Menopause is an important transition in women's lives. The intensity of symptoms of hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, and mood swings that accompany menopause varies among women. Hormonal changes can cause havoc. Quality of life can be affected. However, there is hope for women who suffer during this important transition in their lives. A good start is to consider these fitness tips for dealing with menopause. Exercise during and after menopause offers many benefits:
· Helps to prevent weight gain. Women tend to lose muscle mass and gain abdominal fat around menopause. Regular physical activity can help prevent weight gain.
· Risk reduction of cancer and other diseases.
Maintaining a healthy weight during and after menopause might offer protection from various types of cancer, including breast, colon, and endometrial cancers, as well as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
· Strengthens bones through movement. Exercise can slow bone loss after menopause, which lowers the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.
· Yes, exercise boosts mood. Regular physical activity relieves stress and lowers risk of depression and cognitive decline.
Strength training, yoga, and aerobic exercise like brisk walking can help women regain some control of their bodies during a time when their bodies seem out of control.
Another consideration for dealing with menopausal symptoms is to look at natural solutions by taking specific supplements. Clinical studies have shown the power of plant-based substances like black cohosh, licorice root, suma root, milk thistle, red clover blossom, valerian root, and jujube fruit to act like estrogen when natural estrogen levels drop. Trying to self-prescribe these substances is impossible, and can be dangerous. Body Wise International has taken the question mark out of self-prescription by formulating a product for women who are looking for a natural alternative. Called Female Advantage Transitions, this supplement has been formulated by a female doctor trained in nutrition. Included in the product are the above listed herbs, plus other minerals that can help battle the hormonal storm of menopause. Female Advantage Transitions is a safe, researched supplement that may become a menopausal woman’s “peacemaker.”
Menopause doesn’t have it be a dreaded period in a woman’s life. It is a time when self-care with exercise and smart supplementation can make it a peaceful and joyous time in life.
(Female Advantage Transitions is available in Dr. Robinson's Body Wise Store)