Friday, August 14, 2009

Health Tips for August 14

Health Tip: When Menopause Begins

The onset of menopause signals more than just an end to a woman's menstrual cycle.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists lists these changes that commonly affect women during menopause:

  • Irregular periods, heavy bleeding or periods that stop.
  • Hot flashes.
  • Night sweats and difficulty sleeping.
  • Vaginal dryness and reduced bladder control.
  • Thinning, weakening bones.
  • Moodiness, diminished memory and reduced concentration.

Health Tip: Controlling Hot Flashes

Hot flashes are a common side effect of hormonal changes that occur during menopause.

Here are suggestions from the University of California San Francisco Medical Center on how to prepare for hot flashes, especially at bedtime:

  • Keep your bedroom cool, and keep a nearby fan on while you sleep.
  • Wear light, cotton pajamas.
  • Put cotton or "t-shirt" sheets on the bed to help absorb sweat.
  • Have an extra clean pair of pajamas and sheets near the bed, so you can quickly change them if they get too damp

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