In the U.S., it is estimated that more than 1 million women reach their menopausal stage each year. That means more than 1 million women undergoing an expected but sometimes unpredictable change that can affect many aspects in their lives. Menopause is not something most women look forward to, thanks in part to the many negative connotations and stories they've probably heard during their younger years. But it doesn't have to be an uphill battle because you can overcome menopause.
What is menopause?
Quite simply, it's just a woman's transition from being reproductive to being non-reproductive - the time when menstrual activity slows down and eventually stops. The average age of women beginning menopause is about 47.5 years and menopausal transition itself can last from 4 to 8 years. That means a woman going through menopause will not only deal with the changes for a few weeks or months but for several years. Thus, it is important to learn how to overcome menopause.
How to Overcome Menopause
About two-thirds of women who undergo menopause report physical and emotional changes, some of which are quite confusing and distressing. However, they don't have to be that bad; menopause and its symptoms can be conquered. Here's how to overcome menopause symptoms:
Get comfortable
One of the challenges of undergoing menopause is the physical discomfort that accompanies the transition. Be ready for the sudden changes you will have to deal with physically. Hot flashes, for example, can hit you at the most inopportune times. You could be sweating profusely even in an air conditioned room where everybody else seems cool and comfy. Try to overcome menopause symptoms like hot flashes. Wear comfortable clothing, avoid stress and stay away from foods that may trigger a hot flash.
Take care of your body
Just because their bodies seem to be 'winding down' doesn't mean women should just let go and leave their bodies alone. Menopause is a time when your body needs even more special care. To overcome menopause symptoms, get regular exercise, maintain a healthy diet and take vitamin and mineral supplements. Go for regular visits to your doctor and take care of the way you look.
Deal with depression
Menopause can be a time of sudden changes and if a woman isn't ready for it, she might suffer from depression. As a result, not only is her social relationship affected, so is the quality of her life. To overcome menopause and depression, expand your social life, get a hobby, improve your diet and see your therapist. This time of your life is a time of changes and you can make it a good one if you only choose to do so. You can overcome menopause symptoms if you choose to do so.
Use hormone replacement therapy
Most women who go through menopause suffer from physical symptoms such as mood changes, sleeplessness, memory loss, decline or increase in sexual interest, not to mention the heart palpitations and night sweats. If the symptoms are much too uncomfortable and inconvenient, hormone replacement therapy or HRT may be used to help overcome menopause symptoms.
HRT may be used as a short-term treatment or a long term treatment to overcome menopause symptoms and is very helpful in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Recent findings have also indicated that using estrogen can help improve memory and mood in menopausal women.
Get help and support
If you're going to overcome menopause, you don't have to go through it alone. Get help from health practitioners and support from your family. It will do your relationship with your friends and family members good to discuss the possible challenges you may be facing because of menopause. Go to a therapist if you have to or join support groups and clubs who can provide you with the emotional support you need during a very special time.
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