Not long after I turned 50, the onset of menopause changed my life. My hot flushes became intolerable; sometimes only getting 2-3 hours of sleep a night. I felt irritable and moody. I didn’t want to take HRT but decided to give it a go because I was just so desperate for some sleep and to get my life back in order. After a few weeks, I felt a slight improvement and the hot flushes had subsided. After 6 months, I took myself off HRT after learning exactly what was in the tablets (i.e. animal urine). I tried a few other natural things, but nothing really helped and I started to slip into a depressed state because at this time I started to put on more and more weight.
I decided to get back to the gym and focus on my food, cutting back on processed sugar, gluten and dairy. I started eating more raw foods, hydrating myself properly and taking essential fatty acids. I ate organic meat and chicken and included more fish in my diet as well. I undertook the services of an awesome personal trainer and soon regular exercise and weight training became part of my everyday life – all of which is now known to reduce the severity of many menopausal symptoms from hot flushes, to poor memory, low sex drive to depression, sleep problems to lack of energy.
Eventually, I regained my health and life back!
So…it doesn’t matter what you do, as long as it’s something you enjoy and will stick to. Aim to exercise for at least 30 minutes five times a week and keep it varied so you don’t get bored. If you are not used to exercising, start gently and build up your stamina. If you have any health conditions, are overweight or haven’t exercised for a long time, get the OK from your doctor first…AND remember, don’t neglect stretching after exercise, as this will help to keep your joints supple and flexible as you get older.