Menopause is a natural process where the woman's fertility cycle ends. It is a hormonal and physiological change in a woman's body and mind. Menopause can begin in the late 40s or early 50s for most women and it can have symptoms like mood swings, hot flashes, sleeplessness, vaginal dryness, irritated skin, night sweats, and tiredness. Although, menopausal women have a high risk of diseases such as heart disease, osteoporosis, obesity, and diabetes. Menopause is a time to rebirth yourself, start exploring and change your focus.
Menopause is an opportunity to resurrect a rusty career or start a new one, return to your dreams, and focus on your health and well-being. It is a time to go on a pilgrimage, travel … or whatever your heart desires to. However, these transitions can be inherently difficult. Still, women have a chance to experience a newfound sense of freedom.
Here are the ways to make your menopause a positive experience:
- Make time for yourself: Do exercise, eat the right diet, and incorporate relaxation techniques to keep the stress out of your life. Incorporating a “relaxation response” increases muscle relaxation, promotes positive emotions and quiets the mind. Moreover, it will help you in learning, concentrating and being creative.
- Eat Calcium and Vitamin enrich diet: During menopause, women go a lot of hormonal changes that can cause bones to weaken. So, it is suggested to intake calcium and vitamin D supplements. Taking enough nutrients in your diet will lower the risk of hip fractures due to weak bones. Take yogurt, milk and cheese and add leafy vegetables such as cabbage, collard greens and spinach.
- Stop smoking: Smoking can lead to earlier menopause and trigger hot flushes. If you don't want to develop a high risk of osteoporosis and Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), stop smoking and switch to a healthy lifestyle.
- Become informed: It is very important to remain informed. Books and Internet is a good source of information. You can also research about other women’s experiences and understand the physical and emotional symptoms. Well informed information will help you to understand the variety of possibilities during menopause.
