Saturday, July 31, 2010

Dealing With the Early Stages of Menopause

When women get into their forties, they have to deal with the uncomfortable symptoms of perimenopause, which is that period leading to actual menopause. Perimenopause is just as challenging, especially when certain changes happen which will lead one to think "Is this it?"

The perimenopausal stage brings on confusing symptoms such as unexplained fatigues, menstrual period irregularities, extreme sensitivity to changing temperatures, and periodic emotional highs and lows.

Most medical experts would recommend hormone replacement therapy as the most effective solution, but it is important to consider the risks involved over the benefits it can provide you with.

Hormone replacement therapy can bring on estrogen dominance into your system which increases your risk for heart disease, breast cancer and osteoporosis. If you have a family history on any of these types of ailments, you would be better off dealing with perimenopausal symptoms the natural way.

First, exercise may not throw out those hot flashes associated with menopause, but it helps one cope with the unexplained down-the-pits feeling you occasionally get. Research has established that a 15-30 minute body workout results to lower levels of stress, depression and anxiety among perimenopausal women.

You don't have to get into membership type exercise workout - it can be a thirty minute walk or some daily gardening work that allows you to sweat out. The important thing is to be consistent so you can enjoy the psychological benefits it can do to battle the symptoms.

Secondly, a switch in your diet may help relieve symptoms. A high-protein and complex carb diet helps build up hormones naturally and give you longer lasting energy. Proteins contain the necessary amino acids for natural hormone replacement that will correct the imbalance that is happening within your body.

Getting the right amount of sleep also does much in dealing with perimenopausal symptoms. It has been observed that middle-age women only get an average of 6 hours sleep daily, which results to adrenal fatigue which puts one in a constant state of exhaustion. Get the recommended 8 hours, and you'll see the symptoms fade away.

Lastly, engage is some mind exercise geared towards relaxation. Meditate on your life's blessings and see how far you've gone. Throw away negative thoughts and focus on your achievements. You will feel good about yourself and go through this life stage wonderfully and gracefully.

By : Andrea_Dilea

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