JACKSON, Tenn. — Hot flashes, brain fog, and mystery weight-gain — experts say it’s important for women to understand the natural process of aging and how the body changes.
Women’s health expert, Dr. Contessa Metcalfe, encourages women to break the silence of being afraid to talk about their bodies.
“The key is really just understanding that we have, as women, so many hormonal changes that we go through in life, we are so comfortable talking about things like pregnancy, but when it comes to menopause and perimenopause we are so uncomfortable talking about that,” Dr. Metcalfe said.
In a 2022 study of nearly 1,000 women, it showed many women don’t even know they are going through perimenopause or menopause.
90% of the women studied said they were never taught what menopause was in school, and more than 60% said they didn’t feel informed about it at all.
Let’s get down to the facts: according to the Office of Women’s Health, there are three stages of menopause, often beginning in a woman’s mid to late 40’s, and after the menstrual cycle has stopped for 12 months or more.
Symptoms can take women by surprise.
These include hot flashes, night sweats, and brain fog, among a rollercoaster ride of other symptoms. And to experience these symptoms during the hot summer months is frustrating for many women.
To help manage the symptoms, experts say women should take charge of their health.
It’s important to stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet – while limiting added sugars, saturated and trans fats.
According to the CDC, comfort foods, in limited amounts, can be part of healthy eating.
Also, protect your skin. Doctors recommend to have at least an SPF of 30 or higher, and the key is to reapply.
“Talk to each other about what you are going through,” said Dr. Metcalfe. “Talk to your healthcare provider. Talk to all of your people–your moms, aunts and sisters, but understanding that this is absolutely normal.”
For more information on women’s health and additional resources for peri-menopause and menopause, click here.
For more local news, click here.
