HealthLine99

Some women have little or no trouble with the menopause. Don’t assume it’s going to be awful – every woman has a different experience. Even if you do have problems, there’s a lot you can do to help yourself.

* Be prepared If you experience sweating at night, try lying on a large towel and use cotton night cloths and sheets. Keep a fan and bottle of cold water by your bed. If you get hot flushes throughout the day, wear layers of clothing that you can take on and off. Deep breathing can help to ‘cool down’ hot flushes.
* Eat a healthy, balanced diet Eating sensibly and well is important for good health and for the prevention of osteoporosis
* Avoid smoking If you smoke, try to quit. Smoking may make the menopause start about one year earlier. It also increases the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease.
* Stay active Regular physical activity can also help you feel better. Try to treat this as a time to relax and reduce stress in your life.
* Use a vaginal lubricant If dryness in your vagina makes sex painful or difficult, try using a lubricant such as KY jelly, available from any chemist.
* Consider Hormone Replacement Therapy It can bring significant relief to menopausal symptoms, including hot flushes, night sweats and nervous tension.
* Alternative therapies Some women find that alternative or complementary treatments like aromatherapy can help ease their symptoms and make them feel relaxed. However, there is no scientific agreement on whether these treatments actually work.

Talking things through with your family, friends and colleagues can you be very positive. Partners and families may be worried about the effect the menopause will have. It might be helpful to show them this booklet.

If you are in a relationship, it’s important to help your partner understand what is happening and how you feel. If your symptoms seem to be causing difficulties, discuss how you can improve things.

Since men don’t have a physical menopause themselves it’s hard for them to understand what a woman goes through at this time. Men often have emotional problems of their own in middle age, feeling nervous, irritable, tried or experiencing loss of confidence. It’s important to keep communicating and supporting each other through what can be a time of change for both of you.