Coping with menopause
Changes in hormones, and becoming menopausal, can happen gradually or way, way more quickly than you were anticipating (thanks, breast cancer hormone treatments)! The whole picture can mean that menopause is the gift that just keeps on giving. Ahem, right. We’ve put together some tips we hope can help you in coping with symptoms of the dreaded menopause. J&J xx
Hot flushes
They will come and go, sometimes many in a day and sometimes few. It could be that you have obvious triggers (caffeine, a hot room, feeling emotional or alcohol) or nothing that you can put your finger on. Yep, they are frustrating – BUT – if you allow yourself to get angry and frustrated with a hot flush (including fanning yourself like a maniac!) it tends to make it all worse. Why? Because getting angry and flailing your arms about in desperation means you are tense, increasing blood flow, red in the face….ringing any bells?!
When the flush comes:
- try to breathe in through the nose, out through the mouth
- relax your posture
- tell yourself (slowly and calmly, haha) that it’s going to come and go, surf it, don’t fight it. I know it sounds a bit silly, but it can help
- If fanning helps, have some hand-held fans in handy places (like your handbag) – they are so much better than desperately grabbed pieces of paper or manilla folders 🙂
Night time flushes
The information above still applies but also try:
- Keeping something cold, like an ice or gel pack in an insulated bag or an ice towel, next to your bed
- Try a battery operated fan or a fan on the bedside table
- Layer bed clothes as well as night clothes
- Try sheets and blankets instead of a duvet
- Satin pillow cases (or a cool mat inside a pillow case)
- Have PJs that are loose and comfy – and a change nearby in case you sweat and then get cold
- Click on our tip sheet for getting a better night’s sleep
Vaginal Dryness
This is a common and frustrating issue and can come as a bit of a shock if endocrine treatments (such as for breast cancer) have meant that menopausal symptoms have come on fast! Talk to your medical team (don’t forget your GP) about what can help. Using a lubricant and vaginal moisturizer can help.
Mood swings
Changes in mood are really common as hormone levels change. Often women say they feel irritable, irrational (never admit this!!), tearful, down or anxious. Talk it through; don’t be afraid of getting professional help; strategies to help you cope can make a huge difference to you (and those you love!).
Look out for our upcoming blogs where we talk about moods, and what you can expect from this whole diagnosis/treatment/living life fiasco in more detail, coming soon.
With love, J&J xx
