How to deal with the effects of menopause
*This is not medical advice and professional advice must always be sought with any condition
Menopause is a natural change that occurs as women age. However, it can bring about a range of physical and emotional symptoms that can negatively affect quality of life, including hot flashes and sleeping difficulties.
Whether you’re approaching menopause or have started noticing some symptoms, it’s useful to understand ways to help relieve and deal with these.
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Changes in lifestyle
To manage menopausal symptoms, you may be required to make changes to your lifestyle, particularly if you’re not in a good place nutritionally. If your diet is lacking in important nutrients like essential fatty acids, iron, magnesium, and Vitamins B and D, you may start to feel tired and unmotivated.
Good sources of magnesium come from fresh fruits and vegetables, and you can increase your essential fatty acids by eating more oily fish. You can easily up your intake of other vitamins through daily supplements. Another option to consider is adding Moringa to your diet. The benefits of Moringa for women include its ability to provide essential nutrients, combat fatigue, and increase overall energy, making it a valuable ally during the challenges of menopause.
Mental wellbeing is just as important as physical. Regular exercise can help improve mood, reduce stress, and even alleviate hot flashes. Stress management techniques, such as meditation and yoga, can also be beneficial. If you feel like you need further help, it’s important to chat with your GP, who might recommend cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), a type of talking therapy.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
The majority of symptoms caused by menopause stem from hormone imbalances, more specifically a lack of oestrogen and progesterone. One of the most effective ways of dealing with this is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), which supplements the body with these hormones.
HRT can help alleviate certain symptoms such as night sweats and mood swings, however, it’s important to note that it carries some risks and may not be suitable for everyone. Always discuss the potential benefits and risks with your healthcare provider before starting HRT.
Complimentary treatments
Some products sold in pharmacies and health shops can be useful for treating menopausal symptoms. Superfoods such as flaxseed and soybeans have a molecular structure similar to oestrogen, so it’s possible to trick the brain into thinking there’s balance once again, thus alleviating any night sweats and hot flashes.
Hair loss is another physical change that can occur during menopause. While this can be distressing, there are ways you can manage it. Over-the-counter hair vitamins and supplements can help nourish your follicles and promote healthy growth.
Additional popular remedies for menopause include:
- Black cohosh: Used to help with hot flashes and night sweats
- Angelica: May alleviate menstrual cramps
- Evening primrose oil: Said to help with insomnia, vaginal dryness, and mood swings
If you’re considering using any of these, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider first – just because something is natural, doesn’t mean it’s safe or effective.