How to Make it Through Post Menopause

Making it through menopause may feel like a victory, but there is still another battle to be won when it comes to handling the postmenopausal experience. There are physical and emotional changes. The main thing to keep in mind is that you aren't suffering alone and there are things you can do to get through this specific time in your life. Here are some proven strategies to help you make it through post menopause.

Instructions

• 1

  Combat anger and depression. Your hormones are probably still a little crazy from going through menopause, but there are ways to treat this. In order to cure depression, you need to de-stress yourself and learn to relax. Yoga is relaxing and clears your minds of all your current frustrations. It's also great for your health. Treat yourself to a full body massage. A massage will help you de-stress and work out tension. Of course, if the symptoms are severe enough, you should seek advice from your doctor. He might be able to prescribe you an antidepressant temporarily until your hormones are balanced again. Hormone replacement therapy is sometimes used to treat postmenopausal depression.

• 2

  Discover a new hobby or reconnect with old friends. Maybe you used to enjoy painting but put your hobby on the back shelf for the past several years. Get a ladder, crawl up into your closet, locate your paintbrushes, dust off the cobwebs from that canvas, and get to work, girlfriend! You've finally reached the point in your life where you actually have time to do the things you love. You can also pick up a new hobby to do with friends and loved ones. Geocaching, which is basically a worldwide scavenger hunt, is becoming very popular with the young and old alike. See Resources for link. Also, reconnecting with old friends can do you a world of good, especially if they are experiencing the same thing you are.

• 3

  Focus on a healthy diet and exercise. Why not redirect your anger at those flabby thighs and jiggling arms? Exercise will not only make you look better and increase your confidence, it will also make you feel better because of the endorphins that are released while you're working out. A healthy diet will help increase your energy and make you feel young again. It will also help prevent future health problems and lower your cholesterol. Set goals for yourself that aren't too difficult so that you don't lose motivation and reward yourself with a day at the spa.

• 4

  Take a vacation. You've always wanted to see the world; so what are you waiting for? Get your mind off of things by traveling to a relaxing destination.

• 5

  Join support groups. If talking with other women who are suffering through the same symptoms would help you more than anything else, join an online support group. One example is the forum hosted by Daily Strength. (See the Resources section). If you would rather have face-to-face interaction with others, consider starting your own Red Hot Mamas program if there is not already one in your area. (See Resources). Red Hot Mamas, a non-profit organization, is the nation's leading menopause education provider.