Beware of These During Menopause!

Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist Op. Dr. Meral Sönmezer gave important information about the subject. Menopause, which is a natural part of women's life, is a process in which important physical and mental changes occur. In women; Serious diseases such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer and cervical cancer are most common in the menopausal age group. Therefore, it is very important for women to pay attention to the menopause period. It is possible to have a healthy, peaceful and comfortable menopause by following the factors to be considered during the menopause period.

1. Don't Neglect Your Health Checks

It is very important not to skip the doctor's checks in order to diagnose some diseases that may occur during menopause early. Do not neglect orthopedist, cardiologist and gynecologist checks against the threats of osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, breast and uterine cancer, and have regular gynecological examinations, mammography, PAP Smear test, complete blood count, liver, heart and kidney function tests, bone resorption tests such as health check-ups.

2. Get Support from Hormone Therapy (HRT) If Needed

During menopause, some physical and psychological changes occur due to the decrease in estrogen hormone. Hormone replacement therapy called HRT is used to reduce the effects of hot flashes, sweating, sleep disorders, vaginal dryness, urinary tract diseases and psychological problems caused by menopause. In addition to these, with hormone therapy; The risk of osteoporosis and related bone fractures, cardiovascular diseases and Alzheimer's is also significantly reduced.

3. Eat a Healthy and Balanced Diet

In order to keep the body fit against the complaints caused by menopause, women must have a balanced and healthy diet. In the menopause period, a variety of nutrition programs should be created, attention should be paid to the balance of vitamins and minerals, and the consumption of foods with high calcium content should be increased. In addition, the consumption of caffeine, soda, alcohol, oil and salt should be limited. Acquiring a healthy eating habit; It minimizes long-term risks such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. At the same time, it is important to eat regularly and healthy, and to take precautions against weight gain, which becomes easier in later ages.

4. Increase Your Fluid Intake

Adequate daily fluid intake is very important during menopause. At least 2 liters of water a day should be consumed in order to prevent hot flashes, work of the kidneys and control weight gain. In this period, when acidic beverages and ready-made fruit juices should be avoided, teas such as sage, fennel, linden, green tea, anise, thyme, chamomile and lemon balm can also be consumed.

5. Exercise Regularly

Doing physical activity or exercise regularly; It gives positive results in reducing menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, excessive sweating, difficulty sleeping and psychological changes. In addition; It also helps to protect against heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and other diseases that occur with aging. In addition to increasing physical endurance during menopause, it also helps reduce stress. Regular exercise provides weight control and protects the heart. For this reason, an exercise program suitable for the individual should be created in line with the doctor's recommendation and the program should be applied regularly.

6. Pay Attention to Weight Control

Although the decrease in estrogen levels before and during menopause does not directly cause weight gain, it can lead to an increase in total body fat and adipose tissue around the abdomen. Since the lubrication around the abdomen seen during this period increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, you need to maintain your weight balance. For this, you should pay attention to a low-calorie, low-cholesterol and calcium-rich diet, consume fibrous foods, eat little and often, and limit the consumption of excessively fatty, salty and sugary foods. You should also stay away from foods containing caffeine such as tea, coffee, cola, chocolate, which can trigger sleep problems, hot flashes and osteoporosis. Making such dietary changes and creating a balanced diet consisting of all food groups helps to control weight.

7. Don't Quit Birth Control

Although ovulation functions are irregular during the menopause period, it is still active and rarely, ovulation can occur and pregnancy can occur. For this reason, if menstrual bleeding continues even if there are signs of menopause, it is recommended to use birth control methods because there is a risk of pregnancy. The safest contraceptive methods that can be recommended during this period are; spiral is the tying of tubes or the use of condoms. Hormone-containing birth control pills should not be used during this period.

By paying attention to these elements, you will be able to have a more comfortable menopause period. You can talk to your doctor to reduce and treat the side effects of menopause. Your doctor will resolve your complaints with the appropriate treatment method.