Here are five simple steps to keep menopause symptoms in check.

Exercise

When you are going through the menopause it is likely that you will feel stressed and you could find yourself putting on weight. Exercise is key to combating both of these problems, as it releases endorphins that boost mood and it burns off any extra pounds.

It is recommended that people get 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days of the week. This could be walking, swimming or biking.

Another brilliant exercise is yoga, which also serves to restore balance and calm to the body though breathing exercises, poses and meditation. There will usually be plenty of yoga for beginners’ classes in the local area, so it is never too late to give it a try.

Nutrition

What you put in your body affects how it functions, so the food you eat can make a massive difference to your experiences of the menopause. High amounts of sugar, oils and saturated fats can make you feel deflated and unhealthy, making symptoms more pronounced.

Filling your diet with fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats will ensure you get all of the vitamins and nutrients you need to keep your body working at its best. Making sure you have a few super foods in there will never go amiss either, so stock up on things like berries, brazil nuts and salmon.

Sleep

The menopause can be a very stressful time for the body, so it is important that it gets enough rest and time to repair itself. If you’re struggling to sleep because of hot flushes, you should make sure you do all you can to relax the body and prepare for sleep. This may be as simple as putting a prohibition on all technology for two hours before bed to ensure the mind isn’t distracted.

Herbal Supplements

From time to time you will feel as though your body needs an extra boost and herbal supplements are a great way to treat some of the symptoms of the menopause. Popular supplements to take are black cohosh, vitamin E, and dong quai, according to Livestrong.com.

Alternative therapies

Many women find that alternative therapies are great for getting them through the menopause. Although there is no one size fits all, Annette Greenwood, life coach and mentor, recommends acupuncture and homeopathy.

"Acupuncture encourages the body’s own natural healing, promoting physical and mental wellbeing, aiming to treat the root cause of the issue not just the symptom," she explained.

Conversely, homeopathy uses highly dilutes substances in tablet form to trigger the body’s healing mechanisms.

Posted by Freya Harper