Are you or a loved one feeling especially tired, moody, and hot? Or perhaps struggling with weight gain and insomnia? Especially for women in your forties or fifties, you may be experiencing perimenopause/menopause, a natural transition that marks the end of your reproductive years. 

While menopause is a natural part of aging, it can also be a challenging time for many women. To help navigate this transition, below are five mistakes that are all too easy to make during perimenopause/menopause and how to avoid them.

Ignoring Your Symptoms

For many women, a common first mistake is simply ignoring their new symptoms or dismissing them as part of aging. While it is true that menopause is a natural process, it doesn’t mean you have to suffer in silence. Symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and insomnia can have a significant impact on your quality of life. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about your options. There are also many safe and effective treatments available, including our own hormone replacement therapy (HRT) options, at-home lifestyle changes, and more.

Not Getting Enough Exercise

It’s so easy to ignore exercise, but it’s essential to maintaining a healthy body and a high quality of life. Regular exercise helps maintain good health at any age, but it is especially important during perimenopause/menopause. Exercise can help you manage your weight, reduce your risk of chronic diseases, and boost your mood. It can also help you sleep better, which is crucial during this time when insomnia is a common complaint. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.

Eating a Poor Diet

It’s easy to forget that what you eat can have a significant impact on your health and well-being, even affecting your symptoms during perimenopause/menopause. A diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can contribute to weight gain, inflammation, and other health problems. On the other hand, a diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats can help you manage your symptoms, reduce your risk of chronic diseases, and feel your best. 

Abandoning Sexual Activity

Perimenopause and Menopause symptoms can make previously enjoyable things very challenging for women, particularly when it comes to sexual desire and enjoyment. Hormonal changes during the early stages of perimenopause can have a significant impact on how comfortable and enthusiastic you feel about sex. With so many physical and emotional changes to navigate, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and start to withdraw from your partner as a way of coping with the transition. However, your partner may misinterpret your lack of sexual initiation or enjoyment as a lack of attraction or interest in them, which can create distance and impact their sexual confidence.

To overcome this, the first step is to have an honest conversation about the emotional and physical changes you are experiencing. Explain that it may take longer to become aroused, that dryness can cause pain and discomfort, and that you may not understand your body as well as you used to. Most partners will be sympathetic and understanding, and working together, you can start to rekindle your desire and experiment with different types of natural lubrication to make sex enjoyable, comfortable, and intimate once again.

Neglecting Your Mental Health

Perimenopause/menopause can be a stressful time for many women. You may be dealing with changes in your body, your relationships, and your sense of identity. It is essential to take care of your mental health during this time. Talk to a trusted and licensed mental health professional if you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or other emotional issues. Practice stress-reducing techniques like mindfulness meditation, yoga, or deep breathing. Connect with supportive friends and family members and join a menopause support group if you need additional support.

Perimenopause/menopause is a natural transition that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. While it can be a challenging time for many, it is also an opportunity to focus on your health and well-being. By avoiding these five common mistakes, you can manage your symptoms, reduce your risk of chronic diseases, and feel your best.

Contact Renewed Vitality to learn more about how our hormone therapy treatment options can alleviate perimenopause/menopause symptoms. Our expert team is dedicated to helping you feel like yourself again!

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