How to Get Ready for Menopause

Menopause is an inescapable phase in every woman’s life and causes several reproductive health changes. While the experience varies from one woman to another, specific common symptoms can be expected, and getting ready for them can improve your experience. If you begin experiencing changes in your reproductive health around your early 40s, you can seek an expert diagnosis from Dr. Denise Furlong in Bedford Park. This will help you know if you are approaching menopause and be ready for the phase. The following tips can encourage you to be set for the changes to occur.

Adjust Your Mindset

Once you know you are approaching menopause or already in this phase of your life, getting mentally prepared is vital to help you cope with the changes. When the symptoms catch you while you are aware, you can minimize the level of irritability caused. Consult your doctor to confirm your suspicions and understand what you can expect. This will help you learn remedies on hand to manage the changes as they happen. Additionally, you will start putting certain things you might need during the menopause period in place in advance.

Avoid Triggers

Once you know you are entering the menopause phase and understand some of the symptoms to expect, it will be essential to avoid the triggers of the symptoms. For example, you might notice increased headaches in your perimenopause stage, and you can prevent headache triggers such as loud sounds, bright light, and stay off things that could cause eye strains. You can also avoid some food triggers such as alcohol, cheese, and chocolate in advance. Work with your doctor to understand other different triggers you can avoid for various possible symptoms.

Improve Your Diet

As you enter the menopause phase, please talk to your doctor about the necessary nutrients to help you cope with some symptoms. Feeding your body with such nutrients will help you cope with the signs quickly. Additionally, your body is about to experience several health complications, and its immunity ought to be optimal. Therefore, eat a healthy diet that will boost your immunity by eating more fruits and vegetables and incorporating grass-fed meats, fish, and lean, whole grains. Also, include fiber in your diet and go for whole wheat products, beans, and legumes.

Develop Relaxation Techniques

Doing relaxation techniques when you approach menopause is vital in combating the emotional distress due to hormonal changes. Consult your doctor to learn the relaxation techniques you need to help you calm the symptoms before you develop menopause. Make yourself used to mindfulness, mental visualization exercises, and deep breathing exercises. You can also try yoga, tai chi, and meditation.

Exercise More

Exercising is a great way to combat menopause-related symptoms such as mood swings, insomnia, weight gain, and heart disease. However, it would be suitable to consult your provider to understand the essential exercises to help you, as some activities can worsen your symptoms. Also, note that you do not have to become a gym person, but all you need is to identify what works for you and invest in it. If you have not been exercising, be sure to start small, maybe by walking upstairs more often and advance to less intense exercises.

If you suspect you are around menopause, reach out to Chicago Center for Women’s Health for help. Dr. Furlong will help you know what to expect and how to get ready for it. But remember that the experience is unique to every patient.