Page 131 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

COMMON CONDITIONS: WOMEN’S PROBLEMS 129

Menopausal problems

Menopause is a natural change that usually occurs in women between 45 and 55 years, due to falling
levels of the female hormone estrogen. At first, your menstrual periods become irregular and light; then
they stop altogether. You are considered to be menopausal when you haven’t had a period for a year.
Some women have no further symptoms, but others have various problems, including hot flashes, night
sweats, and vaginal dryness.

See also Poor bladder control, p.131; Painful intercourse, p.134.

See your doctor first
DRUG REMEDIES
Make an appointment to see your doctor
if you are unsure whether your symptoms Lubricating jelly (see p.186) will help make
are due to menopause, or if you wish sexual intercourse more comfortable. You can either
to discuss hormone therapy. use a gel just before intercourse to lubricate the
vagina, or try a longer-acting vaginal moisturizer.

What you can do yourself

A few self-help measures may be all you need NATURAL REMEDIES
to control menopausal symptoms.
Phytoestrogens (see p.188) are natural
● If you get hot flashes, dress in layers that you plant chemicals, found in soy-based foods, that act
can easily remove. Sleep in a cool room under like estrogen in the body. Eating foods rich in phyto-
a light comforter or blanket. Take showers, or estrogens, such as soy beans and tofu, may help
warm rather than hot baths. Avoid spicy and hot reduce hot flashes.
foods, and cut down on coffee, tea, and alcohol.
● If you have vaginal dryness and find sex painful,
try a lubricating jelly (see DRUG REMEDIES, right).
● Try including soy products, which contain phyto-
estrogens, in your diet (see NATURAL REMEDIES, right).
Stir-fried tofu
● Drink a lot of water: 6–8 glasses a day. Rich in phytoestrogens,
tofu can be included in
● If you’re feeling tense, try practicing muscle many healthy meals.
relaxation exercises (see PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE, p.21).
● Take regular weight-bearing exercise to relieve
stress and strengthen your bones. Brisk walking for
about 20–30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, is ideal. Seek further medical advice
● Avoid smoking – it can worsen symptoms and Arrange to see your doctor if:
increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
● Self-help is not relieving your symptoms
● You develop new symptoms, such as vaginal
bleeding, after having had no periods for 1 year