Can't remember the name of your cousin, have to change your underwear after a sneeze, flinging open windows when everyone else is freezing cold? Then you are probably in the process of the 'change'; the 'vapours'! Is there another human natural process that has so many varied symptoms? And why oh why do they last so long! Welcome to hell, ladies!
Menopause occurs when your ovaries stop making hormones – especially oestrogen. When this happens, you start experiencing the classic symptoms of menopause such as Hot Flushes, Night Sweats, Vaginal Dryness, Irritability, Mood Swings, Headaches, Low energy and Low libido. Just fantastic really!
OK, we know what it is and why it is happening but what are some practical ways to help cope with the nightmare!
These things may help:
Work up a sweat to cool the hot flushes - Clinical studies have found that women who engage in regular physical activity are half as likely to experience menopausal hot flushes as women who don't. Exercise will also decrease your rise of osteoporosis and heart disease. Working up a sweat marshals endorphins, the body's own mood-menders and painkillers!
Vitamin "B" complex, Selenium, Acidophilus, Evening primrose oil can all help with symptoms.
Diets that include whole grains, almonds, fresh vegetables and fruit, garlic, sesame & sunflower seeds, and dates can all help.
try to avoid or keep to minimum caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, fried foods, sugar and dairy rich foods.
One reason Asian women tend to sail through menopause with few symptoms and lower incidences of hormone-related cancers is that they eat large amounts of soya products, such as tofu, tempeh and miso. Most soyabean products contain isoflavones, whose chemical structure closely resembles that of oestrogen.
So there are a few simple tips that may e-a-s-e the path through menopause! And on a positive note you will now probably have 25 or so years period free!
Although incontinence pads will now be on the shopping list! oh and please try and not kick the cat!
...and remember...have a fabulous retirementLIFE....
