Marla Ahlgrimm On Self-Care For Women With Menopause

Menopause is a naturally occurring event that happens to all women. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, its symptoms, which include mood changes and hot flashes, can have a significant impact on your life. But, there are ways to take care of yourself to lessen the discomfort.

Talk to your doctor

First, Marla Ahlgrimm suggest talking with your doctor if you believe that you’re coming up on menopause. Ask them about whether or not you should continue taking birth control. Keep in mind here that even if you have taken an at-home menopause test and it has come back that you are in the middle of menopause, these are not necessarily reliable.

Is hormone treatment right for me?

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, hormone therapy can help relieve many of the worst symptoms of menopause. However, she cautions that it is not for everyone. Marla Ahlgrimm says that women with a history of liver disease, blood clots, certain types of cancer, and those who have ever had a heart attack or stroke may not be good candidates for hormone therapy.

Taking care of yourself at home

Even if you do engage in hormone therapy, you may still feel uncomfortable at least some of the time. Marla Ahlgrimm suggests doing things that prioritize your wellness each day. This includes getting enough sleep, eating fruits and vegetables, relaxing, and exercising. A few other ways that you can handle menopause distress in the moment include:

• Take a warm bath. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that warm water can help ease muscle tension and may alleviate cramping.

• Take a walk. Walking boosts the production of “happy” hormones, which may help mitigate pain.

• Talk to a friend. The physical symptoms of menopause can be mentally depleting. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that sometimes talking to a friend – bonus points if she is also going through menopause – may be enough to help you feel better about your situation.

• Ask your doctor about supplements. Before you order a supplement online that claims to alleviate menopause symptoms, talk to your doctor. Many of these are simply marketing, and they will not help your symptoms.