You Are Still You, Despite Menopausal Symptoms

Menopause is a tricky time for a lot of women. Not only is your body changing, but it also feels like everything else is, too. You might find yourself experiencing strong mood swings, increased irritability, or a memory that isn’t quite what it used to be. You could also be dealing with a  host of physical symptoms like dry skin, thinning hair, and hot flashes. 

When these symptoms first appear, you may feel overwhelmed and worry that you’ll never again be the person you were before menopause. Fortunately, many menopausal symptoms can be alleviated altogether. And even if you continue to experience effects, they won’t change you from being the person you’ve always been, despite the physical and mental changes you’ll go through. Menopause is a process, and Hancock Health wants you to know that you’re not alone—and we’re here to help you alleviate those negative symptoms.

Menopause is the time during which a woman’s period stops and her body does not produce as much estrogen. There are three main stages: Perimenopause, which takes place before the actual menopause, then menopause itself, and postmenopause, which is after menopause has passed. A woman’s body will undergo a great deal of physical and mental change during this time, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe. 

Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to ease the transition.

Now is the time to pay more attention than ever to your mental health. Menopause heralds a new era of life for women, and you don’t have to go through all the changes it brings by yourself. Consider joining a support group of other women who are experiencing the same things. You might even learn a few tips and tricks for how to handle symptoms that we don’t mention here. 

Exercise, such as yoga, will help combat feelings of depression and anxiety, while mentally stimulating activities such as crossword puzzles, math problems, or even just reading your favorite books can help with forgetfulness and memory issues that sometimes accompany menopause. 

As for physical symptoms, consider adding plant-based estrogen to your diet to help replace the estrogen your body loses during menopause. This could include eating foods such as soybeans, chickpeas, grains, and beans. And while you’re at it, cutting out caffeine and spicy food can help reduce hot flashes.

If you’ve tried some of the simpler remedies and still find yourself struggling to get back to the real you during menopause, speak to your doctor about hormone therapy or nonhormonal medications to treat hot flashes. Your doctor can help you navigate the symptoms you’re experiencing and might even have a quick solution to get you back on track so you can focus on living your life again. 

True, menopause presents trials. But the symptoms won’t last forever. And even though they may affect your body and mind today, they won’t change the essence of the unique individual you’ve always been—and always will be.