When you start reaching your late 40s, the symptoms of menopause might start to set in, which is a tough transition for any woman to face. Around 60% of women experience issues like mood swings, hot flashes, fatigue and other symptoms related to the change in their hormones.
While this is an inevitability for most of us, that doesn’t mean you have to take it sitting down. You can manage your symptoms and handle your menopause by taking your health into your own hands. Here’s how to do it.
Keep the Fire Burning
First of all, remember that you don’t need to sacrifice your sex life or sexual health once you hit menopause. There are plenty of ways to keep the fire burning in your relationship, or whatever your journey might be.
Be sure to communicate your needs and how you feel to your partner, and consider seeking out MiddlesexMD resources on sex after 50 to find some other tips and tricks to keep enjoying your sex life.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleeping can be tough when you’re going through menopause, but it’s more important than ever to get enough rest. When you’re struggling with tiredness, you’ll want to do everything you can to keep energy levels up and maintain a sharp mind. Prioritising a good 8 hours of sleep is the first step.
If you struggle with sleep, try to set up a good bedtime routine, and make sure you’re cooled down before you climb into bed.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Hormonal changes can cause many changes to your body – your bones may begin to weaken, and you might gain weight, amongst other issues. Following a healthy, well-balanced diet will help combat these problems.
Focus on foods rich in calcium and Vitamin D to help fight osteoporosis, and manage your portion sizes to avoid excessive weight gain. A healthy diet will allow you to live longer, and have a fuller, healthier life after 50.
Reduce Smoking and Drinking
Alcohol and cigarettes are never a healthy option, but after 50 you’ll need to start seriously considering your consumption of these and cutting them back. Oftentimes, these can trigger and worsen menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and irritability.
Your occasional glass of wine is still okay, but watch out for overconsuming alcohol, which is unhealthy for an individual of any age.
Don’t Be Afraid to Medicate
Finally, reaching out for help is okay. When our bodies are changing and we don’t know how to handle the symptoms, there are supplements and treatments that can help you through the worst of it. Relying on medication for some help is common, and completely normal, as long as you discuss everything with a registered health practitioner.
Reach out to your doctor to discuss hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if you feel like you might need it, or simply enquire about natural supplements that might help you deal with the changes. A sleep supplement is a good place to start and can help with many of the related problems too, such as fatigue and depression.
