If you have had hot flashes or nighttime sweats as you go through menopause, you know what a pain they are. They disturb your sleep, cause you to feel feverish, and may cause embarrassing situations when you turn red and begin sweating profusely through a meeting or social occasion.
Research
Recent research at University of California, Los Angeles have led researchers to believe there is an even darker side of hot flashes however: girls who experienced hot flashes and night sweats tended to have greater bone loss than those who did not have those signs. It was accurate in my case. I’d extreme night sweats and hot flashes for many years since I tried to take care of my symptoms with natural compounds like vitamins, black cohosh, and various hormone creams.
The symptoms never subsided though and I eventually elected hormone replacement therapy (“HRT”) in the shape of the lowest-dosage blend patch. From the day I put on the first patch I started to feel better, and the symptoms quickly disappeared. But I discovered I’d lost plenty of bone mass in the meantime. I’ve been building up it for many years now: first using a prescription to renew the significant bone loss, and since then with a combination of diet, supplements and exercise.
Good news
The great news is that you can build your bone density back up, but lose it in the first place if you can prevent it? I’m not telling you this so you will rush out and get on hormone replacement therapy, but I am saying you ought to have your hormones checked in the first signs of menopause, and each year thereafter so that you can manage your symptoms and prevent serious side effects such as bone loss.
Just ask your doctor at your annual physical examination to order a laboratory test for you, so you can keep on top of these changes and keep a dialogue open about whether HRT is perfect for you or not. And, begin as soon as possible to ensure you’re getting enough calcium in your diet. Great food resources are low-fat dairy products, dark green leafy vegetables and calcium-fortified foods and drinks. If you take supplements, ensure that you include Vitamin D with the calcium since it greatly enhances absorption into your system.
Conclusion
Maintaining your weight at normal levels and receiving regular load-bearing exercise are crucial elements in keeping bones strong. You can do that by taking a brisk walk for thirty minutes every day, or simply by doing bodyweight exercises that build flexibility, strength, balance and coordination all at one time. I’ve developed a program especially for women in their menopausal years that combines solid nourishment, common-sense weight loss plans, and effective exercises that you can do at home with no equipment at all. This simple but powerful system has helped me and many girls around the world get into better shape during menopause that a lot of us thought possible. You may watch the system and get a free report on managing weight gain, appetite control and several other symptoms on my site.