Are you feeling like your body is suddenly out of sync? Are you experiencing hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and unexpected weight gain? Welcome to the reality of menopause – a natural but often challenging phase of life. This blog is here to help you navigate these changes with ease. From essential lifestyle adjustments to dietary tips and recommended supplements, we’ve got you covered. Let’s explore how you can manage menopause symptoms and confidently embrace this new chapter.
What Happens to Your Body During Menopause?
Menopause kicks in 12 months after your last period, marking a significant phase in a woman’s life. But before that, there’s perimenopause – the transitional period leading up to menopause. You’re likely in this stage if you’re noticing changes in your cycle, sudden hot flashes, or other unexpected symptoms.
Perimenopause usually starts between ages 45 and 55. The duration varies based on factors like smoking when you begin experiencing symptoms and even your race or ethnicity. During this time, your body’s production of estrogen and progesterone – key hormones from the ovaries – fluctuates significantly.
Every woman experiences the menopausal transition differently. You might find that your body uses energy differently, fat cells change, and weight gain happens more easily. There could be changes in your bone or heart health, body shape and composition, and even your physical abilities.
The Main Signs & Symptoms
Estrogen plays a vital role in many parts of a woman’s body. As your estrogen levels decrease, you might notice a variety of symptoms. Here are some of the most common changes you could experience during midlife. Remember that some of these might be due to ageing rather than menopause directly.
- Irregular periods
- Hot flashes
- Loss of bladder control
- Trouble sleeping
- Vaginal dryness & low sex drive
- Mood changes
- Weight gain
How to Reduce Menopause Symptoms
Navigating through menopause can be challenging, but making strategic lifestyle changes can help alleviate many of the symptoms. Below, we break down some essential tips to help you feel your best during this time.
Nutrition Tips:
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Consume fruits, veg, lean proteins, and whole grains and avoid sugar.
- Increase Calcium and Vitamin D: These nutrients are crucial for bone health, especially during menopause. Consume dairy products, greens, and fortified foods into your diet.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink a lot of water to help with symptoms like dry skin and to support overall bodily functions.
Supplement Tips:
- Vitamin D: Hormonal changes during menopause can increase the chance of osteoporosis due to weakened bones. You’re probably not getting enough from your diet, so consider taking Vitamin D supplements to ensure you meet your daily requirements and strengthen your bones.
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- Selenium: “Research suggests that as women age and enter menopause, their antioxidant levels significantly decrease, potentially leading to unwanted health issues.” Selenium is a powerful antioxidant which helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. By neutralizing free radicals, selenium helps reduce oxidative stress, potentially alleviating some menopausal symptoms such as fatigue and skin aging.
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- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3s help reduce inflammation and improve mood swings during menopause.
- Probiotics: The gut microbiota plays an important role in hormone metabolism, including estrogen. Taking probiotics helps to maintain a balanced gut microbiome, influencing estrogen levels. Improved estrogen metabolism can alleviate some menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and mood swings. In addition, probiotics help deal with vaginal dryness by reducing the chances of infections and improving overall vaginal health.
- Collagen: Collagen also helps to counteract the decline of estrogen, which affects skin elasticity, joint health, and bone density. Supplementing with collagen can boost skin hydration and reduce wrinkles, support joint function, and enhance bone strength, helping to mitigate common menopausal symptoms.
- Vitamin B: Many women experience constant fatigue during menopause, so we recommend Vitamin B. Vitamin B, especially B6, B12, and folic acid, can help to support energy levels by converting food into energy, maintaining healthy red blood cells and supporting the nervous system.
- Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that helps to support mood and hormonal balance, making it particularly beneficial during menopause.
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Lifestyle Tips:
- Regular Exercise: Try and move your body everyday, whether it’s a walk, yoga, or weight training, movement can boost your mood, manage weight, and support heart health.
- Practice Stress Reduction: Tru yoga, meditation, and deep breathing to manage stress levels, which can exacerbate menopause symptoms.
- Get Enough Sleep: Prioritize good sleep hygiene by keeping a consistent bedtime, creating a restful environment, and avoiding screens before bed.
Conclusion
Menopause is a huge life transition which can become frustrating until you adjust. But with the right lifestyle changes and supplement support, you can keep those menopause symptoms under control. Keep in mind that every woman’s experience is unique, so we always recommend consulting your doctor before trying anything new to find the best approach for you.
FAQs
What are the first signs of menopause?
Irregular periods, night sweats, hot flashes and mood swings are typically the first signs of menopause. The symptoms vary from person to person.
How can I avoid weight gain during menopause?
During menopause, your body experiences many changes, especially hormonal changes that can affect your metabolism. Focus on eating a balanced diet, stay active with regular exercise, and manage stress effectively. Avoid processed foods and sugar.
How can I naturally balance my hormones during menopause?
Regular exercise and a healthy diet will help balance hormones during menopause. In some cases, you may also need to take supplements. Research suggests that Ashwagandha helps to balance hormones by supporting the endocrine system. It can modulate estrogen levels and promote overall hormonal harmony, potentially easing menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings.
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