Menopause occurs when you have not had your menstrual cycle n 12 consecutive months; it is a gradual process in three stages, including perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. Although menopause is a natural biological process, it can cause bothersome physical symptoms such as hot flashes. Many women also experience low energy and other emotional and mental symptoms due to menopause. Fortunately, many of these symptoms associated with Jackson Heights menopause are temporary, and there are several measures you can take to stop or prevent their effects. Below are examples of common menopause symptoms and what you can do.
Mood changes
Hormonal changes during menopause impact not only your physical health but also your mental health. You may have low mood, anxiety, stress, or even depression during perimenopause or menopause. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to control these feelings. For example, if you experience anxiety, you must get enough sleep since lack of can worsen anxiety and irritability. Incorporating exercise into your everyday routine may also help; exercise stimulates the release of feel-good hormones or endorphins, which can help improve your mood. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, massage, guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation may also be helpful.
Vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness can make sexual intercourse painful, but you can avoid the discomfort by using over-the-counter water-based vaginal moisturizers or lubricants. If you need help choosing the right product, you can privately talk with a pharmacist. When choosing a vaginal moisturizer or lubricant, ensure the product does not contain glycerin since it can cause burning or irritation, especially if you are sensitive to that chemical. Regular sex also helps with vaginal discomfort by increasing blood flow to the vagina.
Hot flashes and night sweats
A hot flash is a sudden feeling of warmth in the upper body, usually intense over the face, neck, and chest. When they occur during the night, hot flashes are called night sweats; they can interfere with the quality of your sleep. The intensity and frequency of hot flashes vary between women; they can be mild or so intense that they interfere with your daily life. A hot flash or night sweats episode may last a minute or two or as long as five minutes.
If you experience hot flashes, it is best to dress in light clothing. During cold days, it is best to dress in layers to remove extra clothing when it gets hot. Drinking cold water or going somewhere with less heat may also help. There are various triggers for hot flashes; try pinpointing your triggers and take active steps to avoid them. Common triggers for hot flashes include caffeine, hot beverages, spicy foods, stress, hot weather, and alcohol.
Weight gain
Weight gain is common during menopause; this can be due to a combination of changing hormones, lifestyle, aging, and genetics. As such, you want to exercise regularly to lose extra pounds and maintain a healthy weight. You also want to eat lots of fruits and vegetables since they are low in calories and great for weight loss and maintenance.
If you need help dealing with menopause symptoms, visit your doctor at Raveco Medical.