Introduction
Menopause is a natural part of life for women, but it can be a confusing and difficult time. Many women experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms during menopause, and it can be difficult to know what to expect. In this article, an OB/GYN shares her insights on what menopause feels like and offers advice on how to manage the symptoms. We’ll also provide some tips on what to eat and what to avoid during this time. With the right information and support, you can make menopause a more manageable experience.
Here’s What Menopause Feels Like, Says OB/GYN
Menopause is a natural part of aging for women, but it can be a difficult transition. Many women experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms during menopause, and it can be hard to know what to expect. To help you understand what menopause feels like, we spoke to an OB/GYN to get the facts.
What Is Menopause?
Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when her menstrual cycle stops. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can happen earlier or later. During menopause, a woman’s body stops producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which are responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle. This can cause a range of physical and emotional symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Menopause?
The most common symptoms of menopause are hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Other symptoms can include mood swings, fatigue, insomnia, and changes in libido. Some women may also experience changes in their hair and skin, as well as weight gain.
How Can I Manage the Symptoms of Menopause?
The best way to manage the symptoms of menopause is to make lifestyle changes. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep can help reduce the severity of symptoms. Additionally, there are medications and supplements that can help manage the symptoms of menopause. Talk to your doctor to find out what’s best for you.
What Should I Eat During Menopause?
Eating a balanced diet is important during menopause. Foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help reduce hot flashes and night sweats. Additionally, foods that are high in calcium, such as dairy products, can help reduce bone loss. Eating foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and walnuts, can also help reduce the symptoms of menopause.
Conclusion
Menopause is a natural part of aging for women, and it can be a difficult transition. Knowing what to expect and how to manage the symptoms can help make the process easier. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep can help reduce the severity of symptoms. Additionally, there are medications and supplements that can help manage the symptoms of menopause. Talk to your doctor to find out what’s best for you.
“Menopause is a natural process which occurs in every woman. It is defined by 12 months without menses and reflected by decline in women’s reproductive hormones. It marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It typically occurs by the mid 50’s,” says Kecia Gaither, MD, MPH, FACOG, double board-certified in OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine, Director of Perinatal Services at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln in the Bronx. Read on to find out what menopause feels like—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
“This is the classic sign that you are on your way to menopause,” says WebMD. “Your periods may come more often or less often, be heavier or lighter, or last longer or shorter than before.” “While the menopausal transition may commonly be referred to as ‘menopause,’ true menopause doesn’t happen until one year after a woman’s final menstrual period. For that reason, a woman who does not want to get pregnant should continue to use birth control for at least a full 12 months after her last period,” says the NIH.
“Hot flashes can make you feel warm or hot suddenly for no apparent reason. Your skin may flush red and your heart may beat faster. Then you may feel suddenly cold,” says WebMD. “Night sweats are hot flashes that happen during sleep. They can be so intense they wake you up.”
According to WebMD, “Waking up during the night or having trouble going to sleep can happen for lots of reasons, but if you don’t typically have problems sleeping, it may be a sign you’re approaching menopause.”
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“After menopause, the vagina may become drier, which can make sexual intercourse uncomfortable,” says The NIA. “You could be less interested, or you could feel freer and sexier because after one full year without a period, you can no longer become pregnant.”
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“Your waist could get larger. You could lose muscle and gain fat. Your skin could become thinner,” says The NIA. “You might have memory problems, and your joints and muscles could feel stiff and achy.”
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“Menopause cannot be prevented. Pending the absence of underlying contraindicated health conditions, menopause may be treated with hormone therapy, vaginal estrogen, antidepressants, gabapentin, and vitamin D,” says Dr. Gaither. So talk to your doctor. And to ensure your health don’t miss these 101 Health Habits You Didn’t Know Were Deadly.