How to Cure Menopause Aches

Just as the beginning of fertility is marked by the onset of menstruation, the end of fertility is marked by the onset of menopause. It is a normal, natural part of aging in every woman's life. Menopause is officially designated as beginning one year after your last menstrual period and occurs, on average, around age 51. There are a wide range of symptoms, some of them quite unpleasant, that may accompany menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and aches in your joints and body. Fortunately, you can take action to help alleviate the discomfort of menopause aches.

Instructions

• 1

  Consult your gynecologist or other health-care provider regarding the best treatment for your symptoms. Every woman is different and will respond differently to different treatments. Your physician has access to your medical history and can recommend how best to combat the body and joint aches associated with menopause.

• 2

  Get plenty of sleep. Lack of sleep---or tossing and turning all night---can contribute to body aches the following morning. Menopause can disrupt sleep patterns due to hot flashes, night sweats, bladder problems and general feelings of discomfort. Practice deep breathing, meditation and other relaxation techniques to reduce stress prior to bedtime. Avoid caffeine, particularly as evening approaches, and exercise early in the day, not close to bedtime.

• 3

  Start or maintain an exercise routine. Talk with your health-care provider about the types of exercises you are healthy enough to engage in. Try to exercise at least 30 minutes every day. Include both aerobic (cardio) and anaerobic (resistance) exercises in your routine. Exercising stimulates blood circulation, increases oxygen flow, reduces stress and keeps the joints and muscles limber.

• 4

  Maintain a healthy weight. After menopause, women require approximately 500 calories less each day to maintain their body weight than they did in their pre-menopausal days, so pay close attention to calories and your eating habits. Added weight will put unnecessary stress on your joints, resulting in aches and pains, so lose the excess weight safely.

• 5

  Talk with your doctor about appropriate pain-relief medications. In many cases, over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can handle many of the aches caused by menopause. In some situations, your doctor may recommend prescription-strength pain medication. Hormone therapy can also alleviate aches caused by low hormone levels, but you should fully discuss the risks associated with hormone therapy with your physician before proceeding.