Now the minute I put Menopause in the headline most men mentally checked out from this article, however we should be reading this so that we are aware of changes in our significant other and ways to help. Menopause is defined as the transition period in a women’s life where her ovaries stop producing eggs, her body produces less estrogen and progesterone, and menstration becomes less frequent, eventually stopping altogether. This natural event typically takes place between the ages of 45 and 55. Symptoms are caused by the change in estrogen and progesterone levels and can vary from woman to woman. Typical symptoms can include: heart pounding or racing, hot flashes, night sweats, skin flushing, insomnia, forgetfullness, decreased interest in sex, headaches, irregular menstrual periods, joint aches and pains, urine leakage, vaginal infections, irregular heartbeat, vaginal dryness or painful sexual intercourse, and mood swings. Treatment with hormones may help with some of the severe symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood issues, or vaginal dryness. Hormone therapy also comes with it’s own set of health risks and problems. It is advised that you do your homework before going the route of hormone replacement therapy.
The alternative to hormone replacement therapy is that there are some prescription medicine that can help with hot flashes, mood swings, and other symptoms. Some steps to take that do not require any hormone therapy or medicines are: avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods; dress lightly and in layers; eat soy foods; get adequate calcium and Vitamin D in food or supplements; get plenty of exercise; remain sexually active; perform Kegel exercises daily to strengthen the muscles of your vagina and pelvis; practice slow deep breathing the moment a hot flash starts to occur; use water-based lubricants during sexual intercourse; and try relaxation techniques such as tai chi, yoga, or meditation. Menopause can be a very challenging time in a woman’s life because things that used to work a certain way either no longer work that way or have changed significantly. Most women tend to put on some weight because of the fluctuation in hormonal response. This can be extremely frustrating because you can be eating correctly and working out 6 days a week and still not getting the results you want. The best thing for a woman to due is try to come to the conclusion that the change of life happens to every woman and be patient. It will subside and the things will eventually come back into balance.