How to Minimize Menopause Symptoms

No woman enjoys the prospect of menopause, but it can hit as early as 35 years of age. Some women seem to take this phase of life in stride with few or no symptoms. Most women, however, have to deal with one or more of many common effects, including: mood swings, erratic periods, hot flashes and weight gain. For women who do experience these symptoms, there are ways to minimize and possibly even prevent them.

Mood Swings

• Are you relaxed one minute and irritable the next? Some things in your diet can help relieve this troublesome tendency. Eliminate caffeine. Choose caffeine-free coffee and soft drinks. At the very least, don't drink it after 2 p.m. It stays with you for 8 hours and can also disrupt your sleep.

Erratic Periods

• Some doctors will prescribe horomone therapy (pills containing female hormones, estrogen and progesterone) to help regulate periods. If you prefer a more homeopathic approach, there is new research that shows plant-derived estrogen in soybeans, for example, may also be a safer alternative.

Hot Flashes

• Vitamin E and Black Cohosh are two supplements that can be taken during a cycle and have shown to be helpful in reducing hot flashes. Increasing water intake greatly cools the body as well.

Weight Gain

• It's no secret that women going through menopause typically gain weight, more specifically around the stomach and hip area. A couple of simple, yet invaluable, tips can be put into practice here. Don't eat anything past 7 p.m. Drink plenty of water, and stay away from high-carb or fried foods.

Stay Healthy

• Increasing water intake, vitamin supplementation and healthy eating are great keys for anyone to stay in shape. For a woman going through menopause, these are practices that could change her life.