Aging comes with several inevitable shifts in our bodies. For instance, menopause is a common condition all women undergo as they approach their 40s. The issue of Jackson Heights menopause has been a difficult period for some women as this phase causes various unwanted changes.
Understanding this condition is essential to ensure you can find coping strategies. One way of evaluating it is by learning its signs and symptoms. The following are some of the common warning signs you should never ignore.
Unexplained Weight Gain
Because of the decline in estrogen, women usually experience changes in their body composition. Whether you have never had weight concerns before, losing calorie-burning muscle during menopause can slow metabolism. Also, you can start gaining fat around your stomach because estrogen modulates your energy balance.
Fortunately, exercises such as aerobic and resistance training can help. Besides, consuming more muscle-building proteins can help to avoid gaining unwanted weight. Functional strength and skeletal muscle mass are common among women in their menopause phase.
Hair Loss and Brittle Nails
Multiple women encounter thinning hair in their menopausal period. Some even notice excessive forms called female pattern hair loss while the nails become brittle. Declined estrogen and progesterone might be responsible for it.
Whenever these hormones decrease, they can also cause hair to grow in abnormal places, like in the upper lip and chin. Additionally, brittle nails can occur due to declines in blood flow is common among women in their menopausal period. Thus, if you notice abnormal hair growth or brittle nails, never assume and consult your doctor.
Heart Complication
Estrogens are essential in keeping blood vessels relaxed and open. A decline in estrogen increases inflammation putting menopausal women at risk of heart concerns. The woman can experience heart issues such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Their decline during menopause causes cholesterol to build up, surging the risk of stroke or heart disease. However, you can continue consuming your Mediterranean diet to reduce heart disorders and manage weight. Common essential foods you can consume include vegetables, nuts, fruits, fish, and whole grains.
Mood Changes
Mood changes are common amongst postmenopausal women. Usually, estrogen fluctuation can alter the brain and nervous system, affecting your mood. It can also affect your ability to sleep, which can be disturbing to your mood.
This stage is a great change for women as they are coming to the end of their childbearing period. You should seek consultation with your doctor if you are constantly experiencing mood swings. If left unmanaged, it can lead to other problems like depression due to stigmatization.
Irregular Periods
When women are nearing menopause, shifts in hormones cause their bodies to ovulate less regularly. As the ovary does not release an egg, the uterus lining fails to shed. As a result, you will start having decreased monthly periods.
Since ovulation does not occur episodically during the menopausal phase, your body produces less progesterone. Your uterus lining builds up longer than usual, making monthly periods heavier and less frequent. You should talk to your physician about irregular periods to confirm how to manage these changes.
The effects of menopause can be aggravating and bothersome, affecting your overall body wellness. You can start gaining weight unexpectedly, experience heavy periods, or be at risk of heart disease. Fortunately, there are measures you can incorporate into your lifestyle to manage this period.
Exercising and eating a healthy diet like vegetables and fish can help manage weight. Alternatively, your doctor can offer hormone replacement therapy as an effective option to manage your symptoms. Therefore, do not let this stage affect your overall health, while there are treatments you can get and manage it.