For most women, menopause starts sometime after the age of 40 and many regard it as a major turning point in their lives on a physical, emotional, and even spiritual level. However, menopause is not without its difficulties, especially adjusting to a life where your hormones aren't what they used to be—and some of the symptoms of perimenopause (that period of time where your body is in a state of flux before you finally reach full menopause) can be outright annoying. In order to take the best care of yourself as you reach menopause, there are three important appointments you need to make.
1.) Get yourself a makeover with a beauty consultant.
A makeover with a beauty consultant isn't just about vanity or trying to hide your age—it's a matter of keeping your skin healthy. Your estrogen levels are dropping, so the oil production in your skin is dropping also. That makes it harder for your skin to stay moist and it isn't uncommon for women in menopause to develop dry, flaky skin or even patches of eczema. You may have relied on the same beauty treatments for years with a lot of success, but menopause may mean looking for products that have more natural oils and moisture in them (and a touch of sunscreen to protect your skin, which can get thinner and burn more easily as you age).
2.) Schedule a checkup with your gynecologist.
Even if you feel healthy and your periods have stopped, you still need to see your gynecologist. The risk of breast cancer rises as you age, but there's debate about when you should start having regular mammograms and when it's okay to stop them. The American Cancer Society recommends yearly screenings starting at age 45, but if you're over the age of 40 and showing signs that you may be in perimenopause, talk to your gynecologist about whether or not you should have a mammogram done. Early detection of breast cancer through mammography can increase the odds of your survival. Talk to a specialist like Women's Care Inc.
The lack of estrogen can also cause you to lose some of your bone density, leading to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can lead to debilitating bone fractures, particularly in the back and hips. The good news, however, is that the condition is now very treatable, especially if it is detected through early screenings.
3.) Talk about your nutrition with a dietician.
Your dietary needs also change with menopause. A lot of women associate menopause with weight gain, but it doesn't have to be that way. You can learn how to eat right for your body and still get all the major nutrients that you need, like iron and calcium to support bone health. You can also learn what supplements are available that will help ease some of the more uncomfortable symptoms of menopause, like hot flashes and night sweats. Herbs like black cohosh, red clover, and evening primrose oil have all been used to help ease menopausal symptoms. Keep in mind, however, that you should never take any supplements or herbs without your physician's advice because they can cause other complications or negatively interact with some medications.
Talking with these three specialists can really help you make the most out of menopause by making sure that you stay strong and healthy for years to come.
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