Menopause is inevitable for all women. But the time frame can cause some unpleasant symptoms affecting the quality of your life. Therefore, learning how to cope up with menopause in Oak Lawn is crucial so that you can lead a quality life and age gracefully. The tips highlighted below can help you manage some specific menopause symptoms. Have a look.
Hot Flashes
Managing hot flashes can be straightforward. For example, dressing in layers can help you remove some items when you experience a hot flash. You can also wear natural fibers made of clothing such as cotton and keep your sandals nearby to help you remove your socks and shoes. Additionally, you can try controlled and slow breathing when a hot flash begins and consider adding a room-size or a personal-size fan to your working area or place where you spend most of your time.
Consider Other Medications
If you notice menopausal therapy is not working for you, try other medications that have been considered helpful with managing and handling hot flashes allied with menopause. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are low-dose antidepressants that can help you manage hot flashes and help you with mood swings. Also, Venlafaxine and Paxil are two of the commonly prescribed antidepressants. At the same time, Gabapentin is a drug used for seizures and is also helpful in managing headaches, hot flashes, and some mood symptoms associated with menopause.
Manage Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness and some pain associated with intercourse can be reduced by using a lubricant. The lubricants are available over the counter, be sure to get silicone-based or water-based. Water-based lubricants consist of products such as Astroglide®, Replens®, and K-Y Jelly® whereas silicon-based lubricants consist of Gun Oil®, Wet Platinum®, ID Millennium®, and Eros®. You can also get vaginal estrogen in several forms, which can provide it with the vaginal mucosa. Additionally, try to remain sexually active during this time to maintain elastic vaginal walls.
Manage Your Sleep
You can enhance your sleep by building your physical activity, which can help you address sleep problems you may encounter and help you maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, it would help to keep off from exercising immediately before bedtime. Other steps which can help you with sleep problems include avoiding caffeine after noon, alcohol near bedtime, and heavy meals in the evening. You can also drink something warm and caffeine-free before bed. Also, you should keep your bedroom dark, cool, quiet, and only use your bed for sex or sleep. Just before trying to sleep, you should avoid playing games and watching television. More so, avoid taking a nap during the day, try going to bed and getting up at the same time daily.
Deal With Your Sexual Health
Vaginal tissue can change, and sex can become painful due to a decrease in estrogen. You may need to talk to your doctor about taking osphena, a non-hormonal treatment for painful sexual intercourse, when this is the case. Additionally, low libido can occur through mood swings and a natural decrease in testosterone with age and emotional straining in a relationship.
Consult Your Doctor on Additional Symptoms
Additional problems that some of the women may experience are frequent headaches, dry skin, and urinary problems. Many symptoms can be addressed with the help of menopausal hormone therapy, while other options may help individual problems.
If you are experiencing suspicious symptoms or you think you are around menopause, reach out to Chicago Center for Women’s Health for help. Your provider will evaluate your condition and take you through the possible treatment options available for you.