I feel like I’ve been in peri-menopause forever! I’m finding that high levels of exercise help to smooth out mood swings and hot flashes. I particularly like boxing both for fitness, stress reduction, and building bone density which will be an issue for me with menopause.
Just like getting your period, going through menopause is something that all cis-women will experience in their lifetime. It can be an emotional experience for many, as menopause has often been used as a way to mark a sign of aging, but on the contrary, you can go through menopause even in your thirties, and this is known as premature menopause. Regardless of your age, it can be a difficult time for those who are going through this change, but it is important to look after yourself during this transitional phase in life, and below are some self-care tips to help you get through it.
Understand the Symptoms
As this is a hormonal change in your body, some of the symptoms might be similar to that of pregnancy or what you experience when you are about to get your period. These symptoms include mood swings and fatigue, but you might also notice that you have a reduced sex drive, difficulty concentrating, or hot flashes. You might also notice that your periods have become irregular as well. You can take a menopause test at home if you notice any of the above or visit your doctor if you would prefer.
Speak to Doctor About Treatments
You can’t stop or reverse menopause, but you can get help with soothing the symptoms that might be making you feel uncomfortable. If you’re struggling with your hot flashes, mood swings, or feeling exhausted, your doctor might be able to give you something to help ease those symptoms or give you tips on what you can try at home to help.
Get Some Rest
Your body is going through a lot during this time, so cut yourself some slack and get plenty of rest, so you have enough energy to take on the day. Even doing nice, relaxing things like enjoying a hot bath, curling up with a good book, or taking an afternoon nap can help to not only boost your energy levels but your mood as well. It’s OK to take a break if your symptoms are getting a bit overwhelming, so make sure you’re not pushing yourself beyond your limits.
Eat Well
Another thing to be mindful of when going through menopause is your diet. A lot of people turn to food for comfort (chocolate comes to mind!), and you might have experienced cravings for certain things when you were on your period or through pregnancy. You might have similar cravings through menopause, and while indulging in some treats occasionally won’t hurt, make sure you’re
still sticking to a balanced diet. Plenty of protein, Omega-3, fruits, and vegetables are all recommended for those going through menopause.
Be Kind to Yourself
As mentioned previously, going through menopause can be an emotional rollercoaster, and there might be days where you feel depressed, angry, or anxious. These are all understandable and normal things to feel, especially considering all of the hormonal changes that are happening in your body. During these times, try to be kind to yourself. You could try some meditation to help calm your mind or try journaling, as this can be helpful if you’re trying to organize your thoughts. Spending time with friends who can provide sympathetic ears will also help, and they might even be able to offer fun distractions to make you feel better if you’re having a tough day.
Going through menopause is an inevitable part of life for cis-women, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy thing to experience. If this is happening to you at the moment, consider the tips above and see how they could help.
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