For some women, menopause is a cause for celebration as it officially marks the end of the reproductive years and with it the end of menstruation. This means there is no longer any need to buy feminine products which, let’s admit it, can be expensive and an inconvenience. However, many women struggle with the reality of their reproductive years coming to an end. For them, menopause is something that signifies and highlights the ageing process.

Whilst some very lucky women breeze through menopause without a care in the world, others are not so lucky. Day in and day out, many women are plagued by hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, dry skin, brittle hair, and many other symptoms and problems that make their lives a living hell.

Although there are treatments and medications available, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and low-dose antidepressants, to reduce the symptoms of menopause, not all of them work.

Difference between Menopause and Perimenopause

Almost every woman knows something about menopause. However, what many may not realise is that there are different stages. Being able to understand each stage is key to finding the best menopause treatment.

Menopause itself is classed as the time when a woman finally stops having monthly periods for 12 consecutive months. Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause, a transitional phase when progesterone and oestrogen begin to reduce. This period can last weeks, months or years depending on the woman.

Following a total hysterectomy, surgical menopause will take place. In terms of the symptoms experienced, this does not differ from natural menopause. However it is more sudden and can therefore feel more compounded.

Women can experience all of the same symptoms during both perimenopause and menopause. These symptoms are due to a decrease in the levels of oestrogen and progesterone produced by the ovaries. Nevertheless, despite the drop in hormone levels, it is still possible to get pregnant during perimenopause.

Common Symptoms

The symptoms of menopause can be so traumatic that many women dread this stage of their life. Here are some of the symptoms women commonly experience before or during menopause:

• Irregular periods
• Breast soreness or tenderness
• Weight gain
• Dry skin and brittle hair
• Palpitations
• Hot flushes and night sweats
• Loss of (or reduced) libido
• Urinary incontinence
• Mood swings
• Anxiety and depression
• Insomnia
• Vaginal dryness
• Loss of energy

Tips to help you naturally ease symptoms.

1. Eat nutrient-rich foods

Diet plays a crucial role in relieving menopausal symptoms. For instance, eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Hormonal changes during menopause can cause your bones to weaken, so by consuming more dairy products and eating foods such as kale, spinach, collard greens, tofu and beans, you can help protect your bone strength and density.

Besides foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, it is also a great idea to eat food that contains phytoestrogens, which are compounds found naturally in plants that mimic the effects of oestrogen in the body. In fact, phytoestrogens can help reduce any symptoms that arise due to low oestrogen levels, such as hot flushes, night sweats and palpitations.

Good sources of phytoestrogens include soybeans and other soy products, tofu, sesame seeds, beans, flaxseeds and linseeds.

2. Avoid foods that could trigger symptoms

Consuming certain types of food can trigger symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and mood swings. These symptoms are more likely to occur and be exacerbated if you eat certain foods at night.

To prevent symptoms from rearing their ugly head, you should avoid consuming caffeine, alcohol and foods that are spicy or sugary, especially at night. You should also consider keeping a symptom diary so you can identify and make a list of any foods that may trigger menopause symptoms.

3. Exercise regularly

Weight gain is common among women of menopausal age. If you want to stay in shape and avoid illnesses that can coincide with excessive weight gain, you should exercise regularly.

Evidence suggests that regular exercise is good for menopausal women as it helps improve energy and metabolism. This natural treatment regime also promotes healthier bones and joints, reduces stress, and helps combat insomnia. Moreover, exercise helps women deal with depression and anxiety because the brain releases feel-good endorphins when we do physical activities.

4. Keep yourself hydrated

If you have now reached the menopausal stage of your life, it is more essential than ever that you keep yourself hydrated. Doctors recommend drinking 8 to 12 glasses of water per day to reduce skin and vaginal dryness caused by reduced oestrogen levels. In addition, if you are feeling bloated, drinking plenty of water can bring some relief. This approach can also reduce bloating due to hormonal changes, as well as help you lose weight by improving your metabolism and making you feel full.

5. Reduce your sugar intake

Studies have shown that a diet high in sugar and refined carbs is likely to increase your risk of depression and poor bone health. According to experts, this type of diet can cause your blood sugar to fluctuate, which can make you feel tired and irritable. Accordingly, it’s much better to reduce your sugar intake and avoid processed foods.

6. Spend time outdoors

Not only is being cooped up indoors for long periods of time bad for your mental health, it is also not doing your symptoms any favours. Spending time outdoors is good for menopausal women like you because it exposes you to sunlight, which is a good source of vitamin D. It also helps reduce your stress levels and calms you down.

7. Avoid skipping meals

Skipping meals can be particularly damaging for menopausal women because it can aggravate certain symptoms. Furthermore, it can prevent you from losing weight successfully. If you are going through menopause, you should eat your meals on time in order to avoid any problems with your metabolism and, more importantly, to stop making your symptoms worse.

Menopause is a natural part of the ageing process, but that doesn’t mean women need to suffer every day because of it. Fortunately, there is a way to reduce the symptoms of menopause naturally so women finally have a reason to celebrate this important life milestone, minus the harmful side effects.

Besides eating the correct types of food, exercising and getting plenty of sleep, using Meno CBD products will enable you to deal with your symptoms. If you are ready to say goodbye to hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings and many other debilitating symptoms of menopause.

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