The fifties can be confusing, especially for women facing hormonal changes in their journey toward menopause. Menopause can be scary, but every woman knows that it’s inevitable. If you have been experiencing irregular periods and hot flashes for 10-13 months, you are already in perimenopause.
Just because it is inevitable does not mean it has to be a painful experience. It is a natural part of aging, and you cannot avoid it. However, knowing what to expect and preparing beforehand can help you manage your menopause more effectively. While a healthy routine will help, make sure you find good gynecology services. If you are already facing perimenopause symptoms, here are a few tips to prepare for menopause.
1. Exercise Daily
As women get older and closer to menopause, their metabolism starts to change. Many women get irritated by unexpected weight gain in their fifties. It happens due to declining estrogen levels, muscle tissue loss, and slowed metabolism.
To fight off these symptoms, you must make exercising your daily goal. It does not have to be at a pro level. All you have to do is make an exercise routine and stay consistent with it.
2. Manage Your Diet
As you get older, your body loses bone strength. It is natural, but that does not mean you cannot fight it. It would be best if you increase the intake of Calcium and vitamin D intake in your daily life.
Consider adding more dairy products such as milk and cheese to your diet as a consistent source of Calcium. As far as your intake of Vitamin D is concerned, the best source is the sun. You must maintain a sunbathing routine for 15-30 minutes several times a week.
3. Consider Hormone Replacement Therapy
One shoe does not fit all. Similarly, just because a healthy lifestyle helps most women with their symptoms does not mean it has to work for you too. If perimenopause is too painful or uncomfortable, you can consider Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
This therapy helps relieve the symptoms of menopause, such as reduced vaginal wetness and hot flashes. In addition, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has also been proven to prevent bone loss in women. You can discuss your options and suitability for this therapy with your healthcare provider.
4. Take Supplements
A healthy diet and lifestyle alone cannot manage all the changes created by menopause. As you age, your body needs external help to maintain health.
Supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics can be very helpful for you in your fifties. They can help you manage your irregular heartbeats and strengthen your immune systems to fight bacteria to keep you healthy.
5. Quit Smoking
Yes, we are talking about women’s health, but without any exaggeration, it would be safe to say that smoking harms everyone. As a woman experiencing perimenopause, smoking can terribly impact your overall health. According to many pieces of research, smoking can cause early menopause and increase the severity of your symptoms manifold. Therefore, it would be best for you to consider quitting smoking as early as possible.