Menopause is the end of your menstrual cycle. A woman will experience a variety of symptoms such as tiredness, irritability, anxiety, frustration, hot flashes, night sweats, and tiredness, as well as various health problems during menopause. The change in hormones during this period will take a toll on your mental and physical health.

Here are the common physical and mental health effects of menopause women may experience.

How does menopause affect women’s mental health?

Women who hit menopause will often notice signs and symptoms such as anger and irritability, anxiety, forgetfulness, poor self-esteem, lack of self-confidence, mood swings, inability to focus, irritability, frustration, and loneliness. Menopause and low estrogen levels can also lead to issues, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. While menopause is a natural process, each person affected by it will have a different experience. It can be smooth for someone.

How menopause affects women’s physical health?

Other common signs are vaginal dryness, hot flashes, chills, night sweats, sleep problems, weight gain and slowed metabolism, hair fall, dry skin, and also loss of breast fullness.

How to improve your physical and mental health post-menopause?

Here are some ways to help women improve their physical and mental well-being postmenopause:

1. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to manage symptoms

CBT will allow you to manage any problems by changing the way you think and behave. Try to opt for it. Here, with the help of CBT, women will be able to manage depression and stress. They will feel better and can resume their daily routine with ease.

2. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help

Hormone Replacement Therapy is the treatment used to relieve symptoms of menopause, including hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and more. Basically, it replaces the low-level hormones as you approach menopause. You will also be advised for women post-menopause.

3. Try counselling and meditation

Counselling can help women to discuss their matters of concern with the expert and to find potent solutions to them. Practicing mindfulness will also be beneficial. Try to do yoga and meditation to reduce stress and calm down.

4. Exercise regularly

It is a no-brainer that exercising has a positive impact on your health. Regular physical activity will help post-menopausal women to lose weight and stay healthy.

5. Eat a healthy diet

Apart from exercising, eating well can help one stay in shape after menopause. Your diet should consist of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, and legumes. Try to avoid junk, spicy, oily canned, and processed food. Give up on alcohol and smoking. Stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water and maintaining an optimum weight.