Hot Flashes and Weight Gain: Managing Menopausal Symptoms
By Sandy Jolles, MSAh, menopause––the period in life when it feels like your body is fighting an internal battle and you’re paying the price.
Sudden and intense hot flashes make you feel like you’re crossing a desert, your metabolism seems to slow down to a crawl, and sleep issues keep you awake at night.
If you’re at this stage in life, then stick around because what follows is your survival guide. We’ll break down menopause and the most effective tactics you can use to manage its symptoms and make it to the other side of the hormonal rollercoaster.
Menopause: What It Is And What We Can Do About It
Menopause usually occurs approximately one year after a woman’s last menstrual cycle. It typically begins between the ages of 45 and 55 and is preceded by perimenopause––the period when the ovaries gradually slow down and stop working.
Because of these significant bodily changes, the perimenopausal and menopausal periods typically come with multiple side effects, including:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Cold chills
- Irregular periods
- Sleep issues
- Mood swings
- Weight gain
4 Ways to Manage Common Menopausal Symptoms
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Get More Calcium and Vitamin D
Although menopause can affect bone health, there is no need for concern, because there's a clever, natural way to support your body through a simple change: get more calcium and vitamin D.
Start by consuming more crisp green vegetables and nutrient-enriched foods packed with bone-loving calcium.
And for Vitamin D? Enjoy the soft warmth of morning sunlight and savor vitamin D-rich foods, like flavorful salmon and nourishing egg yolks.
These powerhouse nutrients don't just bolster your bones; they boost your overall health.
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Avoid Junk Food
Menopause is often accompanied by cravings that rev up to high gear. You can almost hear it—the inviting crunch of chips, or the sugary whisper of cookies, calling your name in the quiet.
Now, let's hit the pause button. Visualize a different approach, a path that guides these cravings toward a healthier, more fulfilling destination. Turn toward the gifts of nature: fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Beyond their delightful tastes, these foods offer a variety of essential nutrients.
And here's the secret charm of these healthful snacks: they are trusty companions that help your body gracefully adapt to menopause’s hormonal ups and downs. It's about satiating your cravings, nourishing your body, and embracing change—all in one tasty bite.
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Stay Active
The science is clear: regular movement helps dial down several typical menopausal symptoms, like hot flashes and mood swings.
That's not all:
Physical activity is a fantastic booster for your heart and a steadfast protector of your bones—both ultimate vital assets during menopause.
And staying active doesn't mean pumping iron or clocking countless hours on a treadmill. It's about finding joy in movement that suits you. Maybe it's a brisk walk every day, a spot of gardening, or grooving to your all-time favorite tunes.
Discover the activity that brings you joy and seamlessly weave it into your everyday life. It's all about celebrating your body and enriching your life in a way that brings you fun and satisfaction.
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Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated—all day long—is critical during menopause. It plays a huge role. Sipping water throughout the day helps soften menopause's rough edges, easing symptoms like dry skin and bloating.
And here's an extra perk: maintaining your daily water quota can even dial down hot flashes.
So, how much water should you aim for? Although the classic eight cups a day is a common starting point, remember your body's needs might be unique.
Not so keen on regular water? Then how about a fun hydration hack? Try creating 'hydration stations' in your home or office with a pitcher of water you’ve flavored with slices of fruits like lemon, cucumber, or strawberries. It's all about keeping your body quenched and cared for, one sip at a time.
How HealthyBest Balance Can Help
HealthyBest Balance is here to supplement your efforts and help manage those pesky menopausal symptoms.
HealthyBest Balance contains four key botanical ingredients:
- Chaste Tree Extract
- Wild Yam
- Black Cohosh Extract
- Pycnogenol® French Maritime Pine Bark Extract
Chaste Tree and Wild Yam offer hormonal support, particularly helping balance estrogen and progesterone levels during perimenopause and PMS. Black Cohosh helps manage common menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats.*
HealthyBest Balance's bonus feature is Pycnogenol, a patented form of pine bark, which not only helps manage menopausal discomfort but also supports optimal skin health by promoting smoothness and elasticity.*
Final Words
Stepping into menopause can feel like a long, tough road. But remember: it's not forever.
And here's some good news: with the right know-how, tips, and hacks, you can spin this time in your life into an opportunity for some fresh self-care. Think of it like pressing the reset button and starting up some new good and healthy habits.
Don't forget about HealthyBest Balance, too. With the valuable tips we've talked about and help from Balance, you can boost your health and wellness by managing those menopausal symptoms more easily.* It's all about making the ride smoother.
