Menopause occurs 12 months after a woman has had her last period. She may have had symptoms and not known she was about to go through menopause. It can differ in age range, but it usually affects women in their late 40s and early 50s. There are clues that the change is coming, as, during the years leading up to it, women will experience changes such as hot flashes and other symptoms. Menopause itself can last anywhere from four to five years on average, but just because your body may be changing doesn’t mean you can’t gracefully change with it.

What is menopause?

Menopause is when the body’s estrogen and progesterone production, which are two of the main hormones made by the ovaries, starts to slow. Your bones will become brittle, and this could cause osteoporosis. Your body will also begin to use and distribute your energy differently, which often attributes to weight gain. Menopause could also be triggered by having a hysterectomy, which is when the uterus is removed, and it may involve the removal of ovaries as well. If you choose not to take hormone replacement therapy, you’ll feel the symptoms of menopause immediately.

How can I combat menopause?

No lady out there in the world wants to be told she is aging, let alone going through “the change.” Not only does it sound scary, but it can flip your daily life upside down as you try to adjust. There are some tricks that have been figured out by other women who have passed them down for generations to help survive and feel more like their old selves. Some of the main side effects are hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, irritability, and tiredness. Many women have chosen to turn to natural remedies to help aid them and reduce their symptoms.

1. Eat your vegetables.

One tip that most of us have heard our whole lives is to eat foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D. Since your bones can weaken due to bone density loss, calcium is super important to your daily diet now. Both supplements are linked to good bone health, so it won’t hurt to eat a bit more yogurt and cheese. Green veggies like spinach are also a great way to implement calcium.

You may not always feel like it, but getting out and soaking up the sun is needed for your physical and mental health. You may not be aware that natural sunlight is the primary source of vitamin D for many women. As you start to get older, your body stops producing as much, and you may want to look into taking a daily supplement. Of course, always consult your doctor beforehand.

2. Check out your options.

If you’re searching for a company dedicated to a woman’s needs, it could help to look into MenoLabs. The company loves to put women first. Its focus is on helping women live a better life through education, community, and products that provide relief from the symptoms of menopause. Their products are not only all-natural, but you’re not required to have a prescription to buy them. You may also be surprised to learn that behind every bottle, there are 20 years of experience. The coolest part of MenoLabs is if you download the app onto your phone, you can track your symptoms, view trends, and receive personalized tips.

3. Break a sweat.

Choosing to partake in some exercise classes can help alleviate menopausal symptoms, such as insufficient sleep, anxiety, and tiredness. Exercising regularly can also help keep you at your ideal weight, so you don’t gain extra pounds due to the hormones.

Your exercise can be as small as working with magnetic blocks to help tame your arthritis. Breaking a sweat can improve your health overall and protect against heart disease and cancer.

4. Live a little.

It’s important that you don’t find yourself in a doom and gloom mindset. Going out with your friends or loved ones is one of the best ways to keep a smile on your face. Many of your close friends may be going through the same changes and can also offer some advice.

5. Drink water.

Staying hydrated, really at any energy level, is essential to keep your body working as best it can. Not only can you survive menopause by staying hydrated, but you can actually thrive. It’s okay not to be thrilled with your body changing, but it’s essential to recognize that menopause is a natural part of life. At times, you may find that your emotions are taking you on a rollercoaster ride, but if you heed these tips, you’ll be able to handle the change with your head held high.