Your Ultimate Guide to Surviving Menopause

Menopause is a time in a woman's life when she experiences her last menstrual cycle. In the years that lead to menopause, a woman may experience irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, and mood swings. The transition to menopause usually starts between ages 45 and 55 years of age. Other signs of menopause include weight gain, vaginal dryness, and issues with your joints. If you are entering the stage of menopause, here are ways to survive it.

Eat Foods High In Calcium And Vitamin D

Because menopause takes a toll on your bones and joints, you should consume foods that are high in calcium and vitamin D. These include dairy foods and leafy green vegetables such as kale and spinach. Milk is another great source of vitamin D and calcium.

Continue Your Exercise Routine

Weight gain is common during menopause, but you can combat this by maintaining a consistent exercise routine. Experiment with different types of workouts until you find a routine that best suits your fitness goals and needs. Supplement your exercises with healthy and balanced meals.

Take Those Supplements

There are certain supplements that are helpful in dealing with menopause. Black cohosh is beneficial in alleviating hot flashes and ginseng has been shown to improve your mood and sleep. St. John's Wort has been shown to help with mild depression.

Use Lubricants Before Intercourse

Since vaginal dryness happens in some menopausal women, you can ease the pain during intercourse by applying a lubricant before sex. This can make lovemaking less painful.

Drink Plenty Of Water

If you're dealing with hot flashes and night sweats, it becomes unbearable in the summer months. Beat the heat and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water during the day. This is especially helpful if you're going to be outdoors.

Wear Comfortable Clothing

There are ways to look stylish and feel comfortable when dealing with menopause. Choose clothing made of cotton and linen as these fabrics do a great job of keeping you cool and not irritating your skin. When you go to bed, sleep on cotton sheets.

Seek Out Support From Friends

In addition to the physical changes that accompany menopause, you may experience mood swings and depression. This is amplified if you're dealing with issues such as a divorce, job loss, the death of your parent, or your child moving away for college. Seek out emotional and spiritual support from friends and relatives.

Cut Back On Foods That Trigger Symptoms

You want to eat fewer foods that trigger your menopausal symptoms. These include sugary foods, packaged foods that are high in sodium, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages.

Menopause is a natural part of the aging process but it doesn't have to interfere with your quality of life. Visit your gynecologist regularly and discuss any abnormal symptoms you're experiencing that are not related to menopause. You may have a certain condition and not realize it. Inquire about treatments that can assist with managing menopause better.