Menopause Symptoms and Coping with It

Does the thought of approaching the menopause takes your fear to an all new level with every tick of the clock? Do you know that the symptoms of menopause can be managed effectively by making simple changes in your lifestyle? Most women have mixed feelings about menopause. They feel happy that they won’t have to undergo the monthly or deal associated with period anymore. But, they do get skeptical about all the damage that menopause does to their body, sexual life and ultimately their mind.

Symptoms of Menopause

The severity of menopausesymptoms varies from one woman to another, depending upon her age, general health, hormonal profile and other allied lifestyle factors that affect menopause.Menopause steps in when a woman is 40-50 years of age. Some women may get their last period in their thirties. Premature menopause is caused due to a number of reasons such as failure of ovaries to produce ova or surgical procedures performed on uterus. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy too can cause premature menopause in women undergoing such treatments. Nevertheless, most woman exhibit a common set of symptoms, explained below.

Irregular Menstrual Cycle

This is the most primitive symptom of menopause. A woman nearing menopause usually experiences irregular and inconsistent period. She may bleed heavily or lightly than she normally does. Most women don’t even get a proper period. They usually experience just spotting. These are the indications that menopause is just around the corner.

Hot Flashes

Hot flashes are a very common symptom of menopause. A woman experiencing a hot flush feels her body temperature rise and begins to sweat and turns red in the face. A hot flush occurs when the estrogen levels drop way below the normal mark and causes the body temperature to rise. The hypothalamus confuses it with fever and begins its attempts to cool the body off. It does so my inducing the body to perspire heavily. A hot flush lasts usually for 30 seconds to a few minutes.

The Issues with the “V”

The dwindling estrogen levels make the vagina dry, causing a woman to experience a stinging sensation around the vaginal orifice. It may also be coupled with itching. The thin layer of mucous covering the inner walls of the vagina at all times begins to dry up due to low levels of estrogen and progesterone. This ultimately makes the act of love-making a painful one. The discomfort and insufficient amounts of the sex hormones send the woman’s sex drive down the hill.

The Complications With The Urinary Tracts

Menopause triggers the occurrence of urinary incontinence and infections of the urinary tract. A woman might experience a burning sensation as she hits the restroom. Consulting a doctor in time can help prevent aggravation of the infection.

Feeling Moody

It is said that never argue with a woman who has PMS and a shotgun. You see, PMS is a result of reshuffling hormones as the body prepares itself for the oncoming period. Now you can only imagine what hormonal changes during menopause can do to a woman’s mind. We experience frequent mood swings.At one moment we are extremely happy and cheerful; and the very next moment we transform into a violent tornado ready to hit the city!Getting depressed and upset on tiny little things is the part of the package.

How to Cope with Symptoms of Menopause?

Now we have a bigger question in our minds. How does a woman cope with symptoms of menopause? To be honest, it is really not that hard. You have been a strong person all your life. Then why be scared of menopause? I am sure you can take this nuisance down in no time!

• Hormone replacement therapy is an effective way to ease severe symptoms of menopause. However, it is a temporary procedure and cannot be performed for a prolonged period of time. Talk to your gynecologist about HRT to gain an in-depth insight about the procedure.
• Vaginal dryness can be combated with the help of lubricants available at the drug stores. Talk to your gynecologistbefore getting one. This would also improve your sex life manifold.
• Avoid stressing yourself out.Take deep breathes when things start getting on your nerves. Take rest when you feel weak.
• To combat stress and blues, try to be happy. Try being with friends and family. Laugh more often. Watch your favorite sitcom. Indulge in activities that make you happy. Get a pet puppy or kitten. Take them for walks.

1. Emotional support from spouse and children will make it easy for you to get through this transition. Ask for help when you need it. Communicate your dilemmas with your family.
   
2. Avoid taking diet pills. Your hormones are already on fire. Diet pills will only add fuel to it.
   
3. Take a good night sleep, at least for 7 hours. It will rejuvenate both your mind and body.
   
4. Regular light exercise will give your body the much needed strength and stamina. Engage yourself in yoga, meditation and breathing exercises to calm your nerves.
   
5. Try keeping yourself cool till your body gets used to being in a state of menopause. Wear cotton clothes and dress up in layers during winters.
   
6. Stay away from caffeinated beverages such as coffee and soft drinks. Caffeine can trigger severe episodes of hot flashes. Try not to eat food when it’s still hot. Let it cool down a little.
   

• Do not take hot showers or go to saunas. It can give you a hot flush.
• A timely anti-biotic dosage can cure urinary tract infections, if any. Keep a watch on your body and visit a doctor if you find anything unusual.

Like they say, pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional. The same applies to menopause. We hope you found this write-up useful and that it will help you find relief through your transitional journey.