Menopause is a huge time of sexual upheaval, and there are all kinds of unpleasant side effects that can damage your wellness and wellbeing.
Hot flashes are one of the most unpleasant side effects and can hit at any time, so you need to be prepared. Dressing in a few light layers is a good idea, as this means that you can strip off when a hot flush starts. It’s a good idea to have one of those hand-held battery-operated fans in your handbag too so that you can give yourself an instant blast of cool air if needed. For many women, nights are the worst time, so try taking a cool bath or shower before you go to bed. Some women also find that caffeine or alcohol can trigger their hot flashes, so it may be worth experimenting with eliminating these things from your diet to see if it helps. Stress can also be a key contributor, so employ any methods you can to help reduce it, such as meditation and deep breathing.
Weight gain is common during the menopause, especially around the mid-section. This is partly due to the hormonal changes that occur during the menopause, but is also linked to poor levels of physical activity, and it’s no coincidence that women tend to be less physically active as they get older. In order to avoid excess weight gain, you should make sure that you prioritise exercise. Your metabolism also slows down as you age, making it all the more important to burn off calories, too.
Vaginal dryness is an embarrassing but reassuringly common side effect too. As the oestrogen levels drop in women’s bodies, the vagina becomes naturally less lubricated than before and this can result in pain, dryness or itching. You can combat this by using a lubricant, especially a natural one such as cocoa butter or wheat germ oil.
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