How to Care for Self Around Menopause ?

Do you freak out when you spot grey hair or a wrinkle on your face? These are reminders that you are ageing, and who wants that? Though these are entirely normal and nothing to worry about, these might also be accompanied by weakened bones, hot flashes, sleep disturbances and other issues. If you are in your mid 40-50s, chances are you about to enter your menopausal stage. 

How to tackle the time around menopause/perimenopause wisely? 

This is a confusing time as with hot flashes, nocturnal sweats, mood fluctuations, irritability, and fatigue or anxiety your periods become irregular and sometimes flow erratic. Stick to the basics; keep your period supplies handy, particularly panty liners. They can help save many of your panties from staining.   

You need to understand that menopause and aging are natural. Yes, you are ageing, and you might never get your periods again or conceive naturally, but it is the rule of nature. Your body adjusts to it in its own way. There is nothing to be ashamed of.  

With menopause comes a fluctuation in hormones, and this can lead to anxiety or depression. While there is medication available to reduce the effects of menopause, they should be taken only after consulting a gynaecologist. While this goes on, to put your mind at ease, you should take good care of yourself.   

• Remember menopause is not the end of your youth: Many of you equate menopause with getting old in the literal sense. However, this is just a biological stage of your life. Forty or 50 does not make you a senior citizen. Your body will change but learn to embrace it.   
• Don’t fall for societal pressure: More than your own views, sometimes what society says affects you more. The world has  stereotyped menopause, talking about it in hushed tones or branding it as a depressive stage. It’s time to mainstream the conversation. You can try educating those you encounter every day. Stay away from those with extreme views and keep your spirits high. 

• Turn to medical advice: Be it a headache or severe hot flashes (which around 75 per cent of women face during menopause), don’t ever take any medicine without  proper medical advice. Since your hormones are already going through a change, these medicines can create havoc in your body. Let your gynaecologist examine you thoroughly and suggest measures that will help you find relief from these symptoms. 
• Exercise and proper diet can help you a lot: Menopause is a big change for your body. A good workout will do you a world of good, especially if you have gained weight. But only exercising won’t help if your diet is improper. Nutritious food is the key to keeping you healthy during taxing days. 
• Concentrate on the positives: Periods, though natural, come with their own share of inconveniences.  Now, you won’t have to worry about PMS or painful cramps; you don’t have to stress about stains. Say goodbye to pads and the  menstrual cup.  
• Connect with a counsellor: No matter how much you read, you just can’t come to terms with menopause. You think of it as an illness or get bogged down because of the changes that come with it. In such a case, counselling can help you. There are  psychologists who will prepare you to accept and tackle this defining phase of your life.  

Menopause can be a rollercoaster ride, both physically and emotionally. Just like you got used to your menses in your teenage days, you will get accustomed to menopause as well. It’s a pause to your default biological settings by nature. It’s not a speedbump but a pitstop in the journey called life.  

When you experience menopause, there’s no antidote better than acceptance and self-care. You will get used to it faster than you think.  

Which ones of the aforementioned changes have you experienced? Let us know in the comments.