Those night sweats and hot flashes from menopause can really ruin a gal’s day. … But there’s no need to suffer.
Lifescript.com, a women’s health and wellness site, has a long list of natural, doctor-recommended tips for quick menopause relief.
What’s on the list?
- Exercise. I know, no one wants to hear one more doctor telling them they need to exercise. But the benefits of exercise can really help counteract menopause’s downsides, namely osteoporosis (weight-bearing exercise helps stimulate bone growth); insomnia (exercise can help you fall asleep easier); stress (exercise releases “feel good” hormones); memory loss (exercise stimulate blood and oxygen flow, including to the brain); and weight gain. Yoga, in particular, has been shown to decrease hot flashes. Score.
- Create a soy-heavy diet. Some women report zero improvement in menopause symptoms when they eat soy, but others insist that it helps fight hot flashes. One ob-gyn says it doesn’t hurt to try it for a month or two, to see if it improves yours. You can drink a cup or two of soy milk, or snack on soy products, such as soybeans (also called edamame).
- Skip caffeine after noon. This can help you sleep better at night.
- Create a restful sleep environment. Women in menopause know that bedtime can bring on two difficulties: insomnia and night sweats. For relief, pull out all the stops on creating a Slumberland: Keep a cool bedroom (turn down the thermostat, open windows, etc.); make sure your bed linens are clean and cool; keep the TV off; use dark shades, a sleep mask, or earplugs if noises and light tend to wake you in the middle of the night; skip afternoon naps; wear comfortable pajamas that won’t get twisted, etc. (or go bare if your PJs are driving you crazy); and create a routine for bedtime that will signal your brain that “it’s time to sleep.”
Visit Lifescript.com and for more ideas for menopause relief.
And be sure to check out Lifescript’s new online Menopause Health Center for even more menopause help.
The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor is it ever intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice or professional recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician(s) or other qualified healthcare provider(s).
