by Penny Newman

Created on: April 27, 2008   Last Updated: April 29, 2008

TIPS FOR HAPPY AND HEALTHFUL POSTMENOPAUSAL LIFE

If you notice your skin has lost elasticity, you are gaining weight at a rate like never before, your hair is thinning or you are losing your hair, and your doctor tells your bones are becoming brittle, you are probably postmenopausal.

Besides all these physical changes you might be experiencing, you will also have to consider whether or not to start, continue, or discontinue taking hormone replacement therapy medications. This is something you as an individual will have to decide on your own with the help of your doctor. A decision will need to be made about HRT, deciding whether or not the benefits of starting to take or continuing to take these drugs outweigh the risks in your particular situation.

The physical changes mentioned above are no cause for alarm and are easy to deal with. Here are some tips:

Applying moisturizer to your skin and eating foods such as berries, salmon, and leafy greens will improve the overall appearance of your skin.
Minimizing the use of harsh products and heat on your hair and using special salon-quality shampoos and conditioners will help with the appearance of hair thinning and hair loss.
Get regular DEXA scans, consume adequate amounts of calcium, and perform weight-bearing exercises to help minimize bone loss.
Eat healthy foods low in fat and high in fiber and stay active to minimize weight gain.

Exercise is the most beneficial thing you can do to help deal with postmenopausal life. Swimming or water aerobics will be easy on the joints. Walking is something most everyone can do, regardless of physical condition. Walking labyrinth or practicing yoga is particularly good exercise if you are also experiencing emotional symptoms. These exercises will provide mental and physical benefits, calming anxiety and allowing you time to think while getting your body in shape physically at the same time. Weight-bearing exercises like racquet sports and stair climbing are essential to combating osteoporosis. Lifting light weights, as little as 2 pounds, will do wonders for your bones as well.

If you experience any type of vaginal bleeding while you are postmenopausal, you should consult with your doctor. Although this is likely to be a benign condition, it could also be something more serious. Your doctor will probably want to perform a biopsy to investigate.

Do not let symptoms of postmenopausal life get you down. These symptoms are easily relieved and managed with an abundance of products aimed at combating postmenopausal conditions on the market today. However, staying in shape by following a healthy diet, including adequate amounts of calcium, and getting regular daily exercise is going to be the best thing you can do to be happy and strong throughout your postmenopausal years.

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