Natural Tips on Dealing With Menopause

Menopause is a term that covers a completely new world of meaning for women reaching the ages of 45-50. While it means the period of cessation of menstruation or the end of the reproductive age for women, it is a life-changing chapter in a woman’s life that involves a myriad of symptoms that brings out her new self.

Yes, the hormones are raging at this stage, so whether the new self is gentle or monstrous is entirely up to how she handles it. Every woman has her own blueprint in her own reproductive cycle hence the arrival of the Big M with its symptoms on her life would not be the same as with others.

What are the symptoms of the Big M?

Most of us are probably aware that the depletion of the sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone, brings about the menopausal symptoms. These hormones have a wide variety of effects in the human body, with symptoms varying from one woman to another. The following symptoms for most menopausal women come with varying degrees, intensity and duration.

1. HOT FLASHES – The famous “hot flashes” that most women are ranting about as the primary symptom of the Big M! They describe it as an outsurge of heat on the upper body or all over the body! There is a feeling of hot discomfort that they describe as their “own personal summer”.
2. IRREGULAR MENSTRUAL PATTERNS – A bleeding that is heavier or lighter than usual or no bleeding at all may indicate that you have some health conditions, or might mean that menopausal stage will soon arrive!
3. PAINFUL INTERCOURSE - Well, this could be a start of a diminishing sexual life. Due to the depleting hormones, the vaginal walls are not very much lubricated, hence the dryness and possible atrophy, which makes sex painful.
4. MOOD SWINGS – Well, women experience mood swings more than men in their entire lifetime. With menopause, mood swings are more drastic with their hormones, which regulate mood and emotions, thrown off balance.
5. CHANGES IN THE SKIN, HAIR AND OTHER TISSUES – Sex hormones in our body maintain our cells and tissues. With age, our level of estrogen is reduced and hair loss and skin dryness start to happen.

Natural Ways to Live Happier And Healthier With Menopause

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) was once a big solution for women in their menopausal stage. Now that research found out its contribution to the development of breast cancer, heart attacks and strokes, HRT was no longer a viable and healthy option for women in their quest to beat the symptoms of menopause. In order to keep all the symptoms mentioned under control, try out these healthier alternatives.

1. Have Ample Exercise – Do not be afraid to get sweaty, let your muscles move and your heart pump! Any form of physical exercise will improve mood and promote restful sleep afterwards. A research in Sweden showed that women who exercise more have reduced tendency for hot flashes!
2. Find Pleasure (and joy!) in Soy – Plant Estrogens can be found in Soy. These plant estrogens bind with the estrogen receptors in the body, which act like the human hormone. Eating estrogen-rich food also reduces hot flashes.
3. Set the Tone for Intimacy – Talk to your husband about what you are experiencing. He would have already noticed how “cold” you are in bed. Coincidentally, this is the point in men’s life where they are trying to prove their virility with sex while women are battling with decreased libido from menopause. Therefore, set the tone for intimacy.
4. Find Time to Relax – We have our mothers, older sisters, aunties and even friends who are in the same boat. While going through this natural process, do what you love most and have fun doing it. Find time to relax and spare your body from unnecessary external stress while the hormones inside are going haywire. Slowly regain that old happy self and forget about the symptoms of the Big M.
5. Turn to Alternative Natural Herbs – You can feel better with some help from nature. There are many herbs that help boost mood. They are natural, sparing you from the ill effects of synthetic drugs. Evening Primrose, Black Cohosh and Maca are just some of the plants that help relieve frustrating menopausal symptoms.

Now that you have an idea of the phenomenon that Big M may bring, it could be easier to face it in the future. Whether personally or with an acquaintance going through the process, menopause is a normal stage in a woman’s reproductive life.

References:

Anothermotherrunner.com. (2011). The Finish Line for the Big-M Was in Sight | another mother runner. [online] Available at: http://anothermotherrunner.com/2011/07/19/finish-line-for-the-big-m-was-in-sight/ [Accessed 5 Apr. 2016].

Prevention. (2012). Feel Your Best After 50. [online] Available at: http://www.prevention.com/health/healthy-living/how-stay-healthy-and-happy-after-menopause [Accessed 5 Apr. 2016].

Menopause Goddess Blog.com (2016). Forging New Relationships with Intimates After Menopause Part II. [online] Available at: http://www.menopausegoddessblog.com/2016/04/10/forging-new-relationships-with-intimates-after-menopause-part-ii/ [Accessed 5 Apr. 2016].