Menopause marks the end of the regular menstrual cycle. If a woman doesn’t get her period for over 12 months, her body will undergo a series of metabolic changes. Menopause can trigger several discomforts ranging from physical symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats to emotional disturbances like mood swings and personality changes. However, it is possible to manage menopause with simple changes in daily nutrition and lifestyle to improve the outlook in the long run.

Cruciferous vegetables, leafy greens, and berries
Several research studies explain why including more green vegetables and berries helped women experience fewer hot flashes associated with menopause over time. Top picks include broccoli, cauliflower, and dark berries, which help increase estrogen levels and further lower the risk of breast cancer complications. Dark greens and leafy vegetables like spinach, chard, leaf lettuce, and beet are also rich sources of calcium, fiber, potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins. These nutrients are essential for regulating mood and energy to lower the impact of menopausal hormone changes that affect one’s personality.

Healthy omega-3 fatty foods
Omega 3 fatty acid is one of the crucial anti-inflammatory compounds to include in daily nutrition to help manage hot flashes and lower the severity of night sweats experienced during menopause. Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, and sardines are loaded with omega-3s. Chia seeds, hemp seeds, and other assorted nuts are also good sources of healthy fats.

Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D
Low levels of estrogen triggered due to hormonal changes affect calcium levels in the body. This, in turn, increases the risk of osteoporosis, among other bone and joint problems. Including more calcium-rich foods and beverages are essential for maintaining healthy bones. Fortified milk, yogurt, and cheese are healthy sources of calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K nutrients that help strengthen the bones preventing flare-ups and complications.

Fiber-rich foods
Menopause tends to slow down one’s metabolism simultaneously due to various hormonal changes. A slow metabolism can trigger drastic changes in body mass index. Also, these metabolic changes affect digestion, can trigger constipation and have a negative impact on blood sugar levels. Nutritionists suggest including more whole grains like barley, oatmeal, quinoa, rye, and Kamut can prevent such drastic changes while maintaining a healthy calorie intake daily.

Perimenopause doesn’t necessarily guarantee birth control as the body undergoes many hormonal changes. It is why health experts still suggest the continued use of IUDs (intrauterine devices) like Mirena to prevent unwanted conception. Mirena birth control is a hormone-based IUD that is effective in preventing pregnancy for up to 8 years and also helps manage heavy menstrual bleeding for five years.