Are you perimenopausal or are you in the middle of the menopause? Whichever stage you’re at, it’s likely that you’ll know the effect that it can have on your mind and body.
While not all women experience the same signs and symptoms of menopause, there are some that are more common than others. To help you navigate these more typical symptoms that you might be experiencing, we’ll offer practical solutions to help you deal with them.
So, whether you’re experiencing mood swings or night sweats, read on for our top tips that show you how to deal with menopause symptoms.
Changing body shape
If you’ve noticed your body shape changing since the onset of the menopause, you’re not alone. According to medical practitioners, there may be link between the weight gain you could be experiencing and the menopause. This is because fluctuating levels of oestrogen can lead to changes in where fat is stored. For many women, that means storing more fat around our midriffs.
Should these changes to your body shape sound familiar, you might want to reassess your current wardrobe. It’s important that you feel comfortable in the clothes you wear, especially as the menopause progresses and you notice other symptoms, such as hot flushes.
Start by looking at the clothes you have and working out what fits your new shape. This will help you to see where you have gaps in your wardrobe. Once you’ve set aside the items that you feel comfortable in, you can start looking at adding clothes that fit easily and won’t make you feel self-conscious.
Try loose-fitting trousers that have tie-waists to allow for your changing body. This will help you to feel comfy around your midriff. Patterned trousers are also a great option if you’re feeling a little self-conscious about your tummy as they draw the eye away thanks to the colourful patterns.
As the weather warms up, it’s worth bringing some elasticated skirts into the mix to allow you to feel totally relaxed in the summer months. If you’re looking to dress for the season ahead, this dress is made for summer days . It’s part of our cool, fresh Climatyl range. Designed to keep you feeling your best, its super light fabric that’s quick drying makes Climatyl the perfect choice. Clever cuts allow loose fitting clothes in breathable fabrics to let the air flow and naturally ventilate your body, so you can feel confident and comfortable again.
Night sweats
You may already be experiencing hot flushes throughout the day. These are one of the most common menopause symptoms and are the sudden feeling of heat, usually in the face, neck, and chest, that leaves you feeling sweaty and your skin red. They’re unpleasant whenever they occur, but hot flushes at night – commonly known as night sweats – can be especially uncomfortable as they can ruin a good night’s sleep and cause you to feel groggy.
To help you relieve this symptom and set you on the path to a better night’s sleep, try to avoid eating spicy foods and caffeine as these are known for triggering or worsening night sweats. Go for decaf tea and coffee during the day and have a soothing herbal tea such as camomile before bedtime.
Also, think about what you’re wearing for bed. Cotton nightwear is a light option that will keep you cool during the night. And we have some nightwear options from our Climatyl range that are made for keeping you feeling fresh all night long.
Mood changes
Many women find themselves feeling down during this time. With so many hormonal changes, it’s understandable that your mood is changeable.
The decline in oestrogen and progesterone levels can trigger these changes, potentially leading to anxiety, lower energy and, in some cases, depression. If you’re feeling like it’s getting too much, do speak to your doctor.
However, if you’re beginning to feel a little bit low, there are some activities you could try to help alleviate these symptoms. Yoga is ideal as it allows you to take some time out to stretch out your muscles and focus on yourself. You may want to try other forms of exercise to boost your serotonin levels, too. As we age, our serotonin levels drop, so doing some gentle exercise such as walking or even a bike ride can get things back on track.
You could also try taking vitamin B6 supplements too. This is the vitamin that helps to make serotonin, so adding these supplements could help to even your mood out. Again, check with your doctor before you take anything.
Dry skin
As well as being responsible for some of the most common menopause symptoms, the drop in oestrogen levels is also behind changes to your skin that you might be experiencing. As we age, we lose collagen and firmness in our skin, leaving it feeling itchy and tight.
If you’ve been experiencing this recently, you’ll have noticed that the winter months haven’t helped as you’re battling with cold winds outside and the drying effects of the central heating at home. We’re heading into the warmer seasons now, so you may notice an improvement, however there are some steps you can take to balance out your skin again.
First, choose cleansers that don’t strip away moisture and opt for thicker moisturisers than you may be used to using. This will help to alleviate the tight feeling in your skin. It’s also worth adding a facial oil to your night-time skincare routine too, as this will lock in moisture overnight.
Other steps you could take to combat dryness include avoiding hot baths or showers as this can dry out your skin. Be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, too, and eat phytoestrogen and fatty-acid rich foods such as salmon and mackerel, as well as nuts and seeds.
Do these signs and symptoms of menopause sound familiar? If so, it might be worth trying some of these tips to try to ease the symptoms. If you’re looking for wardrobe inspiration to help tackle hot flushes and make you feel more comfortable, shop the full range at www.damart.co.uk.
For more style tips and tricks, visit the Damart blog.