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Menopause is a natural process that every woman goes through at some point in her life. But recognizing the symptoms can be challenging. How do you know if you're truly in menopause? And what can you do to get through this phase of your life as smoothly as possible? In this blog post, we delve into the world of menopause, discuss common symptoms, and provide a practical menopause test. We also share natural solutions and habits that can offer relief.

What exactly is menopause?

Menopause, also known as perimenopause, is a period spanning several years during which your body transitions from fertile to infertile. This process is completely natural and involves hormonal changes responsible for a wide range of menopausal symptoms. A common misconception is that menopause and menopause are the same thing. But there's an important difference:

• Menopause : This is the last menstrual period. It usually occurs around the age of 51.
• Menopause : These are the years leading up to and after menopause when your body is adjusting to changing hormone levels.

Did you know that some women can go through menopause as early as 40 ?

There's even a small group of women (1 in 100) who experience early menopause before the age of 40. That's why it's so important to know what signals your body is giving you and how to recognize them.

Menopause symptoms: what can you expect?

Menopause can be different for every woman , but there are some typical symptoms that many women experience. Here are some common menopausal symptoms:

1. Change in the menstrual cycle
   The regularity of your periods can change. This can range from longer or shorter cycles to heavier or lighter bleeding. Abdominal pain, headaches, and other menstrual symptoms can also change.

2. Hot flashes and night sweats
   As many as 8 out of 10 women experience hot flashes. These are sudden flare-ups of heat that usually last only a few minutes, followed by heavy sweating. Night sweats can disrupt your sleep and lead to daytime fatigue.

3. Sleep problems
   Hormonal fluctuations, hot flashes, and night sweats can cause sleep problems. This often leads to fatigue, irritability, and a depressed mood during the day.

4. Vaginal dryness
   About 30% of women experience vaginal dryness, itching, or irritation. This can affect your sex life, as the vagina takes longer to become lubricated during arousal.

5. Mood swings and anxiety
   Hormonal changes can also affect your mood. Some women experience irritability, depression, or anxiety. This can be exacerbated by sleep problems and the physical discomforts of menopause.

6. Muscle and joint pain
   It's not uncommon to experience muscle and joint pain during menopause. This can be due to the decrease in estrogen, which has a protective effect on the joints.

7. Memory and concentration problems
   Are you having trouble remembering things or concentrating? This is more common during menopause and may be related to declining hormone levels.

Do you recognize yourself in these symptoms? Then you don't actually need to take the test, because there's a good chance you're in menopause.

Fortunately, there are ways to support yourself during this time. Before we move on to solutions, let's first look at how you can test yourself to see if you're in menopause.

Menopause test: menopause test

If you think you're going through menopause, it can be helpful to take a simple test to gain more insight. Below are some questions that can help you determine whether you're experiencing menopausal symptoms.

Answer the following questions:

1. Have you noticed any changes in your menstrual cycle, such as longer or shorter cycles, or heavier or lighter bleeding?
2. Do you suffer from hot flashes, sudden heat attacks or night sweats?
3. Are you experiencing sleep problems, such as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep?
4. Do you suffer from vaginal dryness or discomfort during sex?
5. Do you often suffer from mood swings, anxiety or depressive feelings?
6. Do you feel pain in your muscles or joints without any apparent cause?
7. Do you have difficulty concentrating or forgetfulness?
8. Are you experiencing unexplained weight gain, especially around your belly?
9. Do you have less desire for sex or are you experiencing changes in your libido?
10. Do you often feel tired, even after a good night's sleep?

Did you answer "yes" to three or more of these questions? Then there's a good chance you're going through menopause.

Of course, some symptoms may have other causes, so if in doubt, always consult a doctor or orthomolecular therapist.

Healthy habits for menopausal symptoms

Here are some of our tips:

1. Eat a high protein diet
   Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass and supporting your hormones. Try to get at least 30 grams of protein with every meal, for example, from grass-fed organic meat, fish, beans, or nuts.

2. Vary with colorful vegetables
   By eating all the colors of the rainbow, you get a wide range of antioxidants that support your body during hormonal changes.

3. Walk in nature every day
   Exercise and fresh air not only help with mood swings, but can also reduce hot flashes and sleep problems.

4. Strength training
   Strength training helps prevent bone loss and improves muscle strength, which is important during menopause.

5. Morning sun
   Try spending some time outside immediately after waking up (a short walk or drinking a cup of tea) to support your body clock and improve your sleep.

6. Drink enough water
   Make sure you drink plenty of water, and add a pinch of Celtic sea salt to keep your electrolytes balanced.

7. Eat cruciferous vegetables
   Think broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower. These vegetables help detoxify excess hormones and support the liver.

8. Magnesium
   Magnesium can help with sleep problems and mood swings. We recommend taking a high-quality magnesium supplement, such as Power 5 Magnesium , daily.

9. Avoid alcohol
   Alcohol can worsen hot flashes and sleep problems. Try to reduce or avoid alcohol use altogether.

10. Hormonal balance
    Fortunately, there are also special supplements/herbs aimed at supporting your hormonal balance during menopause, such as natural herbal extracts that support estrogen. See Hormone Balance here.

Extra tip: Embrace the menopause

Menopause isn't just a time of physical changes, but also a time for reflection and growth. By embracing this phase and accepting that it's a natural part of life, you can feel stronger and more balanced.

Talk to friends about it, seek support from a professional and give your body what it needs to get through this phase well.

Conclusion

Menopause can be a challenging time, but with the right knowledge and support, you don't have to go it alone. By listening to your body and incorporating natural remedies and supplements, you can alleviate menopausal symptoms and improve your well-being. Use the menopause test to discover if you're in menopause, and consider natural solutions to make this phase of your life as smooth as possible.

 

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