More than a million women enter menopause every year in the United States, dealing with the seemingly endless symptoms that it causes.
Hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, sleep problems, and mood swings are just a handful of some of the more common problems that can take a toll on just about every aspect of a woman’s life.
At the Center for Urogynecology and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery in South Miami, Florida, Rafael J. Perez, MD, FACOG, understands the challenges women face during menopause and in the months and years leading up to it.
In this post, he offers some tips to help you manage your symptoms, so you can enjoy more comfort, less stress, and better health, too.
Menopause can cause an array of symptoms, including less-common symptoms you might not know about. Recognizing these symptoms ensures you can get treatment right away, before they take a major toll on your well-being.
Hot flashes and night sweats can deplete your body of moisture. Keep a bottle of chilled water on hand to replenish fluids and cool your body down. Skip or at least limit alcohol and caffeine, each of which can exacerbate hot flashes and other menopause symptoms.
Loss of estrogen can cause dramatic changes in your vagina, including dryness, itching, and discomfort (a condition called vaginal atrophy). Apply a vaginal moisturizer before bed to help restore moisture and reduce irritation while you sleep.
If you find sex is painful, consider switching to a thicker vaginal lubricant.
Sleep disturbances are a common symptom for many women during menopause. Without restful sleep, it’s a lot harder to deal with other symptoms, like irritability or mood swings.
To help you catch your z’s, focus on turning your bedroom into a cool, restful environment, eliminating electronics that can interfere with normal sleep patterns. Treat yourself to some comfy pajamas, sheets that help you stay cool, and room-darkening window shades.
Moodiness and irritability are some of the better-known symptoms of menopause (and often the focus of not-so-funny jokes). On top of the mood effects of dwindling estrogen, managing multiple menopause symptoms can cause stress, too.
Yoga and meditation can help, but so can deep breathing, mindfulness exercises, and simply carving out some quiet time each day to do something you find relaxing.
Physical activity can help you manage your weight, but it offers other benefits, too. During menopause, certain health risks increase, so getting regular physical activity helps you decrease those risks as you age.
Daily exercise is a good way to relieve stress and take some time to focus on your well-being.
HRT uses bioidentical hormones to supplement or replace the estrogen that your body is no longer producing. We use a patient-centered approach to HRT, customizing every treatment based on your specific needs and adjusting the dosage as needed over time.
Different types of HRT are available depending on your symptoms, so you can find a product that’s just right for you.
We’re a great source of support, along with lifestyle guidance and treatments aimed at helping you manage your symptoms more effectively. Don’t be shy about discussing the symptoms you’re experiencing.
You can find support online, too. Check out Red Hot Mamas, a group founded to offer support for women in all stages of menopause.
Entering menopause doesn’t mean it’s OK to stop seeing a gynecologist. In fact, regular annual exams play a vital role in identifying problems early, so you can get treatment to prevent serious medical problems.
If you’re in or near menopause, don’t ignore your symptoms. Let us help you find a solution that can help you feel better. To find out more, call 305-240-6047 to book an appointment with our team at the Center for Urogynecology and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery today.
