If you ask 43 perimenopausal and menopausal women how they are dealing with symptoms of these changes in their lives, you will get 43 different answers. Here are some of the responses we got when we asked our community how they’re coping with this challenging experience that leaves us hot, annoyed, depressed, achy, tired, hungry…you name it, someone is feeling it!
(Please note – Midlife Boulevard is not endorsing any of these solutions – we are just sharing the ideas we heard. Consult your physician for treatments that are appropriate for you. Some links may be affiliate links).
- Estrogen
- Walking everyday
- Lightweight pajamas
- No covers at night
- Turn off the heater
- Turn on the air conditioner
- Estring®
- Embrace them as a natural experience
- No more turtlenecks
- Sleeping with the ceiling fan on
- Deep breathing
- Estroven®
- Progesterone
- Sleeping naked
- Only cotton and silk clothing
- Black cohosh
- Eliminating coffee from diet
- Eliminating sugar from diet
- Eliminating wine from diet
- Eliminating gluten from diet
- Eliminating spicy foods from diet
- Cutting hair short
- Ponytails
- Menopausal sleepwear
- See a therapist
- Manage anxiety
- Low-dose antidepressants
- Fans in every room
- Personal fans
- Gardening
- Complaining and bitching
- Essential oils
- Microfiber towels
- No wool clothing ever
- Paper fans
- 4-7-8 breathing
- Quit smoking
- Sage oil
- Vitamin E
- Alternating pillows at night
- Stopped blow drying curly hair
- Sucking on ice cubes
- Drinking water
What do you do to combat your symptoms of menopause?
Sharon Greenthal
Sharon's blog, Empty House Full Mind, focuses on observations of the world from the midlife empty nest. Sharon is the Young Adults Expert on About.com. Sharon writes for the Huffington Post and Purple Clover. Sharon is the mother of two grown children - a daughter, 26 and a son, 24. She lives in Long Beach, CA with her husband and their perfect dog, Lambeau. Instagram: sharongreenthal
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Leisa Hammett
Sunday 31st of May 2015
Oh, my. I'm missing too many good discussions using my mobile--which I'm doing to cut down on my time on Facebook....I am using (and have been for many years,) bio-identical, natural, prescription compounded hormone therapy. I've adjusted (with nurse practitioner,) my formula of progesterone, testosterone, and eventually added estrogen, over the years. I have managed pretty well. I had migraines one day a month when I was still cycling. That pretty much was my only side effect. I tried to cut down on my dosage and started having night sweats and hot flashes. Went back up. Will eventually wean off as my body no longer needs the support. I aim to walk daily, do yoga daily and eat a whole foods diet balanced with healthy fats, adequate protein and lower on carbs. Ovearall, it's been a good experience.
Haralee
Friday 29th of May 2015
Great list. Thanks for the shout out on the menopause sleepwear! I recommend open toe shoes or sandals all the time.
Rena McDaniel
Friday 29th of May 2015
Great tips! I am at the very beginning stages of this midlife hell so all are being considered. That and moving to Siberia!
Suzanne Fluhr
Friday 29th of May 2015
I was one of those who suggested a trial of a low dose SSRI (anti-depressant). I was happy to see your link and to find out that suggestion has actually made it to WebMD. It seems they're still not sure why that works for some people (i.e. moi), but I'm "cool" with it, even if it's magic.
Carol Graham
Friday 29th of May 2015
Many of these tips are absolutely great and very wise.. However, there are natural remedies for hot flashes (aside from the practical ones you listed) and any other symptoms that are natural and non-invasive. I'm many years on the other side of menopause and never had to deal with these symptoms or take any meds.
Kimba
Friday 29th of May 2015
Black cohosh has worked well for me as well as a low dose anti-depressant, exercise class, and a fan pointed directly at the bed, full blast, every night.