8 Miserable Symptoms of Menopause & Their Solutions

It’s not possible to just skip menopause and all symptoms that come with it. Although menopause symptoms can be uncomfortable, frustrating, or even annoying to some extent, it’s possible to relieve them to go through this transition as smoothly as possible. So far you’ve probably heard and read about some symptoms that are associated with menopause, and yet there are many of them you haven’t heard about. This article lists 8 menopause symptoms and provides useful tips to relieve them.

1. Hot flashes/night sweats

It’s one of the most uncomfortable and persistent symptoms of menopause. It spreads from your chest to the head and you feel like you’re fighting for the air. At night, you might be even unable to fall asleep due to night sweats. Here are some solutions to this problem:

• Sleep in a cool room
• Try deep, slow abdominal breathing
• Exercise
• Chill pillows 
• Avoid triggers linked with hot flashes such as: caffeine, alcohol, stress, spicy foods, tight clothes, heat, cigarette smoke
• Use menopause supplements as they are formulated to relieve symptoms of menopause including hot flashes/night sweats
• Wear clothes made of natural materials such as cotton, silk 
• Dress in layers to remove easily excess clothes.

2. Irregular sleep patterns

As mentioned above, due to night sweats your sleep pattern will be impaired. Also, hormonal fluctuations are associated with disturbed sleep as well. Here are a few tips that will help you sleep better:

• Create your own bedtime routine
• Go to bed every night at the same time and wake up every morning at the same time as well
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed (and limit the intake of these beverages during menopause anyway)
• Make a cup of chamomile tea 
• Don’t use phone or other gadget in bed
• Take a shower or relaxing bath 
• Wear cotton sleepwear 
• Meditate or practice yoga.
  

3. Heart palpitations

In some women, a racing or pounding feeling in the chest can accompany hot flashes. It is believed heart palpitations are caused by fluctuations of the hormone estrogen. Below, you can see how to tackle this problem:

• Regular aerobic exercise is beneficial for strong and healthy heart
• Eat healthy diet
• Drink plenty of water
• Reduce stress
• Consult your doctor. 

4. Vaginal dryness

Due to hormonal changes, women experience vaginal dryness during menopause. In turn, sexual intercourse becomes painful which makes some women avoid it. In turn, lack of sex has a significant impact on the quality of a relationship or marriage. Plus, vaginal dryness can also lead to infections. Here are some tips you’ll find useful:

• Use lubricant
• Use estrogen supplements such as creams, rings or tablets
• Stay hydrated
• Quit smoking
• Avoid oil-based skin products
• Engage in more foreplay with your partner
• Avoid excessive douching.

5. Skin changes

During menopause, your skin becomes dryer, its texture roughens and some even are more prone to irritations and redness. Furthermore, irritations might lead to itchiness. Since your skin loses elasticity, you might even notice wrinkles showing up faster. Luckily, there are some things you can do to restore the healthy glow and smoothness of your skin:

• Establish a regular skin care regimen
• Exfoliate once or twice a week
• Eat fruits and vegetables
• Use sunscreen throughout the year 
• Consult your doctor about menopause treatments to relieve symptoms. For example, HT is known to improve quality of your skin as well as other symptoms of menopause.

6. Headache/migraine

Headaches and migraines are extremely frequent in menopausal women. Some women develop a migraine even though they didn’t have it before menopause. This severe pain is usually treated with medications, but here are some other tips you’ll find useful:

• Keep a diary of things you do or eat every day to identify migraine trigger and avoid it
• Eat estrogen-boosting foods such as soy, alfalfa, apples, cherries, potatoes, rice, yams, wheat
• Use lavender essential oil to relieve pain e.g. dip a cloth into a bowl of water with a few drops of lavender oil and place the cloth on your head
• Relax in dark room
• Drink a caffeinated beverage (small amount only)
• Don’t skip meals. 

7. Hair changes

This is one of the most unpleasant symptoms of menopause; more facial hair and less scalp hair. You might even notice that your hair isn’t silky and shiny anymore. And you guessed it right, this also happens due to hormonal imbalance. Here are some tips that will help you:

• De-stress
• Taking birth control pills is helpful, but you should bear in mind it’s only temporary solution
• Take abundance of vitamins, particularly vitamins B and E
• Don’t wear a weave or extensions
• Avoid using curling irons or hair straighteners too much.

8. Loss of memory, focus and concentration 

Forgetfulness and inability to concentrate are quite common in menopausal women. In fact, as we age, our concentration and ability to focus decrease and we experience memory lapses frequently. Below, you can see how to deal with this problem when you’re in menopause:

• Make lists
• Call yourself – if you think you’re going to forget some appointment, medications etc. call yourself and leave a message
• Do mind-engaging activities such as Sudoku, crosswords, puzzles etc.
• Use all your senses to remember a certain information
• Get organized
• Socialize
• Get enough sleep
• Manage chronic conditions e.g. kidney or thyroid problems. 

Conclusion

Although symptoms of menopause can be uncomfortable and frustrating, it’s possible to relieve them and go through this important stage of your life as smoothly as possible. Remember, healthy lifestyle is extremely important – exercise, eat healthy foods, and consult your doctor if you’re worried about some symptoms.

References

https://www.thebeautyinsiders.com/menopause-supplements