Menopause is a time in a woman’s life when their ovaries stop producing hormones and their menstrual periods stop. This is often associated with an inability to get pregnant naturally. Menopause occurs when a woman has not menstruated for 12 months. Most women experience menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. Preparing for menopause can help reduce the impact of the negative symptoms and help you successfully get through the process.
Preparing for Menopause
Women in their 40s and 50s experience their period getting further and further apart. It can occur sooner or later, but the average age women experience this is during mid-life. While the end of menopause is marked by 12 months of not having a menstrual cycle, women experience a variety of symptoms before this period. The time before menopause is referred to as perimenopause and can last between 1 to 10 years.
Common Menopause Symptoms
Every woman has a different experience during menopause. Some move through it faster than others, while others have more symptoms. There is no real way to predict how you will experience perimenopause so it’s helpful to be prepared and understand what to expect. Below are some of the following symptoms that women experience during this time.
Hot Flashes:
This is often the most common and most well-known symptom. Hot flashes can impact women for up to 10 years before menopause. A wave of heat sensation rises to your head and chest. It can make you feel really hot, look red, sweat on your head, neck, and chest, and then just go away. These often happen at night and can disrupt your sleep. You can’t necessarily stop hot flashes, but there are ways to minimize their impact. Wear layers, carry a handheld fan, and avoid any triggers, such as coffee or spicy foods.
Difficulty Sleeping:
Hormonal changes that occur in your 40s and 50s can make getting a good night’s sleep difficult. Not only can you wake up from a hot flash, but you can experience sleep disruptions in general during this time. Experts suggest avoiding tossing and turning as that can exacerbate the issue. Briefly get up and read something mundane or practice mindfulness meditation before bed (and when you wake up in the middle of the night). If you experience issues with your sleep, consider menopausal health treatments in Gig Harbor.
Inconsistent Moods:
Before and during menopause you may notice a change in your mood due to a change in your hormone levels. Many women experience moodiness, irritability, sadness, and anxiety. For women who experience these issues every day for two weeks may be dealing with clinical depression. This can be difficult on top of the other menopause symptoms you are experiencing. Depression is serious so it’s important to seek professional help early on.
Gig Harbor Wellness Center
The transition women experience during their 40s and 50s can seem foreign. However, there are ways to prepare and move through menopause with ease. Consider the following steps you can take to make your experience smoother.
- Professional Support: There are effective remedies and menopausal health treatments that can help you move through menopause with ease. The Gig Harbor Wellness Center has helped countless women reduce their menopause symptoms and feel like themselves again.
- Diet and Exercise: Having a healthy and well-balanced diet can do wonders for your mind and body. Pack nutrient-dense foods into your diet, including fruits, veggies, and healthy protein sources. It is also recommended that adults exercise for 30 minutes a day five days a week. This can improve bone health, digestion, and your mental health.
- Quality Sleep: While you can’t always control your sleep, there are steps you can take to improve your sleep hygiene. This often results in longer and more quality sleep. Establish a healthy bedtime routine that works for you. Try and get to bed at least 8.5 hours before you need to get up, and avoid snoozing in the morning for optimal sleep.