Positive Ways to Deal with Menopause

Much like anything in life it is entirely your choice how easy or difficult the symptoms of menopause are to deal with. For some the solution lies in receiving every conceivable form of treatment and/or relief available to them while others find a more holistic approach appealing. Some find dietary supplements to be of value and others find that lifestyle choices and changes are the best course of action. By far, the best gift you can give yourself during menopause is a healthy head start. By not smoking, having a well-balanced and nutritious diet, getting plenty of exercise, and eliminating stress while watching your intake of cholesterol and fat, you are establishing the prime circumstance upon which to face menopause.

While good health should always be a priority it is essential once pre menopausal symptoms present themselves. This is the time in your life when your health is actually most fragile and pro-active action can make all the difference in the world.

Bone density should be one of your highest priorities. Whether you choose to take supplements such as calcium and Vitamin D or feel (upon your doctors recommendation of course) that prescriptions might offer the most complete coverage you must begin insuring your bone health as early as possible because the loss of estrogen as a result of menopause can lead to your body loosing more bone mass than it can replenish. It is important to point out that certain biophosphates like Actonel and Fosamax can reverse bone loss while protecting the bones from future loss.

Below are some general guidelines that should help you deal with your menopause effectively:

1) Eat a well balanced diet

2) Reduce your alcohol intake

3) Stop smoking

4) Maintain a healthy weight

5) Incorporate exercise into your daily routine

6) Control or prevent high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and other conditions that contribute to heart disease.

It is important that you temper your treatment plan with common sense, education, and a plan that can easily fit your lifestyle, preferences, and budget. Having a plan that is possible to succeed is as important as working to make it do just that. Even simple environmental and lifestyle changes can minimize symptoms such as hot flashes.

Avoid eating foods that might be warm or spicy, don’t sleep under heavy covers, and make sure to use lightweight pajamas. Try lowering the temperature in the room where you sleep as well as lowering the level of stress in your life. Also make sure to avoid caffeine whenever possible and introducing activities such as yoga into your routine certainly can’t hurt as it helps with relaxation, deep breathing, and stress reduction.

Others choose to treat hot flashes with soy, which is a natural phytoestrogen. Other foods and/or supplements might include: tofu, tempeh, black cohosh, wild yams, and valerian root. There is little proof that these actually work but there really isn’t much to loose by trying, particularly if you find the hot flashes bothersome enough.

It is even possible to deal with the mood swings and attitude issues that accompany menopause if you keep an open mind and try to remain positive (difficult I know when you’re experiencing the lows of these swings, but try). Getting enough sleep will greatly increase your mood, as will fitness activities and relaxation exercises. Sleep aids can provide help if insomnia is your problem but I recommend exhausting other methods before resorting to those. Remember to exercise earlier in the day rather than later as activity prior to sleeping may have the opposite of the desired effect. Establish a routine and eventually your mind will begin to trigger itself to shut down at the appointed time. Also remember not to underestimate that importance of exercising your mind. Do all of these things and you should be able to handle whatever menopause throws at you. For information on menopause check out www.MenopauseTime.com.