First Signs Of Menopause And Ways To Relieve Them

This is the word that no woman likes - menopause. Even though all women are bound to go through menopause, a lot of them don’t like that fact and are looking for ways to make it pass as smoothly as possible. Sometimes, that is hard since menopause creates huge changes in a woman’s body, both physically and mentally. So, if you feel like you are close to menopause, here are some early symptoms and how you can relieve them to go on with your life as normally as possible. 

Menopause and Symptoms

Menopause is defined as the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle due to age. Sometimes there are other reasons for menopause occurring, such as the removal of the ovaries or uterus. Usually, menopause happens between the age of 45 and 55 and lasts for a few years before menstruation completely stops. It may also happen that women go through something called perimenopause. This is the time before menopause when women may experience changes in hormones or irregular or changing periods. So, to know if you are getting close to or entering menopause, you should look for some common symptoms, including:

• Night sweats

• Hot flashes

• Irregular or missed periods

• Trouble sleeping

• Flushing (when your face gets red)

• Heavier or lighter periods than usual

• Vaginal dryness

• Trouble controlling your urine

• Irritability and mood swings

• Anxiety or depression

• Spotty memory

• Thinning hair

• Loss of breast mass

• More facial or body hair

• Dry skin, eyes, or mouth

• Frequent headaches or pain in joints

If you notice any of these symptoms and you are within the age range, talk to your doctor to see your next steps and how to deal with your menopause. Besides that, there are some things you can do to relieve those symptoms and go about your life. 

How to Help Your Body

It goes without saying that menopause will bring a lot of changes and even some insecurities. The changes in hormone levels can significantly change how your feel about your body, but there are things you can do to help your body and mind go through this period. 

Natural supplements

You can consider taking natural products and remedies to relieve the symptoms. The most common supplements include:

• Phytoestrogens - you can consume them through natural food sources or supplements. 

• Black cohosh - there is some scientific evidence that this can relieve hot flashes, but more research is needed. 

• Red clover - there are findings that red clover can alleviate hot flashes. 

• Other supplements - probiotics, prebiotics, cranberry extract, kava, and primrose oil can help alleviate hot flashes and night sweats. 

Rejuvenation 

Since menopause changes how women feel about their bodies, women often decide to go through vaginal rejuvenation. According to dr Andrew Krinsky, women can go for a MonaLisa Touch procedure which is a non-invasive laser treatment for vaginal rejuvenation. Such a procedure can help women feel better about their reproductive organs and help alleviate any anxieties when it comes to continuing to have sexual intercourse. 

Reduce refined sugars and processed foods

A diet filled with refined sugar and carbs can only cause rises and dips in blood sugar. This is what can cause further irritability and tiredness. Such foods can actually worsen your physical and mental symptoms, so it is advised to reduce the intake of such foods. What’s more, there is proof that refined carbs may increase the risk of depression in postmenopausal women. Additionally, unhealthy foods can worsen your bone health and overall dissatisfaction with your body image. 

Eat foods rich in phytoestrogens

If you don’t want to take supplements, then you should get your phytoestrogens from natural sources. These may help balance your hormones and help you alleviate hot flashes and irritability. Food that you can eat includes:

• Tofu

• Flaxseeds

• Soybeans

• Linseeds

• Sesame seeds

• Beans

There are studies that have found that eating such foods can even help you regulate your blood pressure, and cholesterol levels and reduce the severity of hot flashes. 

Exercise regularly 

Currently, there isn’t enough evidence of whether exercise can help alleviate symptoms of menopause, but it is still recommended. Regular exercise brings a lot of health benefits that can help you feel better about your body and keep in shape no matter what is happening with your hormones. Exercising can improve your energy and metabolism, provide you with healthier bones and joints, decrease stress and help you sleep better. All this can help put you in a better mood, relieve anxiety and depression, and help you go through your menopause smoothly. 

No woman is happy to go through menopause, but it is inevitable. Luckily, there are ways to help yourself get through it more smoothly and successfully continue with your life.