Before we discuss some helpful tips, we will go over what the different stages are.
1) Menopause is when you go through 12 months without having your period. The average age for most of you is going to be 50. Some of you might go through it earlier or later. It depends on your situation and what kind of lifestyle you live.
2) Perimenopause is the period before the actual menopause happens. Once again, it is different for every woman. Some of you could last for about seven years. Others might only last a few months.
The important thing to note is that this is not a sudden thing. Many of you will start to reduce the estrogen and eggs you produce. Another common thing to watch for is fewer periods. This is to get you ready for the time when you do not have any periods at all.
Now, many of you will have this happen in your early 40s. Some of you might start in your 30s. One thing to keep in mind is you still have a chance of getting pregnant during this time. The chances are fewer, but keep that in mind, and plan accordingly.
3) The final stage is called postmenopause. That happens after a year of not getting your period. The uterine wall begins to become less thick. Once you reach this stage, you can no longer become pregnant(which is a sigh of relief for many women).
Some Signs of Perimenopause
Your periods will be heavier and lighter. You will have changes in your urine. You will also have hot flashes and mood swings. Some of you might be more severe than others. You might also face insomnia and vaginal dryness.
Some Signs of Menopause and Postmenopause
You will have much the same signs, but you will be at the tail end of the stages. You will go through everything from fits of rage and crying to utter sadness and emotional turmoil. You will also have water retention and some weight gain here and there. One day you will feel as big as a house. The next day, your body will be back to its regular size. It happens to almost every woman.
One thing you could do(during this time), is to speak with your doctor about the best menopause supplements to help. Supplements will give you those much-needed vitamins and minerals your body is losing during this time. Supplements can also help you feel a little more regular and not as moody.
Six Tips On How To Take Care Of Yourself During This Time
1) Keep fit. Exercise will help reduce and limit effects. Those of you who have always been into exercise and a healthy lifestyle, you should feel minimal impacts. Many fitness trainers explain that women who have exercised their whole life are doing themselves a favour. Stay fit and clean.
2) Staying hydrated(like exercising) is one of the best things you can do for yourself. It will help reduce water retention.
Water will also help reduce bloating and replenish the dry and dead skin cells. You do not realize how many dry and dead skin cells you have until you are dehydrated. Eight to twelve full glasses of water a day is the minimum.
About 60% of our body is made of water. You need to replenish all the water you lose during the day, especially during menopause. Drink some cold water if you wake up drenched in sweat. It will help calm your body down.
3) Quit smoking(or taper off as much as you can). Smoking will increase the likelihood of things like heart disease and strokes, especially during menopause.
4) Stay connected to the people you care about as much as possible. You will need someone to lean on during this time. Most men are not going to understand what you are going through. Other women will. You need your female friends now more than ever(especially those who have already gone through it).
5) Try to keep a healthy diet. You can have small amounts of those sweets you like in moderation, but this is not an excuse to binge. A poor diet will also lead to more water retention and weight gain.
6) During the menopause stages, your body is losing a lot of calcium deposits inside, as well as Vitamin D. Another reason why you should talk to your doctor about the possibility of supplements. Taking the right supplements will replenish your body with that much-needed calcium and Vitamin D your body is losing during this time.