When most people think of menopause, they think of increased moodiness or irritability and hot flashes. While these are some of the most familiar signs of this phase, there is much more to menopause than a few irritating symptoms. Understanding menopause can help women navigate the transition with better health and more success at reducing unwanted side effects.

1. It Can Lead to Weight Gain

Menopause is a transition that is brought on by hormonal changes that often lead to chemical imbalances within the body. These shifts can have a major impact on metabolism and often lead to menopause weight gain. While it is common to gain some weight during this time, it is important to take steps to combat this by making any necessary dietary and lifestyle changes. Talk with your doctor and a nutritionist to help you come up with a healthy plan of eating and exercise to prevent excessive weight gain during menopause. A nutritious diet can also help improve your energy levels and mood while reducing inflammation, all of which can have a positive impact on menopause symptoms.

2. It Can Start Gradually

Many people assume that menopause begins suddenly, with an abrupt end to periods and the quick onset of serious hot flashes and mood swings. However, the progression to menopause is usually quite gradual and can take a decade or more from start to finish. Most women begin with irregular periods and mild symptoms during a phase known as perimenopause. This can begin as early as a woman's 30s. Menstruation will become less and less frequent but technically, a female has not entered menopause until it has been an entire year since their last period.

3. It Increases Your Risks for Certain Health Issues

Once you have entered menopause, you are more likely to develop other health problems in the near future. These include:

• Cardiovascular issues

• Urinary incontinence

• Osteoporosis

• Urinary tract infections

These can be instigated by the hormonal changes that occur within the body during menopause, but there are steps you can take to prevent them. Stay well hydrated, eat a healthy diet, and get plenty of exercise. Be sure to consume foods that are rich in calcium and phosphorus to support good bone health. Pelvic floor therapy can help strengthen the muscles involved with bladder control to improve incontinence issues.

4. It Can Affect Memory and Concentration

"Brain fog is a common complaint among menopausal women. An onslaught of physical symptoms and hormonal imbalances can make it very difficult to concentrate and remember things. Stress tends to make this much worse. Take steps to alleviate higher stress levels by getting plenty of rest and staying active. Keep your mind active, but find healthy ways to have fun, relax, and unwind as well.

5. Symptoms Can Ease With Time

While the timeline for menopause can be lengthy, most women tend to see their symptoms improve gradually over the years. While the changes that occur during menopause are irreversible, the body tends to adjust over time and hot flashes, restless nights, and mood swings tend to become rare, although they will likely still occur every once in a while. Overall, it tends to become much more manageable with time. Talk with your doctor about treatments they may recommend to make the transition more tolerable.

While most women dread it, going through menopause is a natural part of aging. It does come with some challenges, but taking a proactive approach can make it much easier to navigate. Prioritize self-care and get the support you need to take care of your body during menopause and beyond.

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