Take control of your menopause symptoms

Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings — for women between the ages of 45 and 55, these can be familiar, and often daily occurrences, and symptoms of menopause. Remember, you’re not alone when it comes to menopause; it’s a natural part of aging, yet symptoms vary and range from mild to severe.

During menopause, the ovaries stop making estrogen which causes irregular periods that occur less frequently and eventually stop altogether. Menopause is officially diagnosed when a woman has not had a period for 12 months. At this point, she is considered postmenopausal.

Signs that menopause is near (perimenopause)

Perimenopause can last for three to five years before menopause officially happens. During this time, in addition to less frequent periods, you may experience episodes of heart pounding/racing, hot flashes, night sweats, flushed skin, insomnia, mood swings, depression and weight gain.

Your health care provider can use blood and urine tests to look for changes in hormone levels to determine if you are close to menopause or have already gone through it. Kim Maletta Shibley, MD, Western OB/GYN, A Division of Ridgeview Clinics, encourages women to work with their provider for help to manage symptoms as they transition from the perimenopausal to postmenopausal state.

Exercise to control symptoms

Because menopause can cause physical and mental strain, depression and mood swings in particular, exercise is one of the most effective ways to cope with symptoms naturally. On average, women gain 10 to 15 pounds during menopause, so stepping up your activity level not only helps with symptom management but also helps curb weight gain.

Exercise can also help you sleep better; just be sure to avoid exercising within a couple of hours of bedtime, which can make it more difficult to fall asleep. If you are experiencing trouble falling asleep, light yoga and meditation before bed can help.

Relief for hot flashes and night sweats

“Vasomotor symptoms, more commonly known as hot flashes and night sweats, are the biggest complaints I hear from women during menopause. Be prepared for when hot flashes hit by dressing in layers and keeping your environment cool,” shared Dr. Maletta Shibley. Hot flashes are a contributing factor to poor sleep quality. Consider the type of fabric of your sheets and pajamas. Make necessary changes such as swapping out flannel sheets for a cooler, more breathable fabric like microfiber.

“Hormone therapy remains the gold standard for relief of vasomotor symptoms of menopause. Not all women are candidates for hormone therapy or choose to use hormones,” explained Dr. Maletta Shibley. “Fortunately, there are alternative medications to hormones that can aid in the relief of hot flashes.”

If you need help managing symptoms or determining which stage of menopause you’re experiencing, schedule an appointment with your health care provider or one at Western OB/GYN, A Division of Ridgeview Clinics.