Managing Menopause Symptoms Day to Day

Daily habits are the home approach an Elk Grove reader is likely to consider first for menopause symptoms. This page reports what the Endocrine Society says about those habits and where self-management should give way to a clinician.

The home approach: changing daily habits

The Endocrine Society's advice on daily habits is aimed at mood swings, as the list below shows. The Endocrine Society's menopause page is the source for the figures and advice below.

How common the symptoms are

The Endocrine Society reports: "Hot flashes also known as vasomotor symptoms are extremely common, affecting approximately 75% of women as they go through menopause. Symptoms can begin during the perimenopausal transition and last from a few years to over 10 years."

Symptoms can run for years. A plan for the day-to-day has to be one you can keep up.

What it suggests for mood swings

The Endocrine Society says: "Often, a healthy lifestyle is the first step in preventing mood swings." Its list includes:

• "Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods"
• "Talk to a therapist or counselor"
• "Get enough sleep"
• "Exercise regularly"
• "Find healthy ways to deal with stress"

That list is about mood swings. It does not claim the same steps stop hot flashes.

What official guidance adds

For treatments beyond habits, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration keeps a menopause page for consumers. Read it before deciding on a medicine.

When habits are not enough

Habits are a reasonable start, but they have a limit. Ask a licensed clinician when symptoms disrupt sleep or work, when they last longer than you expected, or before you start any medicine or supplement for relief.