Menopause, or the end of a woman’s fertile period heralded by the absence of menstruation for 12 consecutive months, typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. However, in the months and years leading up to menopause, many women experience signs and symptoms that indicate the onset of this phase of life. If you’re having one or more of these common menopause symptoms, you may be in this beginning phase of menopause (known as perimenopause).
Common Menopause Symptoms to Look Out For
Ways to Resolve Menopause Symptoms
Even though these common menopause symptoms are a natural part of aging, you can resolve some of them with simple self-care. For example, eating a nutritious diet and exercising regularly can help stave off some of the bothersome signs of menopause. If you smoke or drink, you should try to quit. Getting enough sleep and going to bed at the same time every day can also help alleviate some symptoms and ensure that you have sufficient energy. If you are overweight or obese, it’s important to attain and maintain a healthy weight during this period. It’s also critical to get enough calcium in your diet as well as take a multivitamin. Also, herbal supplements containing maca may help to soothe some of the symptoms related to menopause.
When to Seek Medical Help
The Impact on Fertility
Keep in mind that you can still get pregnant until you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without having a period, so if you are not trying to have a baby you should continue using a form of birth control during perimenopause. However, fertility does decrease during this time, so if you are trying to get pregnant you may consider consulting a specialist.
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