Do you find our website to be helpful?
Yes   No
Skip to main content

Are Your Menopause Symptoms Slowing You Down? 5 Helpful Tips to Help You Manage

Are Your Menopause Symptoms Slowing You Down? 5 Helpful Tips to Help You Manage

Much like menstruation and pregnancy, menopause causes many hormonal changes, not all pleasant. Hormones control almost every body function, meaning any imbalance can have notable symptoms. If you’ve stopped menstruating and now struggle with menopausal symptoms, lifestyle changes, and hormone replacement therapy can help. 

At Ovation Wellness in Madison, Mississippi, our team of providers led by doctors Robert Harris, MD, and Steven Speights, MD, help women navigate menopause with dignity and comfort.   

Diagnosing menopause 

Menopause can begin in your late forties or be delayed until well into your fifties. Officially, menopause begins twelve months after your final period, but you might experience skipped periods and signs of menopause (perimenopause) before your cycle subsides for good. 

A life without periods might sound like a relief, but it takes some time to get there. In the meantime, you might struggle with several symptoms, including: 

 

Your experience with menopause can vary; you might experience many of these symptoms or very few. However, if you’re one of the people struggling to stay above water during this massive change, you’re not alone. 

Five tips for managing menopause 

At first, it might feel like you cannot do anything in the face of menopause. It’s a natural stage of life, but that doesn’t mean you must endure the symptoms with a stiff lip. Along with treating symptoms individually, you can also manage menopause by: 

1. Lowering stress levels 

Coupled with hormonal mood swings, stress can take a massive toll on your mind and body. Try to limit how much you take on in your personal and professional life, and practice self-care. If this isn’t enough, consider therapy or support groups. 

2. Lifestyle changes

Looking back on how you live, are there any areas you could improve? If you’re a heavy drinker or smoker, now would be the time to quit. Substances like alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine can increase stress and worsen symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, and low metabolism.

3. Weight loss

If you are overweight or obese, certain menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats may hit you harder. Losing weight can help relieve these symptoms and help you manage the transitions more easily. 

4. Non-hormonal medications

Some women find that herbal supplements or antidepressants help suppress mood swings and other menopausal symptoms. There have even been studies that show gabapentin (a medication often prescribed for nerve pain) can be successful in reducing hot flashes without increasing estrogen levels.

5. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

When your ovaries stop releasing eggs, they also stop making estrogen. This deficiency is what causes menopause symptoms, which is why doctors began trying to supplement the body’s supply of estrogen using hormone replacement therapy

HRT comes in many forms, but it also has risks. Before beginning treatment, the team at Ovation Wellness will run labs to ensure you’re in menopause and then check your medical history for risk factors like blood clots, osteoporosis, and more.

From there, your provider can explain the process further and help you decide how to proceed. To learn more about HRT and find out if it’s right for you, call us at 601-202-1340, or visit the contact page for more options. 






You Might Also Enjoy...

What Is Cellulitis and How Can I Avoid It?

What Is Cellulitis and How Can I Avoid It?

You may have cellulitis if you’ve noticed that a cut on your skin seems infected. This skin infection can pose serious risks to your health, so we want to review with you exactly what it is and how to treat it and prevent it from happening.
5 Tips for Managing Perimenopause Symptoms

5 Tips for Managing Perimenopause Symptoms

Navigating the complexities of perimenopause can feel like a maze with no exit in sight. But with the right guidance and personalized solutions, you can reclaim your vitality and well-being.
How Often Should I Get a Well-Woman Exam During Menopause?

How Often Should I Get a Well-Woman Exam During Menopause?

Menopause means no more visits to the OB/GYN, right? Wrong. You need to continue to get regular well-woman exams during menopause to screen for health issues like breast cancer. Find out more about why you need these exams after menopause.
Why a Water Birth Might Be Right for You

Why a Water Birth Might Be Right for You

Are you making a birth plan and want the best experience possible? Water birth is increasing in popularity, but it’s not for everyone. Find out if it could be right for you and your baby.
4 Common Causes of Female Infertility

4 Common Causes of Female Infertility

There are few things more devastating than finding out you have a fertility problem. That’s why we make fertility treatment a top priority. Here’s a closer look at what might be behind your infertility and how we can help.