Menopause refers to a natural condition whereby women cease to have a menstrual cycle. It is an onset of a new phase of life and commonly occurs between the ages of 40- to 58-years of age. Though the onset of menopause may differ, the symptoms occur in two phases; the first is perimenopause, which leads up to full menopause; and full menopause, which marks the end of the transition. Generally, during perimenopause women experience the following symptoms:

• Reduced fertility levels
• Vaginal dryness
• Irregular periods
• Sleeping difficulty
• Hot flashes
• Headache
• Weight changes
• Mood changes
• Low sex drive

Though menopause is unavoidable, the following tips can successfully manage the symptoms:

1. Consume phytoestrogen-rich foods
There is no natural medicine for menopause. However, consuming foods rich in phytoestrogen levels may help counter the reducing levels of estrogen in the body. A naturally occurring compound, phytoestrogen, is the best remedy for hot flashes, usually experienced by affected persons. Foods rich in this essential nutrient include flaxseeds, sesame seeds, and beans, to mention a few.

2. Use prescribed vaginal lubricants
The onset of menopause can trigger painful episodes on your vagina. This condition occurs because of itchy and extra dry vaginal walls. After a proper examination by your gynecologist, vaginal lubricants such as Astroglide will be recommended.

3. Get the emotional support
The perimenopause period is characterized by fluctuations in hormones, which sometimes lead to mood swings and anxiety. The sudden changes can be extra stressful for the woman. To be emotionally healthy, having people who understand your condition can help. With proper emotional support, sleeping will no longer be an issue as stress levels will reduce.

4. Get regular exercise
Due to hormonal changes in the body, gaining weight can occur. Usually, the extra body fat will settle around the waistline. Doing a lot of exercises will help in taming that excessive weight, while at the same time minimize heart-related diseases. Activities will also improve your metabolism rates and mental health.

5. Avoid processed foods
Regularly consuming high amounts of refined sugars causes unstable blood pressure. With the onset of menopause, this effect might cause extra tiredness and irritability. Recent studies indicate that women who consume diets with a high concentration of refined sugars have higher chances of getting post-menopausal depression.

6. Drink plenty of water
During this challenging period, the body needs a lot of water. Enough water may ease the vaginal dryness caused by fluctuating estrogen levels. It’s at this critical moment that the body needs to detoxify and flush the system. That extra glass of water can sort the bloating that generally occurs because of hormonal instability.

7. Get your sex life back
Women in their early stages of menopause typically experience low sex drive. This condition is caused by both psychological and physical symptoms (i.e., vaginal atrophy and dryness). However, that natural phase doesn’t have to disrupt your sex life. With the recently FDA-approved drug, Vylessi, you might rekindle libido. The drug is, however, not recommended for women with pre-existing medical conditions such as high blood pressure.