Most women have a pretty good idea of what they should expect during menopause. In addition to irregular periods and lack of ovulation, they know that around age 50 they’ll likely start seeing a whole host of unpleasant symptoms, including mood swings, trouble sleeping, vaginal dryness, weight gain, low libido, hot flashes, and more. While it’s always better to be informed about changes in your body, these can be overwhelming and discouraging when you don’t know how to treat them. Nore Women’s Health offers a range of therapies to help soothe your menopausal symptoms, but there are also many ways you can begin controlling your symptoms at home.
Menopause Weight Gain
Unwanted weight gain is a challenge almost every woman faces at one point or another, and menopause is one of the most common perpetrators. However, the right changes to your diet and exercise routines can to a lot to minimize these effects.
One helpful trick is to plan your meals in advance. By scheduling what you’ll eat ahead of time, you’ll know exactly what you’re putting into your body every day, helping you keep track of a balanced diet. Planning your meals in advance also helps you avoid giving in to unhealthy cravings when they occur, because you’ll already have something prepared!
Nutrition / Vitamin Deficiencies
There are also certain vitamins and minerals that your body will start needing more of during menopause, such as calcium, iron, and fiber, so be sure to make the appropriate adjustments to your diet—foods that were good for you before might not be as good for you now. It’s also important to manage your cholesterol levels during menopause, so be sure to up your potassium intake.
Educated nutrition and a healthier lifestyle don’t just control weight gain—they can help ease many other symptoms of menopause as well. So, be sure to research the dietary changes necessary to help you “Be Your Most” before, during, and after menopause.
Stress Levels / Mental Wellbeing
Many menopausal symptoms are exacerbated by stress. Overactive bladders, irritability, and mood swings are some of the most affected by your mental state, but taking steps to manage your mental wellbeing can do a lot to combat the unwanted effects of menopause.
Yoga is a great way to minimize day-to-day stress and can help you stay in shape. However, a lot of women struggle to find the time to relax when juggling careers, families, and social lives. In order to fit yoga into your schedule, try out some discrete yoga poses that can be done while sitting down or on the go two or three times a day. This small change to your routine can work wonders on your symptoms in the long run. Additionally, try squeezing in a short yoga session before bed to help you relax and combat sleeplessness.
The modern woman is busy, and it’s easy to get so caught up that you forget to take time for yourself. Small changes to your lifestyle can have huge impacts on your quality of life, so be sure to give yourself the attention you deserve. And if you’re looking to take the next step in your menopausal journey, be sure to visit Nore Women’s Health for more in-depth help with your symptoms!