Menopause – when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 months – can be a challenging time. Night sweats, mood swings, hot flashes, insomnia, reduced sex drive, and even forgetfulness are just some of the physical symptoms that menopausal women may experience as a result of reduced oestrogen levels.
An estimated one in five of the UK’s population is currently experiencing menopause yet it’s still hushed up as if it’s something to be ashamed of – when in fact it’s a natural, normal stage of life for women of every race, religion, and sexuality.
Menopause Marva – aka Marva Williams, founder of Shhh…Menopause Wellness, a range of natural skincare products designed to support and encourage women who are going through menopause, and help ease their physical and emotional health is speaking up to end the stigma surrounding menopause and help more people understand the challenges. Coinciding with this year’s Menopause Awareness Month she shares five tips to help you through the menopause.
1 – Consider Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Hormone therapy (HT), which infuses the body with hormones that are no longer naturally produced, can certainly help relieve menopausal symptoms while also preventing prevent osteoporosis.
The benefits of HRT can include reduced hot flashes and sweating and fewer mood swings – but it isn’t for everyone. If you think you are pregnant, have undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, liver disease, or heart disease, or have had breast cancer, uterine cancer, a stroke, a heart attack, or blood clots, then you shouldn’t take HRT.
If you’d like to learn about the types of HRT and how to get started on HRT, speak to your doctor. Together you’ll decide if HRT is the right option, and which one is most suitable.
2 – Choose Cotton And Linen Fabrics
Lightweight fabrics made from natural fibres like linen and cotton are more breathable than synthetic fabrics and therefore can help keep your temperature down.
The message? If you suffer from hot flushes, opt for clothes made from linen and cotton and think about dressing in layers – so that you can simply peel a layer off if and when your internal thermostat goes awry.
Switching to cotton bedding could also significantly help anyone experiencing night sweats.
3 – Keep Talking
Though there’s still some embarrassment around the menopause, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Reach out and connect with friends going through the same changes as you – and check out the many websites, blogs and videos online where women have shared their stories of the menopause.
It’s also a good idea to open up to your partner, family, and friends about your symptoms – so as to help them understand exactly what you’re going through.
4 – Eat And Exercise Well
Eating a healthy balanced diet, with plenty of whole grains and fruit and veg, can help your body cope with menopausal changes. Conversely, certain types of foods such as sugary biscuits, caffeine, and alcohol have the potential to disrupt hormone levels – thereby worsening menopause symptoms.
Exercise is important too: Being active eases stress and depression, which allows your brain to cope better with menopausal symptoms. And remember, you don’t have to go to the gym to exercise.
Many activities – think dancing, yoga, cycling, walking, and gardening – can also improve your health. It doesn’t matter what form of exercise you do: Any and all kinds of movement will contribute to your physical and mental health.
5 – Turn To A Natural Product
Want to manage your menopause symptoms naturally? There are a range of natural remedies for menopause available that can help support you through this transition, reduce your symptoms and get you back to feeling yourself again.