As mothers, we often commit to caring and looking out for the loved ones our lives, often putting our own health on the back burner. This May, let’s remember that, we cannot wholly show up for others if we neglect our health and personal happiness! As women approach perimenopause and menopause, their bodies go through a lot of changes. Women don’t always like to talk about their symptoms even though this can take a toll on personal relationships. How did your mom experience menopause? Did you even know she was going through menopause?
Did she have mood swings, trouble sleeping, memory loss, hot flashes, or did she have intimate skin dryness and discomfort? Of course, she might not feel comfortable talking about it. Moms sometimes feel like they must be Superwoman and not complain – even if they are suffering! Here are the top 5 tips to help your mother or mother figure to help get through menopause.
1. Know the truth about menopause
The onset of menopause is called perimenopause, and It starts a few years before menopause. It is a years-long transition, and it often starts with skipped periods, more frequent periods, heavier periods — anything other than the cycle that is typical for you. Many women also experience hot flashes, anxiety, sleeplessness, weight gain, and vaginal dryness. Identifying and understanding these symptoms can help you and other women you know support each other rather than letting it become an issue.
2. Schedule a gynecologist appointment
Now that our reproductive years are behind us, it is easy to take gynecologist visits out of the schedule. These appointments are crucial especially with the onset of symptoms like vaginal dryness or incontinence. Those can be embarrassing to talk about to a friend or daughter and may impact your mood, confidence, and intimate relationships. It is important we prioritize our health and seek proper solution with the help of a gynecologist.
3. Participate in bonding activities
Perhaps that yoga in the park can be something you can do with your mom or girlfriends. Exercise is important, and most medical professionals recommend getting 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise on most days of the week. Regular exercise can help sustain weight loss and have other positive effects, like increased energy. But there’s a saying that goes “You can’t outrun a bad diet,” and exercise alone will not be enough to help with weight loss. You must eat well.
4. Maintain a healthy diet
Research and educate yourself and the women around you about the food that can make her menopausal symptoms better or worse. Maintaining a healthy diet by eating small portions and drinking enough water is important. Perhaps download and share one of the apps that help her track how many calories you are eating in a day.
According to the Mayo Clinic, most women in their 50s need 200 fewer calories a day compared to when they were younger. But we’re not talking about dieting, rather making sure that you and your community of women eat right.
5. Celebrate menopause like a milestone!
So you have hit another big phase of life, why does that have to be anything bad? Treat yourself and the special women around you to gestures of love and admiration. Buying your mom a gift package, giving your girlfriend a surprise spa treat, or simply having breakfast in bed – it could be anything that connotes feelings of love! FemmePharma offers products designed for women at this stage, making thoughtful gifts to show support and care.
Say Thank You to your mom (or the special woman in your life) this May with FemmePharma! Use code Mom20 at check out for 20% off your order.
Happy Mother’s Day!