There's a lot happening! Menopause?! Ugh!

Hi Sisters!

Last week marked 4 years since my hysterectomy (still have my ovaries). Well, over the past couple weeks or less, ice been having night sweats like crazy, mood swings out of the blue, a couple of aches here and there - but the kicker was the other day I was choking (nothing serious), and in the midst of hard coughing I peed a little! What?!? Ugh! I was home, but still! My sleep is totally off, too. I was reading some of your responses and online and see that I'm not alone - but I would love to know some holistic approaches you all may have used to help with these changes.
Your input is so appreciated. This is all be territory. Thanks in advance, ladies!!!!

I'm sorry that you were hit with so many menopause symptoms. No fun!

I've moved your thread here to our Natural Menopause forum. Members can respond here to share what they have found to be helpful, and you may also find helpful information in the Menopause and Hormones - Articles resource.

I went through natural menopause two years ago, and I think that one major contributor to a relative absence of major symptoms is the inclusion of regular servings of plant estrogens from organic soy foods in my diet; if you have no issues with soy, just 2-3 daily servings of organic tofu, edamame, or soy milk can help with hormonal balance during this time. Fermented soy foods like tempeh or miso can directly help with your moods by supporting the 90% of serotonin production that takes place in the intestinal tract, and depends on the friendly bacteria living in there; a broad spectrum probiotic supplement, or regular servings of yogurt or kefir, can also help in this regard. Other dietary additions that can help with your mood, especially at this time of year, include a B complex supplement, 2,000 IU of Vitamin D per day, and omega 3 fats from fatty fish, walnuts, flax seeds, chia seeds, or a fish oil supplement with your doctor's approval. Taking a daily walk outdoors can also help to improve your mood, and because our sleep cycles are mainly governed by exposure to natural light, it can also help to improve your sleep. A few more tips for a good night's sleep: turn off all electronics at least an hour before bedtime; reserve your bedroom for sleep and intimacy; set your bedroom thermostat to 60-65°: arrange your bedding in layers that can be added or removed as necessary; keep a towel handy for wiping off the sweat, along with a spare set of nightclothes; have a relaxing bedtime routine; if you get into bed and can't fall asleep within 20 minutes, or if youre awakened in the middle of the night, then get out of bed, go to another room, and do something relaxing until you feel like you're ready to fall asleep. Wishing you all the best for finding solutions that will work for you!