Making menopause more bearable

You would think that the end of monthly bleeding would mean some good dose of freedom.

However, for many women, the hormonal fluctuations in menopause do cause hot flushes, vaginal dryness, vaginal atrophy, mood changes, weight gain, loss of libido and bone loss.

These symptoms are due to a lowered activity of the ovaries that results in a reduction in the levels of reproductive hormones oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone.

Progesterone works with and buffers oestrogen. A significant decrease in progesterone allows oestrogen to seem dominant, causing the not so pleasant menopause symptoms that one has to deal with.

Our bodies however, have a back-up plan where these three hormones are concerned.

 Support your adrenal glands

The adrenal glands produce these hormones at a lower scale as compared to the ovaries. Therefore, if you support those glands, they can be more efficient and some of the symptoms will be less of a pain. You do this by:

Increasing vegetable intake

Having a high-protein diet

A high whole grain will help in a smoother transition in menopause. The effect of supporting adrenal function is best experienced when efforts are employed before menopause.

Menopausal women should also:

Consume enough calcium mainly found in dairy products, fish and legumes

Consume Iron found in lean red meat and leafy vegetables

Maintain a healthy weight to counter stress Use salt and sugar in moderation. However, if the symptoms associated with menopause are too bad, there are medical interventions your doctor could suggest.

Some of the treatments include:

Hormone therapy which come in the form of pills, patches and injectables to supplement estrogen and progestin can help increase bone density and relieve hot flashes.

Vaginal estrogen, administered via tablet, ring, or cream, can help relieve vaginal dryness.

Medications to treat or prevent osteoporosis by reducing bone loss.

Alternative treatments include hormone replacement therapy and yoga.