Menopause Symptoms and Solutions with Dr. Mary Claire Haver - Part Two

Menopause Takeaways

1. Incorporate strength and resistance training into your workout routine — Strength training counteracts menopause-related loss of muscle mass and bone density. Strength training, in particular, has bone benefits beyond those offered by aerobic exercise and can reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
2. Know your family history — If you have a close family member with a chronic disease, you may be more likely to develop that disease yourself, especially if more than one close relative has (or had) the disease or a family member got the disease at a younger age than usual. Family health history can help your doctor decide which screening tests you need and when those tests should start. Screening tests, such as blood sugar testing, mammograms, and colorectal cancer screenings, help find early signs of disease. Finding disease early can mean better health in the long run.
3. Educate yourself — Understand the signs and symptoms of menopause so you’re not blindsided when you begin to experience symptoms. Have conversations with family and friends about menopause. Raising awareness is vital to normalizing menopause and enabling women to get the support they need. Don’t suffer in silence. Tell your healthcare provider about symptoms that are disrupting your daily life, there may be lifestyle changes or medications that can help.
4. Get enough fiber in your diet — Eating lots of fiber from vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can significantly decrease your risk of dying from heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and/or colon cancer.
5. Limit alcohol consumption — Women in menopause do not tolerate alcohol well. Alcohol use during menopause can worsen symptoms and increase a woman's risk for serious health conditions, like heart disease and breast cancer.