Menopause is a normal physiological occurrence in women once they hit their 40s and 50s. The condition is accompanied by various symptoms that are more often than not uncomfortable enough to disrupt the day-to-day lives of menopausal women. However, with the right support and therapy these symptoms can be minimized, even eliminated to contribute to the overall menopausal health of women.
The onset of menopause brings about a couple of changes in the body that affects the overall health of the individual. Typical examples include hot flushes, increased risk for osteoporosis and subsequently, to broken bones in cases of injury, increased risk for high blood pressure and vaginal infections. Emotionally, women tend to experience more anxiety, palpitations, depressions, irritability and mood swings as a result of the hormonal imbalance that occurs during this time. The sexual health of the woman may also be affected. Loss of vaginal secretions leads to pain during sex, which can strain the sexual relationship between a married woman and her spouse.
There are, however, ways to promote health despite these problems. Aside from hormone replacement therapy which can reduce the majority of these symptoms, the following are also important for good menopause health:
A Healthy Diet
Women are encouraged to adopt a healthy diet especially once they enter menopause. Supplementation of calcium and iron is important, since calcium is lost in large quantities during menopause. Getting enough water is also essential in reducing the effects of hot flashes and reducing sugar and salt intake is essential in reducing the risk of hypertension. Women are also advised certain spicy foods, hot beverages and alcohol to reduce the incidence of hot flashes. Caffeine should also be avoided in order to prevent sleep disturbances, while smoking should be avoided to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Stress Management
Anxiety, mood swings and irritability are just some of the emotional changes that occur in menopause. Women will benefit from stress and anxiety-reduction techniques to help them remain calm because stress can worsen the other symptoms of menopause even more. Popular stress reduction techniques that can be easily done at home include progressive deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, music therapy, visualization and mental imagery.
Exercise
Exercise is always essential for good health, even more so in menopausal women who are at a higher risk for developing cardiovascular diseases. Exercise is also a good way to beat stress.
