Peri-menopause is the time period leading up to when a woman reaches menopause (which is defined by the absence of a menstrual period for 12 months or longer). It is the period of time when hormone fluctuations are most severe. You may not look and feel your best when your hormones are throwing you for a loop. There are a few things you can do to feel better and manage your peri-menopause symptoms.
Getting enough sleep while experiencing menopause symptoms can be challenging. Hot flashes often wake women from sleep and make it difficult to fall back asleep. Making sure to get enough rest is one of the most important things you can do to take care of yourself during peri-menopause. Make sure your bedroom is cool, dark and quiet. Some women put a light fan on at night to help minimize hot flash symptoms while sleeping. Decreasing end of the day caffeine and alcohol intake can also help. Making sure you are exposed to sunlight during the day can also help regulate your body clock.
Due to fluctuating levels of estrogen, weight gain can slowly creep up. Not only that but decreased estrogen levels can cause weight to be redistributed, collected more around the mid section, rather than in the hips and thighs. To help combat this and to look and feel your best (and to increase bone density), weight training three times a week is a great option. Doing low impact cardio such as walking can be effective as well. Investing in a fit bit, or similar appliance that can track your steps and miles can be a helpful motivator to keep moving.
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