Friday, July 15, 2011

Coping With The Effects Of Menopause

It is the phase of life women both anticipate and dread. Menopause is the end of menstruation and is part of a woman's natural aging process when her ovaries produce lower levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone and when she is no longer able to become pregnant. Menopausal women often experience uncomfortable changes physically, mentally and psychologically. In this article, we've got some great advice for menopausal women to help them get through this tough time.

 

This change of life is a natural process that happens to every woman as she grows older, and is not a medical problem, disease or illness. It is the absence of menstrual periods for 12 months, and the average age for menopause is 52. Some women experience difficulty during this time because of the changes in hormone levels. While some women have few or no symptoms, others have many moderate or severe symptoms. The clearest sign that the change has started is irregular periods, and when blood flow becomes lighter or heavier.

 

The symptoms of menopause are different for every woman. The symptoms can include weight gain, hot flashes, insomnia, night sweats, vaginal dryness, joint pain, fatigue, short-term memory problems, bowel upset, dry eyes, itchy skin, mood swings, and urinary tract infections. Most of the time, these symptoms will lessen or go away after a woman is post-menopausal. Research has shown that symptoms can be related to many things, including genetics, diet, and lifestyle.

 

Studies show that women who are physically active experience fewer uncomfortable symptoms during the change of life. Exercising pre, during and post menopause has the added benefit of keeping your bones strong, strengthening your heart, and burning calories for managing your weight, which are all major concerns as your estrogen gradually wanes. Combined with a healthy diet, exercise can greatly improve the way you look and feel.

 

The key to getting through menopause is taking care of you. Take the time to treat yourself well both physically and mentally. Instead of chomping on chips, opt for some yummy fresh berries or some frozen yogurt. Instead of plopping down in front of the TV after dinner, grab a friend or family member and go for a walk. The endorphins released during exercise are a natural antidepressant, so you'll feel better immediately. These effects can be enhanced by using natural menopause supplements like Menozac. [Read authors bio for more info....]

Most importantly, treat yourself like you would your best friend. Give yourself compliments, encourage yourself to enjoy life and be your own best support. You'll find that not only will your discomfort flag, but you'll enjoy life a lot more.

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