The following tips may be beneficial for these common symptomsof menopause.
Hot Flashes
- Wear fabrics that breathe, such as cotton. Do not wear silk,polyester, and other synthetics that tend to trap body heat.
- If you feel a hot flash coming on, drink a glass of coldwater.
- If troubled by night sweats, keep a cold facecloth or ice packby your bed.
- Instead of pantyhose, wear cotton pants or thigh highstockings.
- Decrease your intake of caffeine and alcohol.
- Avoid spicy foods and hot drinks.
- Avoid tobacco.
- Try eating and drinking more soy products.
- Some women claim that taking vitamin E daily helps.
Vaginal Dryness and Urinary Problems
- Use a vaginal cream or lubricant (avoid petroleum jelly) tohelp reduce pain from dryness during sexual intercourse.
- Urinate before and after sexual intercourse to help preventbladder infections.
- To help prevent urinary tract infections, drink plenty of fluids and empty your bladder frequently.
- Try Kegel exercises daily. These exercises, which tighten and relax the muscles you use tostop urination, strengthen the vaginal muscles, enhanceorgasm, and help prevent incontinence.
Psychological Problems
If you are feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed, the following suggestions may help you:
Communicate openly with your partner about your symptoms andask for support.Join or even start a support group specific to menopause orother life changes you are experiencing.Find and share support with colleagues at work who are goingthrough the same experience.Seek counseling.Identify which sources of stress you can eliminate from yourlife. Weight Gain Engage in an aerobic exercise at least three times per week forat least 30 minutes per session.Find ways to incorporate more exercise into your daily routine,such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator.Decrease your intake of fat and calories. RESOURCES: National Women's Health Resource Centerhttp://www.healthywomen.org The North American Menopause Societyhttp://www.menopause.org Last reviewed July 2007 by Jeff Andrews, MD, FRCSC, FACOGPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
CONTRIBUTE TO THIS STORY
