Menopause: What Happens to your Body and Things That Might Help

Menopause: a word that might already be on your mind, or soon loom large in your life. It’s the time when some things in your body change. But hey, no worries, we have a few tricks in store to help you conquer this new stage of life with flying colors.  

• The menopause: What is it?
• A roller-coaster of changes
• Tips and hacks for how to master the roller-coaster
• Sexuality and intimacy during the menopause: Discover new vistas
• Diet during the menopause

The menopause: What is it?

The menopause is a very normal part of the female life cycle. It generally happens between 45 and 55 and means the end of your monthly period. Bye-bye, menstrual cramps! It’s the end of an era, when you say “See ya” to menstruation. That might sound liberating, especially if it means an end to painful menstrual cramps.

But, and this is important, the menopause isn’t something that just happens overnight. There are warning signs that herald its arrival, which we call the “perimenopause.” This is when your body prepares itself for the change. During the perimenopause, your hormones are on a roller-coaster, and your periods can become more irregular. This is the warm-up before the headliner.

Your estrogen level drops, which can trigger all these changes like hot flashes, disrupted sleep, and a roller-coaster of emotions. But do you know what? You’re not alone! Millions of women are going through the same thing right now, or have already gone through it. We all have our hacks for how to handle it and sharing these experiences can help.

A roller-coaster of changes

The body can experience a wide range of symptoms during the menopause and change in ways that are different for every woman. Here are some of the most common symptoms associated with the menopause:

Hot flashes: Sudden and intense sensations of heat, often accompanied by sweating that can affect the torso and face. Hot flashes can happen sporadically and affect your general well-being.

Mood swings: Changes in hormone levels can lead to emotional highs and lows. Women might feel increasingly irritable, nervous, depressed, or anxious. Bear in mind, it can trigger other problems in your relationship too.

Disturbed sleep: Many women have problems sleeping during the menopause, such as insomnia, hot flashes at night, or frequently waking during the night.

Vaginal dryness: There can be a decline in vaginal wetness and elasticity due to the drop in estrogen levels. Sex then often becomes painful and uncomfortable.

Weight gain: Changes in the metabolism can lead to women gaining weight during the menopause, particularly around the abdomen.

Changes to skin and hair: Drier skin, more wrinkles, and hair loss or changes to the hair structure can occur.

These symptoms during the menopause are like unexpected guests – sometimes they happen when you least expect them. But don’t worry, you are not alone! Every woman goes through this period in her own way. If you feel like you’re affected by these symptoms, there are many ways to manage them and help you feel better in yourself. Simply talk to your doctor about the options available to help you manage this period as comfortably as possible.

Tips and hacks for how to master the roller-coaster

Stay cool: Hot flashes are no reason to panic. Light clothes and a fan can be real lifesavers.

Move your body: Sport and exercise are like superpowers. Whether it’s yoga, dancing, or just going for a walk, sport effectively helps to reduce stress.

Healthy eating, happy mind: A balanced diet is worth its weight in gold. Fruit, vegetables, and high-fiber food keep you going.

Sharing is caring: Talk about your experiences. Sharing them with friends or on online communities like Facebook groups and Instagram channels can be a real support.

Go see the doc: If you’re struggling, don’t put off speaking to your doctor. There are many different things that might help you.

The menopause is like a roller-coaster ride. But don’t forget, you’re captain of this ship. This is a new stage in your life, so let’s rock it together!

Sexuality and intimacy during the menopause: Discover new vistas

During the menopause women’s sexual health and intimacy can change. Many women see changes to their sexual desire, as their sensitivity can drop and they might experience vaginal dryness. It’s important to understand that these changes are completely normal, and can open up new vistas when it comes to intimacy and sexuality in this new stage of life.

These personal lubricants can help you relieve vaginal dryness. 😊

An open dialog with your partner during the menopause can be particularly helpful. By sharing experiences, fears, and concerns, couples can together discover new ways to stay intimate and adapt to changes. Finding new ways to be physically close and understanding each other can be a positive change in a relationship.

The menopause does not mark the end of intimacy or sexual pleasure, but the start of a new chapter. It gives women the chance to reset their relationship and explore their sexuality in a way that considers their needs and desires. It’s a time of discovery and change, that can lead to women experiencing their sexual health in a completely new way.

Diet during the menopause

During the menopause, diet plays an important role in keeping the body healthy and relieving some of the symptoms. Here are a few diet tips that can help during the menopause:

• Calcium and vitamin D: Calcium and vitamin D are important for maintaining bone health. Dairy products, green leafy vegetables, almonds, and fish are all good sources.
• Healthy fats: Healthy fats like the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, flaxseed, and nuts can help to reduce inflammation and support the cardiovascular system.
• High-fiber food: Fiber can regulate hormone levels and help with digestive problems. Wholegrain foods, vegetables, pulses, and fruit are good sources of fiber.
• Plant proteins: Plant proteins like beans, lentils, tofu, and nuts can help you get enough protein, and reduce consumption of saturated fats at the same time.
• Reduce sugar and processed foods: Eating sugar and processed foods can lead to drops in energy and contribute to mood swings. Try to reduce your sugar consumption and switch to healthier alternatives.
• Regular meals: Regular, balanced meals can help keep your blood sugar levels stable and improve your energy levels and mood.
• Hydration: It is important to drink enough water to stay hydrated, and it can also help to alleviate hot flashes.

Overall, a balanced diet plays a key role in supporting the body during the menopause and alleviating some of the symptoms associated with it. By including these diet tips in your daily life, you can have a positive impact on your well-being during this stage.

The menopause is a unique journey that invites us to make a deeper connection with ourselves. It isn’t a closing line, but the start of a new chapter. By embracing the changes and setting off on this journey, we have the chance to strengthen ourselves, so we’re ready for many more years full of desire and pleasure in life. 😊

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