Here are the answers to your biggest menopause questions
Menopause is a journey of life. But for some, it’s definitely not an easy transition. To give a little insight into what menopause is, it happens when a woman stops having her period for 12 months and usually begins between age 45-55. This ‘change’ happens due to the falling levels of estrogen and progesterone, which are 2 important hormones that affect sexual function, fertility, mood, and even bone health.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the questions, shall we?
Ah yes, that strong, sudden, and warm sensation that causes excessive sweating and reddening of the skin. Hot flashes affect almost 75% of menopausal women around the world and on average, this symptom may last for more than 7 years! Yikesss
Nevertheless, relieving hot flashes without medication is actually possible:
Keep the bedroom cool or try a ‘chill pillow’ filled with water or other cooling materials
Carry a portable fan to use when a hot flash starts
Wear lightweight, loose-fit clothes made with natural fibers like cotton
Try deep breathing when a hot flash strikes
Avoid smoking which can trigger hot flashes
It’s no surprise that many women who experience menopausal symptoms (night sweats, hot flashes, low sex drive, insomnia - to name a few) tend to opt for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to ease their symptoms. However, emerging research has raised some concerns about the risks involved and most symptoms relapsed after stopping the treatment.
Most gynecologists suggest trying other methods first before resorting to HRT. Here are some recommended lifestyle changes:
Eat foods rich in calcium, Vitamin D, and protein
Avoid trigger foods (refined sugar, processed food, caffeine, and alcohol)
Aim to achieve and maintain a healthy weight
Exercise and meditate regularly
If these methods still don’t make the cut, take natural remedies rich in phytoestrogens, which are plant compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body, working to rebalance estrogen deficiency and help relieve menopausal symptoms. Here’s one phytoestrogen-rich supplement that does just that.
For this, we’ve got to look back at science. Estrogen, the hormone that controls the menstrual cycle also affects serotonin, the ‘feel-good’ hormone that promotes feelings of happiness. So when estrogen level declines, naturally, serotonin would also drop, causing irritability, anxiety, and sadness. Not to mention, the accompanied menopausal symptoms of sleep problems and insomnia can aggravate feelings of tiredness and worsen mood swings.
While antidepressants are largely available and may seem like a quick fix, they should not be used as the first-line treatment and are definitely not long-term solutions considering the side effects involved. Instead of that, try this: Yoga, meditation, and supportive therapy have been shown to help improve menopausal low mood, mood swings, and anxiety.
If you have frequent mood swings or other symptoms of depression that affect your daily life, seek support from your doctor and stay connected with your family and community. Remember that menopause is a natural part of life, not the end.
There is no definite answer as menopause can be very different for every woman. Gynaecologists suggest that women use some form of birth control for the first 2 years after having their last period, that is, if they do not want to get pregnant. However, the patch, pill or coil are not recommended for women going into their mid to late 40s as these forms of birth control contain high levels of estrogen which may increase the risk of blood clots.
The safest bet? Condoms or vasectomy.
A small amount of bone loss is almost normal after the age of 35 for both men and women. However, menopausal women are more susceptible to rapid bone loss due to less estrogen being produced by the body. This is because estrogen functions as a natural protector of bone strength, so less estrogen = less bone protection.
Nevertheless, there are still ways to prevent and reduce the risks of osteoporosis:
Include a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
Incorporate weight-bearing exercises such as aerobics, jogging, stair climbing
Avoid alcohol and caffeine intake
Avoid smoking
And there you have it! There’s definitely a lot to learn about what happens to your body during menopause and we’re here to help! In case you’re looking for a menopause-relief supplement, check lolvita™ out.
Filled with natural powers of clinically-proven herbs, each capsule works to balance estrogen deficiency by mimicking the body’s friendly estrogen, estriol (E3) without actually disrupting the body’s natural hormonal system. A much better and safer alternative to HRT or hormone pills, if you ask us.
By regulating hormonal balance, lolvita™ eventually helps to reduce menopausal symptoms including hot flash, insomnia, low sex drive, mood swings, and even weight gain/loss!
Psst…it's also hormone-free, hassle-free, and side effect-free! Embrace a smoother, happier menopause journey with lolvita™ today.
References:
Feller, D., n.d. When to stop taking birth control after menopause | HealthPartners Blog. [online] HealthPartners Blog. Available at: https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/birth-control-and-menopause/ [Accessed 2 March 2022].
Payne, J., n.d. Can Menopause Cause Depression?. [online] Hopkinsmedicine.org. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/can-menopause-cause-depression [Accessed 2 March 2022].
Read More:
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) - Is it safe for menopause?
How To Get Your Sex Life Back After Menopause
Menopause is a Fact of Life, The Symptoms Shouldn’t
Menopause Weight Gain & Belly Fat - How to keep the pounds off
By Evelyn
