Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health coverage, explores 10 health tips for navigating menopause.
As we celebrate Women’s month in August, it is essential to acknowledge the significant milestones in a woman’s life, one of which is menopause.
“According to the National Institute on Aging, menopause is a natural part of life that signals the end of a woman’s reproductive year,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.
“Menopause usually occurs in women in their late 40s to early 50s; however, it may begin earlier for some. The transition can be challenging because of the different symptoms that come with each stage of menopause.”
Perimenopause, Menopause, and Post-menopause
Menopause is classified into three stages: perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause.
- Perimenopause: This is the period leading up to menopause. It can start several years before the final menstrual period and is marked by irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood swings. Women may also experience changes in their menstrual flow, with periods becoming lighter or heavier.
- Menopause: This stage is marked by a woman not having a menstrual period for 12 months. At this point, the ovaries have significantly reduced their production of hormones like estrogen and progesterone, essential for regulating the menstrual cycle, maintaining pregnancy, and supporting reproductive and bone health.
- Post-menopause: This is the phase after menopause. Many of the symptoms of perimenopause may subside during post-menopause. However, the risk of certain health conditions rises due to persistent low oestrogen levels.
Symptoms of Menopause
The symptoms of menopause can differ in how severe they are and how long they last. Common symptoms include:
- Hot Flashes: Sudden feelings of warmth, often intense, that can spread over the upper body and face, sometimes accompanied by sweating and redness. Hot flashes can occur during the day and at night while asleep.
- Sleep Disturbances: Sleep issues are a common symptom of menopause, with difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early.
- Mood Changes: Increased irritability, anxiety, or depression due to hormonal fluctuations.
- Vaginal Dryness: Reduced lubrication and elasticity, leading to discomfort or pain during intercourse.
- Decreased Libido: Reduced sexual desire and arousal.
- Weight Gain: Changes in metabolism and redistribution of body fat, often leading to weight gain around the abdomen.
- Memory and Concentration Issues: Difficulty concentrating or experiencing memory lapses, often called brain fog.
- Loss of bone density: Bones can become brittle and more prone to fractures.
Affinity Health offers 10 tips to help navigate menopause with confidence and grace.
Keep Your Bones Strong
As women age into their 40s, bone density naturally decreases, and this can speed up after menopause.
Estrogen levels drop during and after menopause, increasing the risk of osteoporosis, which makes bones thinner and more fragile.
To protect and strengthen your bones, try the following tips:
- Eat Calcium-Rich Foods: Incorporate plenty of calcium-rich foods into your diet, along with vitamin D (10 micrograms daily).
- Exercise Regularly: To strengthen your bones, exercise regularly, especially weight-bearing exercises. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly (activities like walking, jogging, golfing, swimming, or cycling) and strength training twice a week (exercises that work all major muscle groups to enhance overall fitness).
- Manage Your Weight: Weight gain after menopause can be due to a slower metabolism. Being overweight raises the risk of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Lose weight safely by consuming fewer calories than you burn and maintaining a healthy, balanced diet.
- Consider Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT can help replace estrogen and alleviate menopause symptoms. It also protects your bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease.
Sex and Menopause
Did you know that more than a third of women going through perimenopause or menopause experience sexual difficulties, such as reduced interest in sex or difficulty achieving orgasm?
Research suggests that the main reason for these changes is the decline in estrogen levels, which can decrease sexual desire and make arousal more challenging.
Menopause can also lead to vaginal dryness, thinning of the vaginal walls, and reduced elasticity, making intercourse uncomfortable or even painful. If dryness is a concern, speak to your healthcare provider about vaginal lubricants and moisturisers.
Exploring new forms of intimacy and staying open to different ways of connecting can also help maintain a fulfilling sexual relationship during and after menopause.
Focus on the Positives
Menopause can have positive aspects. No more periods means no more menstrual cramps, PMS, or the hassle of dealing with monthly menstruation. Conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, and menstrual migraines often improve or resolve after menopause. The end of fertility also means no need for birth control or concerns about unintended pregnancy.
Manage Stress
Stress management is vital during menopause. Chronic stress can exacerbate symptoms like hot flashes and insomnia. Mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can help manage stress. Finding hobbies and spending time with loved ones can also provide emotional relief.
Stay Hydrated
Hormonal changes during menopause can slow sebum production and accelerate collagen loss, causing skin to feel dry, flaky and even itchy. To help maintain skin moisture, drink plenty of water throughout the day, use a gentle cleanser, and apply a moisturiser containing hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
Sleep Well
Good sleep can improve emotional well-being and lower the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. However, achieving quality sleep during menopause can be challenging due to night sweats, hot flashes, and insomnia. Establish a regular sleep routine to improve sleep quality, keep your bedroom cool, and avoid caffeine and heavy meals before bedtime.
Monitor Your Health
Keep up with recommended screenings, such as mammograms, bone density tests, and cholesterol checks. Staying proactive about your health can help catch any issues early.
Educate Yourself
Understanding menopause and its effects can empower you to make informed decisions about your health. Read reputable sources, attend workshops, and don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider questions. Being well-informed can help you navigate this transition more smoothly.
Conclusion
Menopause is a natural phase of life that comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. By taking proactive steps towards maintaining your health and well-being, you can navigate menopause with confidence. Remember, every woman’s experience with menopause is unique. What works for one person may not work for another, so finding a personalised approach that suits your needs is essential.
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Author: Andrea Caknis from www.apcpublishers.co.za on behalf of Affinity Health.
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