Menopause occurs when a woman's ovaries run out of eggs. There is also a decrease in the production of some sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone and to some degree, androgen. A woman has in her lifetime about half a million egg cells in her ovaries. From these half a million eggs, only about 400 to 500 eggs mature and are released during the menstrual cycle. The rest of the eggs degenerate.
When a woman is still in her reproductive years, hormones are secreted by the body to thicken the lining of the uterus. These hormones, progesterone and estrogen prepare the body to nourish the egg. If this is fertilized, then it will develop into a fetus, a baby. If not, secretion of the hormones will lag down and the lining will slowly thin down. This is when menstruation occurs.
Because of age, ovaries of women will slowly decrease its secretion of the hormones. This often starts when they are in mid-30s. In their late 40s, they will often have irregular menstrual cycle because of the fluctuating levels of the hormones. By the time a woman reaches 40 years old, their period will eventually stop. This is menopause.
Menopause can be hard for some women especially when they are not prepared for it. Because the female hormones will stop its secretion, women may feel several changes in their bodies. Most common of these are hot flushes, weight gain and bone problem. Below are some tips that help you cope with menopause.
1. Make it cooler
Hot flushes may be solved by medications but some people do not opt for this due to costs or fear of side effects. To help minimize this, try to wear light clothes. Wear many layers, which you can take off when you hot flashes start. There are also mini fans that you can carry with you in your bag. They are battery operated so there is no need to look for an electric fan
2. Engage in physical activity
Expect to become heavier during menopause. When your pants suddenly won't fit you, don't be surprised. It is not because you have suddenly been eating a lot lately but because of menopause.
Because of the changes in the body particularly in the hormonal levels that the body secretes, women gain weight during menopause. To combat this, it is good to engage in physical activity. This also strengthens the bones, which tends to weaken during this period in life.
Another advantage in engaging in physical activity especially in sports is the fact that it will also help you maintain your weight. Remember that metabolism will naturally slow down as you grow older. So whether or not you are menopausal, physical activity will benefit you.
3. Take your vitamins
One of the important things that a woman should do to cope well with menopause is to take vitamins regularly. Hormonal changes in the body weaken the bones. This is why it is vital that women have adequate calcium intake. They should also watch the levels of their vitamin D in the body.
Vitamin D and calcium play a major role in reducing their risk of developing osteoporosis, which frequently occurs in women who are in their menopausal ages. Osteoporosis is a bone-thinning disease that may lead to bone fractures. Women undergoing menopause is recommended to take at least 1200 mg per day of calcium and about 400-600 IU of Vitamin D for calcium absorption.
