Going through menopause can be a confusing and overwhelming time for any woman. With a whole array of symptoms and feelings taking over your body, it can be difficult to know how to deal with all of this.
Raising awareness around the subject of menopause is important. Discussing and sharing journeys through this stage of life can help those going through it currently. With all this, menopause is nothing to fear, and our remedy suggestions can help you to ease your way through this time.
What Is Menopause?
Menopause is a stage of life, typically between 45 and 55, where a woman will stop having periods as they come to the end of their fertility. It is a completely normal and natural stage of life, impacting each woman differently. Menopause is officially recognised after a woman experiences 12 months without having a menstrual flow.
Menopause isn’t really ‘caused’ by anything, more so it is just a hormonal change that takes place within the body. Premature menopause can also take place, beginning at a younger age. Radiation therapies such as Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy have been known to sometimes induce an early menopause in some women.
Menopause typically comes in three stages: The perimenopause, Menopause and The post-menopause.
The perimenopause is when your ovaries are starting to run out of eggs, leading up to the menopause. Hormone production will decrease and periods may become irregular. This usually starts around mid to late 40s with many women not even realising they are going through perimenopause. You may feel anxious and experience mood swings as a result of your hormones changing.
The menopause is the phase that occurs after one year of no periods, as your ovaries have stopped producing the hormones oestrogen and progesterone.
After the menopause stage, women are considered to be in post-menopause. This third stage of menopause can still leave you with symptoms for roughly 5-7 years, potentially even longer than this.
Typical Symptoms
Some symptoms can drastically affect some women, whereas others have a much easier time going through the transition. These are some of the most common symptoms, but these are not exclusive, as this experience is different for everyone.
- Anxiety
- Mood Swings
- Hot Flashes
- Memory & Concentration Issues
- Low Moods
- Night Sweats
- Difficulty Sleeping
- Muscle aches & Joint pains
- Reduced Libido
- Recurring UTI’s
This is just a condensed list of the potential symptoms that those going through menopause could experience. They may last a few months, up to a few years. Symptoms may change throughout the time of menopause and can become more or less intense over time.
Who Should I Talk To?
If you suspect that you are going through any stage of menopause and struggling to cope with your symptoms, it would be wise to speak to your GP to seek advice. If you are under 45 and experiencing what could be menopause, it would also be a good idea to speak to your doctor. They will be able to help you manage your symptoms safely and effectively.
Seeking professional medical advice is a good idea, for both physical and mental health symptoms. If you find that your mental wellbeing is being impacted by your menopause, talk to your doctor to see what you can do to remedy this.
Alternatives to Hormonal Replacement Therapy
Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a treatment to help relieve the symptoms of menopause that someone might be experiencing by replacing the hormones that are dropping to a lower level. Typically it reduces symptoms like:
- Hot flashes
- Low Libido
- Night sweats
- Mood swings
However, there are risks associated with this kind of treatment. HRT has the potential to increase your risk of developing breast cancer. While the benefits are said to outweigh the risks, this is something to consider. There are alternatives to HRT that can help to make the menopause journey easier for some women.
Black Cohosh
Black Cohosh is a herbal remedy that is now used to help relieve menopausal symptoms such as night sweats and hot flashes. It can also be used to alleviate vaginal dryness and sleep disturbances.
Studies showed that women were experiencing relief of their symptoms about 4 weeks after consistently taking black cohosh supplements. Eight weeks later showed even more benefits.
Black Cohosh acts like oestrogen within the body and so, for those who have previously had breast cancer, endometriosis, ovarian cancer, or any other hormone-sensitive conditions, black cohosh would not be recommended.
Calcium & Vitamin D
Bone loss and osteoporosis are serious risk factors for women going through menopause. When hormone levels are dropping past a certain point, it is vital that enough calcium is consumed to keep the body healthy.
About 1200mg of calcium is recommended for those who are experiencing or have already gone through menopause. This is a large amount of calcium to obtain, so a supplement is a good way to ensure your body is getting what it needs.
The same goes for Vitamin D, an equally important nutrient for your body. It goes hand in hand with calcium, as your body cannot absorb the calcium without vitamin D. Most commonly found from being in the sun, you can get Vitamin D from a variety of sources. Including your food, the sun and supplements. If you’re struggling to find ways to get outside or eat vitamin D rich foods, taking supplements can ensure that you get the right vitamins into your body.
DHEA Supplements
DHEA, also known as Dehydroepiandrosterone, or the ‘Hormone of Youth’ is a naturally produced hormone that is used by the body to help create other hormones such as testosterone, oestrogen or progesterone.
Small studies have claimed that DHEA supplements can help relieve menopause symptoms like low libido and hot flashes. However, some studies state that DHEA can actually increase your chance of breast cancer. It is important that if you are susceptible to hormone-sensitive conditions, that you research any remedies you intend to try.
St. John’s Wort
St, John’s Wort is well-known for bringing relief of feelings like anxiety and depression and often helps with PMS. It is a natural and useful way to relieve these symptoms and the mood swings that one might experience during this hormonal change.
It has also been suggested that St. John’s Wort taken in combination with black cohosh can be effective in reducing hot flashes too.
Magnetic Treatment
Magnetic treatments can prove extremely effective in helping women alleviate stressful menopause symptoms. Studies have shown that magnets can significantly reduce the impacts of hot flashes. Magnetic treatment is a hormone free, alternative way to manage symptoms of menopause.
The Sassy La Femme LaBalance is a product to look out for. From period pains to menopause symptoms, magnetic therapy can help alleviate the discomfort that is hindering you from your day to day.
The magnet simply sits at the top of your underwear, pressed against your skin. It’s a sleek and discreet way to give yourself relief from those aches and pains.
Overview
We understand that menopause can be a daunting time, and we don’t want you to feel alone. Providing empathetic support and empowering solutions to your stress is what we strive for. Menopause is unique to each individual who experiences it and ensuring that you are taking care of both your mind and body is vital during these times.
Sassy La Femme
Here at Sassy La Femme, we care about helping you feel one hundred percent, even during your most hormonal times. Our lady care options are highly recommended, from period discomfort to those going through menopause. We don’t believe that being uncomfortable should be a part of your journey, and we want to help to fix that.
To find out more about our LaBalance, or magnet therapy benefits, you can read about our product here on our website. For any questions about our products or how they work, feel free to get in touch with us and speak to one of our wonderful team members today. We will be happy to answer any of your questions and give you the best menopause advice we can.