Preparing for menopause

Menopause can take an emotional toll on women, causing mood swings, irritability and mild anxiety. While initial feelings of depression or severe anxiety can be a result of past experiences, they can lead to negative attitudes towards ageing and menopause.

Physical symptoms, like hot flushes or night sweats, can lead to fatigue and a drop in mood and energy. Try keeping a diary of symptoms, physical and emotional, and if you experience ongoing changes, speak to your doctor – you may be entitled to rebates for visits to a psychologist.
 

Natural remedies for menopause

Black cohosh can be used to control a host of symptoms, including hot flushes, which are caused by luteinising hormone (LH) spikes. Normally triggering ovulation, LH surges dilate blood vessels and send heat to the skin; black cohosh lowers blood levels of LH, and studies have shown it may also slow calcium loss, decelerating the progression of osteoporosis. Find more natural remedies for menopause

Benefits of losing weight

Gaining a bit on the waistline? Don’t be surprised. According to studies from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Sydney, just prior to menopause, a drop in oestrogen leads most women to halve the amount of physical activity they do.

It’s important to monitor your eating habits at this time, particularly your fat intake. Not all fats are bad; the trick is to avoid saturated and trans fats, and opt for poly- or monounsaturated fats instead. Find helpful advice to lose weight

Find more information about menopause