The menopause may be inevitable, but there’s a lot you can do to manage your symptoms. Here’s the latest expert advice, plus how partners can help.
If you’re sweating your way through the menopause, you’re not alone; up to 90% of women say they experience symptoms at some point during their menopause – half of which were ‘troublesome’.1
From hot flushes and headaches to weight gain and bloating, there are many signs and symptoms of menopause. Every experience of menopause is unique, and some signs can vary dependent on whether you’re in perimenopause, menopause or post-menopause. So, is there anything you can do to make your menopause symptoms more manageable?
To help you through the transition, we’ve asked 3 UK experts for their advice on how to manage your menopause symptoms, and we’ve compiled 8 of the best tips below.
3. Support your bones: Around 10% of bone mass is lost in the first five years of the menopause, increasing your risk of fractures.4 Take 10mcg of vitamin D daily, and include bone-strengthening exercise, like walking, tennis, dancing and weight-lifting, in your fitness routine.4
6. Tuck into soya: Soy contains plant oestrogens, which mimic the effect of oestrogen in your body.7 Choose fermented soya, if possible, like miso, tempeh and tamari, as phytoestrogens in soya become supercharged in naturally fermented versions.
You may be going through the menopause yourself, or perhaps you’re helping to support a loved one through it. Knowing how you can help someone struggling with the first signs of menopause or finding it hard to cope with their menopause symptoms is so important.
We asked Gurpreet Singh, Relate counsellor and psychotherapist, for their top tips on helping a loved one, friend or partner through the menopause.
1
Remember, each woman’s experience of menopause is different, so ask them what they’re feeling. Listen to how they want you to support them.
2
This can be tricky if they get moody or irritable, but their moods are more likely to be down to the menopause than dissatisfaction with you. Don’t forget that some women feel deeply sad about their transition into the next phase of life. Sometimes, simply lending an ear can help someone feel much better.
3
If your menopause symptoms are getting in the way of everyday activities, or you find that you’re struggling physically or emotionally with the effects of menopause, always seek advice from your GP.
You can also check out our Menopause Support Hub for guidance from our menopause-trained H&B experts and advice from qualified menopause nurses. Our support and advice is now available in 5 different languages, too.
While there are many menopause symptoms (it’s believed there are over 34!11), there are many things to help you cope, too, whether it's tweaking your diet or trying new supplements.
And remember, you can always find help and support about your menopause symptoms by seeing a GP or talking to a qualified menopause specialist.
Written by Madeleine Bailey on December 29, 2018