Menopause - My Story and More
by WebWriter
Menopause information, tips and suggestions, and help for those dreadful hot flashes.
My Experience With Menopause
Menopause jokes were funny to me. That is, until I started menopause. Then it became no laughing matter. At 42, menopause snuck up on me. I didn't expect to experience it until I was in my 50's, at least. I was not educated on menopause because I figured that I had time to learn about it after I reached my 50's. So, as you can imagine, I didn't take well to the changes my body was (is) going though. I wasn't expecting the changes so soon. The worst change, for me, is the weight gain. I gained 30 pounds in one year! At 5 feet 7 inches, I have never weighed over 125 pounds. When I experienced my first hot flash, I was 120 pounds. Now, I weight 150 pounds, with most of it centered around my belly. I guess this is what they mean by "pear shaped". My belly was so bloated that when I went to the doctor and showed it to him, he said, "That's impressive!". Not the response I was looking for. The hot flashes I can deal with, but the weight gain is depressing and something I have to work hard at controlling, which I never had to do before. Now, I have to spend 5 days a week at the gym and watch everything that I eat. Good bye pizza. Good bye chocolate. Good bye sodas. I always looked forward to the day that I would no longer have a period. But honestly, I'd rather have my period than have to deal with this! .... or with the bloating, gas, dry skin, and headaches. Anyway, enough about my menopause. Let's explore some tips and suggestions for dealing with your menopause.
Those Dreaded Hot Flashes!
Over 85% of women experience hot flashes due to menopause.
How To Cool Down Quickly
- Take a cool shower.
- Drink a cold drink.
- Sit in front of the fan.
- Apply a cold gel pack to the back of your neck.
- Take vitamin E (400 to 800 IU daily) to help alleviate hot flashes and night sweats.
If that doesn't do it for you, open the freezer and stick your head in it!
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Cardiovascular Disease
A woman's risk of cardiovascular disease increases after menopause, whatever her age.
How To Lower Your Blood Pressure
- Bring your weight within the healthy range.
- Have a diet that is low in salt and high in vegetables and fruits.
- Reduce your alcohol intake. Drink in moderation.
- Exercise regularly.
- Avoid stress.
- Don't smoke and avoid second-hand smoke.
Menopause Changes
 Menopause Changes |
Stay Hydrated
Throughout menopause, as at other times, it is important to drink sufficient water.
- Drink at least 8-10 glass of water a day. Drink more in warm weather.
- Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will help to increase your fluid intake.
- Take water breaks instead of coffee breaks.
- Keep a bottle of water with you.
- Ddrink plenty of water before, during and after exercise.
Reduce Stress
- Seek support from family and friends.
- Establish a routine so you feel more in control.
- Face problems directly.
- Exercise.
- Get enough rest.
- Restrict your alcohol intake.
- Take time for yourself.
- Relax with yoga or meditation.
Lavender
Lavender is an excellent natural remedy for headaches.
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Menopause Headaches
How to soothe / avoid headaches.
- Avoid hot tubs and saunas.
- Avoid foods that trigger headaches / migraines, such as dairy products and chocolate.
- Avoid stress.
- Avoid strong scents or wearing strong perfumes.
- Avoid caffeine.
- Don't skip meals.
- Stay hydrated.
- Wear clothing that keeps you cool.
- Rub lavender oil into your temples.
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Menopause Breast Changes
If you experience any of the following changes in your breast, consult your doctor.
- A lump.
- A change in the size or shape.
- Dimpling of the skin.
- Nipple becomes turned in.
- Discharge from the nipple.
- Swelling o lump in the armpit.
- Skin changes.
How To Do A Self Breast Exam:
- Place your right hand, palm flat, against the back of your head.
- With your fingertips of your left hand, press lightly, then firmly, against your entire right breast and armpit to feel for lumps, hard knots or thickening.
- Switch hands and repeat the process on your other breast.
Menopause Skin Changes
Skin changes are among the side effect of menopause. These changes won't happen overnight, so the sooner you increase your skin care the better.
- Avoid the sun as much as possible
- Wear sun screen.
- Wear makup that contains UVA and UVB sunscreens.
- Apply moisturizer daily.
- Wear sun hats and glasses.
- Avoid tanning beds.
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Managing Menopause
Ideas for helping you to manage your menopause.
- Be Informed - Find out as much as you can about menopause.
- Be In Control - Take care of yourself. Exercise, eat rights and takes steps to reduce you stress.
- Seek Support - There are other women going through menopause too. Talk to them and share your feelings and concerns. Join a support group.
- Think Positively - Welcome this new time in your life. You can't chance back time so you might as well welcome the changes and make the most of it.
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Good information to know.
Lots of information and encouragement in your article. I like the way woman talk about this stage in life more now. It's not the end of the world. Some parts of getting older actually make life easier.
Keeping active is key.
I take antidepressants and avoided the hot flashes. I guess I was kind of oblivious to what was going on. I took it in stride. I'm with you though. I'd rather have my period and forgo all the other things. It's nice not having to shave my legs and underarms though.
I'm sure its a big deal for some women - I'd just like to point out that it doesn't happen to every one. I was quite worried about it - but I came off the pill a year ago at 48 and apart from the odd hot flush (I think - I just get hot at night sometimes, take my clothes off seems to stop it) - I've had no issues at all. In fact I've managed to lose some weight for the first time in years.
Just saying this because I'm probably not the only women to get really worried about menopause and then find it a total non-event
Very useful page to all women facing this, and their families. Something we all need to be aware of and try to plan for. Thank you for sharing.
Very informative lens.:)
Thanks for the tip Chef! Will try rose geranium for menopause.
From my work with essential oils I know that "rose geranium" is considered very helpful to menopausal women.