The end of a woman's reproductive years can bring about a number of unpleasant physical and emotional symptoms. The onset of menopause typically includes mood swings, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and increased anxiety. These symptoms are caused by declining hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone. Going through menopause does not have to be a completely miserable experience. Use the following tips to cope with the negative side effects of menopause:

Exercise Daily

Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and it can also be very beneficial for women experiencing menopausal symptoms. Daily exercise can boost your mood and help stave off mood swings and irritability and getting enough physical activity can also help you sleep deeply so night sweats don't keep you awake. 

Personal Lubricants

The onset of menopause does not mean that your sex life has to come to an end. The decline in hormones during menopause can lead to vaginal dryness which can make intercourse uncomfortable or even painful, but this issue can typically be solved by using a water-based personal lubricant during intimate times with a partner. You may also want to consider using an over the counter moisturizer that is designed to maintain the proper moisture levels in the vaginal tissue.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy is a very popular option to help manage the symptoms of menopause. During hormone replacement therapy, your doctor will prescribe you estrogen and progesterone to take to help keep your hormone levels stable. Hormones can be administered orally in pill form, through a patch placed on the skin, or cream. While hormone replacement therapy can be very effective, it is typically only recommended as a short-term solution to help women get through the worst parts of menopause. 

Therapy and Antidepressants

Mood swings or intense feelings of irritability can be made worse during menopause if you have undiagnosed depression. If you are questioning whether your mood is related to menopause or possible depression, it is important to consult your doctor for treatment. For some women, there is no depression present, but the onset on menopause can bring about feelings of sadness and uncertainty about the new chapter in their life and the end of their reproductive years.

There are many support groups for women going through menopause, and you may also benefit from sessions with a therapist where you can discuss your feelings and come to terms with the changes that you are going through. For more information, contact a professional like those at Bay Area Women's Care.