Common Symptoms of Menopause: How to Deal with Them Effectively

A lot of midlife women experience menopause symptoms. Some of these symptoms may interfere with their daily activities. If you experience any of the symptoms of menopause in McDonough, discuss your concerns with your gynecologist first. By being open with your doctor, you both can decide the best treatment options for you. The following are some symptoms of menopause you may want to address with your gynecologist:

Difficulty Sleeping

It is important to establish a regular sleep schedule and routine to manage this symptom. This means waking up and going to bed at consistent times. Also, it can help to relax and wind down before you sleep and avoid consuming any caffeinated beverages late in the day.

Night Sweats

To relieve night sweats, you can try some strategies such as using layered bedding, dressing in light nightclothes, sipping cool water throughout the night, or cooling down with a fan.

Hot Flashes

This symptom may start in perimenopause or until after the last menstrual period. They usually begin in the hypothalamus, a brain part that controls the temperature of the body. In midlife, the body of a woman’s thermostat may be reset at lower-than-normal temperature. Hot flashes occur as a way for the body to cool itself. Alleviating hot flashes should start with determining what triggers them. Also, it can help to regulate the AC and heat in the environment to accommodate the changes in temperature.

Mood Changes

In perimenopause, fluctuation in hormone levels can make you feel like being out of control. It is common to experience anxiety, blue moods, fatigue, and increased irritability. Often, techniques like deep-breathing exercises and massage can help manage mood changes. A doctor can identify the cause, evaluate for serious depression, and decide the appropriate intervention. They may prescribe antidepressant medications for depression.

Vaginal Changes

As a woman’s estrogen levels decrease, her vaginal lining can become thin and their vaginal secretions may diminish. Also, she may notice her vaginal canal becoming shorter and narrower, causing dryness and irritation. Often, estrogen treatments can be applied directly to the vagina to manage these changes.

Urinary Incontinence

Incontinence can be improved without medication or surgery. Sufferers can consume adequate water to keep their urine diluted and avoid consuming foods or beverages that contain a high amount of acid or caffeine. Also, Kegel exercises can be performed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and minimize episodes of incontinence.

Sexual Discomfort

Some women may experience sexual function changes during menopause because of decreased hormone production in their ovaries. Also, menopause can result in vaginal dryness and a sexual function decline. Such changes can be countered by using vaginal lubricants and moisturizers.