Are you beginning to reach this sensitive period of your life, and it’s already overwhelming you? Insomnia and frequent mood changes- these are just some of the effects that menopause can have on you, but here’s what you should know in order to deal with them well!
Hot flushes
Try to keep track of what’s causing the hot flashes. Is it caffeine? Alcohol? The heat? Stress? All these are common causes. When you feel you’re about to have a hot flush, just start breathing slowly and deeply through your nose, and expire through the mouth. For difficult cases, talk to your doctor.
Night sweats
At night, hot flashes can last for even 3 minutes or more, leaving you sweaty and unable to fall asleep. There are ways to avoid this, however. Choose loose clothing; put a bag of frozen peas under the pillow; twist the pillow during the night and put your face on the cold side; and choose light blankets.
Try to improve your sleep
Yoga, tai chi and meditation can help you fall asleep, research shows. Any exercise can make a huge difference – just make sure you do it 3 hours before bedtime. Also, warm milk helps for a much better sleep. Still awake? Another great tip is to get out of bed, and read a nice book until you feel sleepy.
Mood swings
These are common for menopausal women. Hormonal changes that occur during this period can cause mood swings. Yoga and Tai Chi can also help in this case, as well as doing fun activities with your friends or family. Your doctor may suggest a low dosage of contraceptive pills, antidepressants or alternative treatments for mood swings.
Headaches
It’s a known fact that migraines may worsen during menopause. Keep a log to see what appears to trigger them and whether they appear at the same time with hot flashes. Eating small meals during the day can help if hunger is a migraine trigger. Lack of sleep is another common cause, so be careful to get enough sleep during the day if your nights are not the most restful. Treatments vary a lot, so it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor.
Hair loss
Your hair may be getting thinner or may fall faster during menopause. At the same time, it can show up exactly where you do not want it to – on your chin and cheeks. If you are dealing with with unwanted facial hair, a cosmetician will always be able to help with this situation.
Pimples
You probably expect to face acne in adolescence, not in your mid 50s. However, it is also a common symptom in menopause. Make sure that your moisturizers, sunscreen, and other products and smooth and gentle. Look for the words “oil-free”, “noncomedogenic” and “non-acnegenic”. Even severe cases can be diminished and treated in time, with the help of a professional.
Losing focus
“Use it or lose it.” – this simple expression is so true when it comes to memory and focus. Challenge your brain in new ways. Learn something new, discover a hobby or learn a foreign language. And at the same time, try to always do your best to relieve stress.
Leave a Reply