Healthy Lifestyle Changes in Menopause

Staying healthy and feeling our best is important at any age, but especially as we reach midlife. Instead of accepting age-related problems as inevitable, we can choose to thrive in what the Chinese call our “second spring.” In The Wisdom of Menopause, Dr. Christiane Northrup assures us that, “menopause is an exciting developmental stage – one that, when participating in consciously, holds enormous promise for transforming and healing our bodies, minds, and spirits at the deepest levels.”

Starting at about age 40, menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, insomnia, and weight gain may start to show up. Certain lifestyle changes can significantly affect how we handle these symptoms and our quality of life going forward.

Current recommendations that can help with all the symptoms above include:

• Reduce or eliminate caffeine and alcohol.

• If you smoke, stop. Our Be Tobacco-free program can help.

• Decrease processed foods, fried foods, sugary beverages and desserts.

• Increase whole foods like fruits and vegetables, lean protein, healthy fats, and whole grains.

• Hydrate. Our bodies and brains rely on water to function properly.

• Move your body in ways that feel loving, not punishing. This can include strength training, yoga, dancing, running… you choose!

• Manage your stress: Meditation, setting boundaries, improving sleep hygiene, calling a friend, listening to music, and pampering yourself are all ways to lower our stress and increase our sense of well-being.

Remember, menopause is a normal and healthy phase of life, not a disease to be cured. These suggestions can help lessen the burden of uncomfortable symptoms, but acceptance of this new phase of our lives is the key to navigating the journey successfully and staying healthy and happy for the rest of our lives.