The menopause can be a time of great physical and emotional change that may overwhelm you if you don’t know what to expect.
As we age, our bodies will go through the menopause where we may find ourselves experiencing hot flushes, night sweats, irregular sleep patterns, mood swings and many other symptoms.
We reach the menopause once we have not had a period for one year. After this point, we are post-menopausal. The time leading up to the menopause is known as the peri-menopause.
Peri-menopause begins several years before menopause as the ovaries gradually begin to produce less oestrogen and early signs might be the length of time between periods altering or periods becoming heavier or lighter. In addition hot flushes may occur. To help reduce symptoms, try and eat a diet containing soya products and wholewheat foods – studies show an effect after just four to eight weeks! Caffeine and alcohol can be frequent triggers. Drinking a sage tea made from sage leaves steeped in boiling water for five minutes, three times daily should help reduce night sweats. As with all herbs it is best to seek professional advice from a herbalist, especially if you are taking other medications.
The menopause is a natural occurance and you may have no problems. However, it is common to develop one or more symptoms which are due to the low levels of oestrogen:
Short term symptoms
- Hot flushes A typical hot flush lasts a few minutes and causes flushing of your face, neck, and chest. Hot flushes tend to start just before the menopause, and typically last for 2-3 years.
- Sweats commonly occur when you are in bed at night. In some cases sleep may be disturbed.
- Other symptoms may develop such as headaches, tiredness, palpitations, being irritable, difficulty sleeping, depression, anxiety, aches and pains, loss of libido and feelings of not coping as well as before.
Because of recent concerns regarding HRT, you may prefer complementary and alternative treatments such as black cohosh, red clover, dong quai, evening primrose oil, ginseng, soy, and kava. Again, it is best to seek professional advice from a herbalist, especially if you are taking other medications.
Foods rich in omega 3 oils and antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruit should also be introduced into the diet at this point if they are not already present. This kind of diet will not only help keep your skin radiant and strong during the menopause, but it will go a long way to keeping healthy and strong physically which will help your overall sense of well being.
A top tip is AD skin synergy’s Nourishing Night Treatment facial oil – it’s been reported it’s fantastic during this period of change!