effective in managing the symptoms of menopause.

However, before beginning any hormone therapy it is important to consult with a medical professional. We will be able to help you determine if hormone therapy is the right treatment for you and, if so, what type of hormone therapy will work best for you. 

Nutrition Choices

Making a few changes in nutrition choices can help. Eating more vegetables, leaner proteins, and good quality fats can help to keep you healthy and lessen the effects of menopause. You may also want to consider adding supplements to your diet. Supplements can help to provide relief from symptoms and support your overall health. Making these lifestyle changes can be daunting, but know you are not alone.  

Exercise and Body Movement 

Though often considered an inevitable and somewhat bothersome natural occurrence, the symptoms of menopause can be lessened by exercise maintained throughout pre- and post-menopausal years. 

As we age, our bone density begins to decrease. This puts us at risk of developing osteoporosis later in life. However, regular exercise has been shown to not only slow the rate of bone loss but also to improve bone density. This is especially beneficial for post-menopausal women who are no longer receiving the bone-strengthening benefits of estrogen. 

In addition to helping keep bones healthy, exercise can also relieve hot flashes, night sweats, depression, anxiety, and stress. Though it may seem difficult to find the motivation to exercise when dealing with fatigue and irritability, the relief that comes from even a moderate amount of activity is well worth the effort. 

Keep Stress Levels Down 

Though it may sound counterintuitive, one of the best things you can do to lessen the effects of symptoms of menopause is to keep your stress levels down. Easier said than done, we know. But there are things you can do to help relieve stress such as meditation, mindfulness, getting good quality sleep, working out relationships, and keeping your stress levels down. 

Yes, we know, that sounded a bit like a chicken and egg situation. But making lifestyle changes can have a big impact on how you’re feeling during menopause. Take a deep breath and try to relax, knowing there are things you can do to ease your way through this time.

A Note from Dr. Minni 

Symptoms of menopause can be hard to deal with on your own. That’s why it’s important to talk to a health professional if you’re experiencing any changes. We can help you figure out the best way to manage menopause symptoms and get you through this tough time.

Menopause doesn’t mean that you pause in your life. It can be the best period of a woman’s life, where you’ve got over all the responsibilities of taking care of your kids, settling them down and now you have time for yourself.

That’s a lot of information to cover, but we wanted you to have a broad understanding of what menopause is and what you can do about it. We hope this article has helped demystify some of the changes you are experiencing and you will feel more empowered to take charge of your health. If you have any questions or would like more personalized advice, don’t hesitate to schedule a discovery call with us. We want to help make this transition as smooth as possible for you!

You and I both know menopause is not something to lightly take for granted. It can be a very transitionary time in your life, which brings about many uncomfortable symptoms. If you’re experiencing discomfort and concerning symptoms at this period of your life, I would like to help you get to the bottom of it. We’d be happy to schedule a discovery call with you. During this call, we can discuss your symptoms in more detail and come up with a plan tailored specifically for you.

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DISCLAIMER:  The information in this email is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content is for general informational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional