Menopause - Things you can do (2024)

Lifestyle changes to help menopause and perimenopause

Eating well, exercising and looking after your mental wellbeing can help with symptoms during perimenopause and menopause.

It can also help you keep as well as possible in the future.

Do

Don’t

How to ease mood changes

It's common to have mood swings, low mood and anxiety around the time of the menopause and perimenopause.

You can try to:

  • get plenty of rest
  • exercise regularly
  • do relaxing activities

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of talking therapy that can help with a low mood and feelings of anxiety. It can also help with sleep problems.

How to ease hot flushes and night sweats

You can:

  • wear light clothing
  • keep your bedroom cool at night
  • take a cool shower, use a fan or have a cold drink
  • try to reduce your stress level
  • avoid or reduce potential triggers, such as spicy food, caffeine, hot drinks, smoking and alcohol
  • exercise regularly
  • lose weight if you're overweight

CBT can also help manage hot flushes.

How to ease vagin*l dryness

There are vagin*l moisturisers or lubricants you can get without a prescription at a pharmacy.

You can talk to a pharmacist in private if you'd like help to decide which moisturiser is right for you.

If you're having sex and using condoms, do not use oil-based lubricant as this can damage condoms. You can use a water-based lubricant.

There are other treatments for vagin*l dryness that a doctor can prescribe, such as HRT (hormone replacement therapy) or hormonal treatment (creams, pessaries, gel or vagin*l rings).

Find out about treatment for menopause.

Protecting against weak bones

You can try to:

  • exercise regularly, including weight-bearing exercises, where your feet and legs support your weight (like walking, running or dancing) and resistance exercises (for example, using weights)
  • eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruit, vegetables and sources of calcium, such as milk, yoghurt and kale
  • get some sunlight on your skin as this triggers the production of vitamin D, which can help keep your bones healthy
  • take vitamin D supplements
  • stop smoking and cut down on alcohol

Read more about preventing osteoporosis.

Taking HRT can reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Page last reviewed: 17 May 2022
Next review due: 17 May 2025

Menopause - Things you can do (2024)

FAQs

What are the best things to do during menopause? ›

You can:
  • wear light clothing.
  • keep your bedroom cool at night.
  • take a cool shower, use a fan or have a cold drink.
  • try to reduce your stress level.
  • avoid or reduce potential triggers, such as spicy food, caffeine, hot drinks, smoking and alcohol.
  • exercise regularly.
  • lose weight if you're overweight.

What should you not do during menopause? ›

You may want to limit your consumption of added sugars, processed high carb foods, alcohol, caffeine, and high sodium foods as well. These dietary changes might help make this important transition in your life easier.

What should I eat to lose belly fat during menopause? ›

Choose more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, especially those that are less processed and contain more fiber. In general, a plant-based diet is healthier than other options. Legumes, nuts, soy, fish and low-fat dairy products are good choices. Eat meat in limited quantities.

What is the best vitamin for menopause fatigue? ›

Alongside contributing to reducing feelings of tiredness and fatigue, B12 also helps to promote the utilisation of iron in your body – something that's especially important if you notice changes to your periods, making it one of the most beneficial vitamins for menopause support.

What drink is good for menopause? ›

10 teas for menopause relief
  • Black cohosh root. Black cohosh root has been found to reduce vagin*l dryness and hot flashes during menopause. ...
  • Ginseng. Ginseng use has shown encouraging results in alleviating various menopause symptoms. ...
  • Chasteberry tree. ...
  • Red raspberry leaf. ...
  • Red clover. ...
  • Dong quai. ...
  • Valerian root. ...
  • Licorice.
Sep 29, 2022

What is the number one herb for menopause? ›

1. Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) Native to North America, black cohosh is often hailed as the go-to herb for menopause relief.

Do bananas help menopause? ›

Cooling foods: If you're suffering from hot flashes, so-called “cooling foods,” including apples, bananas, spinach, broccoli, eggs and green tea may help you cool down, according to Chinese medicine. A bonus: all of these foods are rich in nutrients and disease-fighting chemicals.

What is the best exercise for menopause? ›

The key is to start slowly and do things one enjoys such as walking, cycling, vigorous yard work, swimming, cardio machines or attending group fitness classes. Regular exercising can help in improving the overall wellbeing.

What are four foods to manage menopause? ›

The following foods can help strengthen bones and relieve menopause symptoms:
  • Dark green leafy vegetables, especially spinach and kale.
  • Yogurt.
  • Cheese.
  • Milk.
  • Fish like salmon, mackerel, and tuna.
  • Flax and chia seeds.
  • Broccoli and cauliflower.
  • Blueberries and other dark berries.
May 12, 2021

Can you flatten a menopause belly? ›

Losing Belly Fat During Menopause

While it can be harder to lose belly fat during menopause due to hormonal changes and metabolic shifts, it is not impossible. Here are some strategies to help menopausal women reduce belly fat: Balanced Diet: Try eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

Why do older women's stomachs stick out? ›

Loss of muscle mass decreases how quickly the body uses calories. That can make it more challenging to maintain a healthy weight. Many women notice an increase in belly fat as they get older even if they don't gain weight.

What is the fastest way to lose weight during menopause? ›

A combination of aerobic exercise and resistance training will help reduce body fat and build muscle. Menopause-related weight tends to settle around the abdomen. Find tips for losing belly fat here. If a person is not already active, they may find it easier to increase their activity levels gradually.

What does menopause fatigue feel like? ›

It's a feeling of constantly feeling drained, zapping your energy and motivation, and causing issues with concentration and your overall quality of life. Fatigue at this level impacts your emotional and psychological well-being, too. Many women experience symptoms like these while they're going through menopause.

How can I get my energy back during menopause? ›

Make time for regular exercise

It can be hard to drag yourself out of bed when you're exhausted, but exercise is one of the best solutions for fatigue. A 2015 study of postmenopausal women found moderate- to high-intensity exercise is associated with higher energy levels.

Which multivitamin is best for menopause? ›

We chose New Chapter One Daily Every Woman's Multivitamin 40+ for its multinutrient formulation that covers bone, immunity, brain, and heart health. This multivitamin also contains probiotics for easier absorption and may be used by perimenopausal and menopausal women.

How can I age well through menopause? ›

These tips may help you lower your risk for heart disease and osteoporosis and keep you healthy.
  1. Eat a healthy diet.
  2. Get enough calcium and vitamin D.
  3. Be physically active.
  4. Maintain a healthy weight.
  5. Don't smoke or use tobacco products.
Sep 13, 2023

What makes menopause worse? ›

Avoid alcohol, spicy foods, and caffeine. These can make menopausal symptoms worse. If you smoke, try to quit, not only for hot flashes, but for your overall health. Try to maintain a healthy weight.

What are 4 foods to manage menopause? ›

The following foods can help strengthen bones and relieve menopause symptoms:
  • Dark green leafy vegetables, especially spinach and kale.
  • Yogurt.
  • Cheese.
  • Milk.
  • Fish like salmon, mackerel, and tuna.
  • Flax and chia seeds.
  • Broccoli and cauliflower.
  • Blueberries and other dark berries.
May 12, 2021

How can I improve my quality of life during menopause? ›

Physical activity has been shown also to enhance quality of life among menopausal women [8, 9] and some studies suggest that physical activity is associated with a decrease of hot flushes [10, 11]. The effect of physical activity in decreasing hot flushes has been explained by β-endorphin theory.

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