Helpful Tips for Dealing With Menopause

Menopause is a natural part of aging, which women between the average ages of 40 and 58 all experience. Perimenopause—the period before full menopausal symptoms set in—typically lasts for an average of four years. Both periods are characterized by various symptoms ranging from hot flushes to night sweats, insomnia, and dry skin. Mental health can also be challenging for women experiencing menopausal symptoms.

The thing is, while menopause is a relief as you no longer have to deal with bleeding monthly, incapacitating cramps, pregnancy worries, and premenstrual mood swings, it also comes with a whole new set of challenges. In this article, we will provide you with helpful tips for dealing with menopause.

Track your symptoms

Anyone familiar with menopause knows that it's an uncertain period. Dealing with the hot flash, period irregularity, and the nuances of hormonal changes can take a toll on you. However, just as the saying goes, to be prepared is only half the victory. Therefore, you should endeavor to monitor your menopausal symptoms, as this will help you identify their triggers and gain insight into their trends.

You can track your symptoms with your mobile phone by using a menopause app that's easily accessible on the app store. Unlike a regular period tracker app, a menopause mobile app is specifically designed for menopausal women to help them monitor every stage of their journey by tracking their menstrual cycle, weight gain, and the entire menopause transition.

Additionally, some of these menopause apps have community forums where you can discuss your symptoms with other menopausal women in your age group. These features are highly beneficial as they allow you to regain better control of your health.

Find ways to boost your self-esteem

In many ways, menopause marks the end of an era, which should typically represent an opportunity for transformation and growth. But, unfortunately, many women see it as the unwelcomed end of ‘youth,’ and you can’t blame them. After all, we live in a society that values and celebrates youthful women and places too much emphasis on women’s fertility. So, when tampons and periods are replaced with lubricants and hot flashes, these changes can bring a feeling of diminished worthiness. However, one sure way to boost your self-esteem is by pampering yourself.

Take time out to treat yourself to a spa treatment, massage, and shopping—if that’s what you like. So, quit waiting for a special occasion to buy that midi dress or jumpsuit that you have been admiring. Instead, seize every opportunity to invest in the perfect dress or clothing pieces that give you a flattering silhouette and length and make you feel good.

Besides, your body is changing, so now's the perfect time to change your wardrobe. You can start with an online search for dresses for women or visit physical stores that specialize in women’s dresses and have a fun time picking our new work dresses. Also, if you're looking for a casual dress or outfit for days when you want to show some skin, you can go for either a classic maxi dress, shirt dress, sundress, or romper.

Take your mental health care seriously

Women who go through menopause often experience sudden hormonal changes, similar to what they experience during their monthly cycle, puberty, and postpartum—except this time around, it lasts longer. When there's a decline in hormone levels, there's also a decline in serotonin levels, causing mood swings in menopausal women.

A combination of the physical and emotional stress of menopause is enough to make any woman slip into depression. Therefore, you must make it your duty to watch out for signs of depression and behavior disorder. If possible, contact your health insurance company to include mental health services in your insurance plan.

This health plan modification will make it easier for you to afford mental health counseling services with a licensed therapist, psychotherapist, or psychologist. You can either book for a traditional therapy session or an online therapy service, depending on what’s most convenient for you. For instance, if you have a busy work schedule, opting for online therapy programs will be the best option. Regardless of your preferred type of therapy, merely discussing the state of your mind and emotions with a professional counselor can go a long way towards improving your mental health during menopause.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Lifestyle modification is a natural way to cope with menopause. You see, during menopause, many women experience a lot of changes, from vaginal dryness to weight gain; it can sometimes feel like you are no longer in control of your body. However, by making early lifestyle changes, you can prevent weight gain and slow down the aging process.

For instance, regular exercise and a clean diet rich in fruits and vegetables will starve off weight gains and ensure your body stays active. Also, if you're a smoker, you should consider quitting, as smoking increases your risk of osteoporosis and heart-related issues, as well as the appearance of wrinkles. So, if you quit smoking, you will be doing your entire body a huge favor.