Easing Menopause Symptoms with Healthy Lifestyle Choices
For every woman there comes a time during her midlife when menopause arrives. This can show itself in many ways and can differ between women. Some women experience it more intensely than others. World Menopause Day is held each year on 18th October. The Glass House Retreat has a range of spa days and breaks available to coincide with the day offering menopause-friendly spa treatments, exercise classes, specially-designed food menus and smoothies.
What is Menopause?
Menopause is a natural life stage and signals the end of a woman’s fertility. Emotionally this is a difficult time. Being able to conceive children is a part of the human experience, exclusive to women. Having this taken away is life changing. Menopause can bring many physical and psychological symptoms, including hot flashes, headaches, insomnia, anxiety, and depression.
However, because menopause is not a disease or illness there isn’t a specific treatment recommended by medical professionals. Don’t worry though, if you’re having a tough time with menopause there are lifestyle changes you can make which could help.
Starting an Exercise Routine
If there’s a cure all, exercise is it. And when it comes to improving menopause, this is a good place to start.
The health benefits of exercise are huge. There are obvious benefits, such as a more toned figure and a boost in fitness. Plus there are less obvious ones, such as an increase in overall energy, a stronger immune system, better sleep, and improved mental health.
Starting an exercise routine needn’t be daunting either—you don’t have to jump straight into anything too taxing. At the Glass House we have exercise classes to suit everyone—ranging from yoga and Pilates, to more intense workouts. Classes are a great way to connect with others too and find solidarity.
Switching to a Vegan Diet
One thing that can aggravate menopausal symptoms is carrying a few extra pounds. Exercise is one part of achieving weight loss, the other is diet. We live in a fast-paced society, where cheap convenience food dominates. Nine times out of ten this is ultra-processed food, with high sugar and fat content and little nutritional value.
By switching to a wholesome vegan diet or plant-based diet, you are giving your body a complete refresh. Losing weight becomes easier, the reduction in fat improves heart health, and your digestive system will be running smoothly.
We know that making a big change isn’t easy though. That’s why you shouldn’t go it alone. Come and learn about delicious vegan food at The Glass House—with our trend setting cooking classes.
Dressing Comfortably
One of the primary symptoms of menopause is hot flashes. This is caused by the reduction of estradiol in the body, an estrogen steroid hormone. Women may feel an intense sensation of heat beginning on the surface of the neck or face, which leads to sweating, and faintness. Episodes can last up to half an hour and stop suddenly.
This may sound like an obvious thing to say, but hot flashes are sporadic, and whilst feeling okay it might not occur to dress with them in mind. Wearing stifling clothes can worsen a hot flush and make it harder to cope with. Try wearing light and airy fabrics and carrying a pocket fan around with you.
Quitting Alcohol & Caffeine
Alcohol is a drug which most of us have had a love affair with. After a long and stressful week a few glasses of comforting wine or refreshing G&Ts is extremely tempting. In the moment it chills us and can bring on a wave of happiness. Yet, alcohol is a depressant and drinking it regularly can increase our risk of anxiety, depression, and insomnia. All of which can promote the symptoms of menopause.
Caffeine too can have a negative impact. It’s a stimulant; great for get up and go in the mornings, but bad for menopause. It plays with your body’s ability to regulate blood vessels, contributing to vasomotor symptoms such as a hot flashes.
At the Glass House we have the experience and expertise to help you detox from caffeine, in a calm and comfortable environment.
Replenishing Your Skin
During menopause, your body stops producing as much collagen, which affects skin elasticity. Skin oil glands also slow down, which can lead to dryness and irritation.
Not to panic. You can do a lot to replenish your skin and give back what menopause takes. For starters you can cleanse your face regularly to remove dead skin cells. Choose a cleanser which moisturises, rather than a foam or gel which strips moisture. Also use a heavier moisturiser and avoid hot showers.
Secondly, give your skin some love. Our natural wraps, scrubs, and facials at The Glass House invigorate tired skin and leave you glowing. You’ll feel fantastic.
Learning to Fully Relax
Dealing with the menopause can leave you exhausted and uptight, unable to properly let go for a moment and find your bliss. Coming on a retreat at The Glass House is both an immersion in beautifully relaxing spa treatments and an educational journey. Here, you can learn about mindfulness and stress relieving techniques to make the day-to-day managing of menopause easier.
This isn’t a luxury. Or a treat. This is an essential part of your life. You deserve to get away for a while and focus solely on your wellness.