During the transition to menopause, your body will go through various changes. Hormone changes can cause a wide range of symptoms that range in severity, and it can feel overwhelming, especially if you aren’t sure what to expect! The Women’s Health Specialists team believes that every woman should have the information to make this stage of life more than just manageable – we want to make it enjoyable. Keep reading to learn more about managing menopause symptoms and taking back your life!
Mood Changes
Many women find that the changes in hormone levels caused by menopause result in mood swings or a feeling of being out of control. We hear from many women who deal with anxiety, fatigue, irritability, and general sadness transitioning to menopause. It can be discouraging to experience this type of change, but there are plenty of ways to help manage the mood swings! There are several natural ways to help manage your mood:
- Try to get seven to eight hours of sleep per night to help your body get fully rested.
- Staying active is a great way to naturally boost your mood and help you feel your mental and physical best.
- Avoid taking on too much work. It’s okay to say no!
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
It would help if you also talked with your healthcare provider about any changes you’ve noticed in your mood. They will help you find the cause of the problem and figure out the best solution. In some cases, your doctor may recommend hormone therapy or other medications. This type of change in hormones is entirely normal, and your doctor will help you feel comfortable and confident every step of the way.
Urinary Issues
It’s common for women to deal with urinary incontinence while going through menopause. Urinary incontinence is defined as “the persistent and involuntary loss of urine,” but for most women, they would probably say it’s annoying and embarrassing! However, this is a normal part of aging, and there are ways to manage it. Ways to help with urinary incontinence include:
- Limiting caffeine
- Physical therapy
- Taking medication prescribed by your doctor
- Certain medical devices
- Surgery
You may wear pads or special underwear to absorb any urine that leaks throughout the day. Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing this symptom of menopause, and they can help you find the best way to address the problem. 
Trouble Sleeping
Many women going through menopause have a hard time falling asleep at night. When they fall asleep, they find themselves waking often or tossing and turning. If this sounds like you, you can do a few things to help!
- Exercise: this is one of the best ways to get a good night’s sleep. Exercising too close to bedtime may wake you up, so be aware of that when scheduling your workout sessions!
- Avoid drinking alcohol, eating, and smoking before bed: Alcohol interrupts the body’s natural sleep cycle, so drinking before bed may help you doze off initially, but it will cause more harm than good. As for eating before bed, this can slow down your body’s metabolism and cause weight gain.
- Avoid afternoon naps: It can be tempting to take a quick snooze in the afternoon, especially if you’re also dealing with fatigue (more on that later). Try to get into a consistent sleep schedule of going to bed at the same time each night.
- Limit screen time: The bright light of your TV or phone screen tells your brain to wake up, which can disrupt your natural sleep patterns. Limiting your time on screens before bed can help your brain prepare for rest.
- Talk to your doctor: It’s important to tell your doctor if you’re having trouble sleeping since it could be a symptom of something more serious. Some women develop sleep apnea or insomnia, so getting ahead of the problem can be beneficial.
Change In Libido or Sexual Discomfort
The hormonal changes that come with menopause cause most women to have changing feelings about sex. Some women feel more comfortable with their sexuality, while others may experience a decline in their sex drive. If you feel pain or discomfort, it makes sense that you would be less interested in intercourse!
You may also experience a change in sex drive if you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, or lack of sleep. Talking to your doctor can help you get to the bottom of any issues you’re experiencing and treat them effectively.
When Should I See My Doctor About My Symptoms?
Your healthcare providers are here to help you take care of any concerns you may have. If you’re experiencing any symptoms of menopause that are causing you discomfort or disrupting your life, you should talk to your doctor.
At Women’s Health Specialists, YOU are our top priority. When you schedule an appointment with our Germantown office, we’ll take all the time you need to discuss your symptoms and what’s bothering you. You can feel confident that you’re receiving the most high-quality, personalized care available. 
Manage Menopause with Women’s Health Specialists
If you’ve been dealing with the symptoms of menopause alone, we’re here for you. At Women’s Health Specialists, we believe you should enjoy every stage of life. Schedule an appointment with one of the doctors and start taking back your life.
We look forward to meeting you!