Menopause and Infrared
The onset of menopause can be a life-changing event for a woman. As she begins to experience the symptoms and changes in her body she may feel out of sorts, and that is totally understandable. The natural process of menopause means a woman has reached the end of her reproductive period and will no longer have a monthly period or become pregnant. While putting an end to menstrual periods doesn’t sound so bad, many women experience an assortment of symptoms due to hormonal changes in this transitional period into menopause. Symptoms can include hot flashes, bone loss, depression, mood swings, weight gain, changes in cholesterol levels, breast changes and feminine changes. As if the regular monthly period for a woman isn’t enough! But, no need to worry as menopause is part of life and signifies a woman entering a new chapter. After all, 50 is the new 40, right?! In the United States, many women begin experiencing menopausal symptoms between the ages of 48-55 and some may experience symptoms for around 3-5 years, even while they experience their last few menstrual cycles. It is also possible for menopause to come on sooner. It can begin in the mid-thirties or after a woman receives a hysterectomy, but after a year of no periods it is said that the 1 to 3 million eggs within the ovaries have dwindled, blood and bone testing can be done to be sure. Experts say there are quite a few things women can do to alleviate or lesson their symptoms. It is necessary to note that you must listen to your body, if something doesn’t feel good, don’t push it.
Soothe Your Symptoms
When symptoms hit, you may feel overcome with emotions as well as a strong desire for relief. Lifestyle changes such as your diet, exercise and setting aside time for yourself can provide relief. Eating healthy, fresh meals can prevent weight gain or assist you with losing a few extra pounds if you’re on a weight loss plan shop. The same goes for exercise, the CDC recommends starting with 10 minutes a day (depending on how fit you are) and working towards longer workouts if possible. Aerobic exercise may help with the onset of hot flashes, but spicy foods, alcohol and caffeinated drinks are often considered triggers. Over the counter and prescription medications may also provide relief, but those looking for a more holistic plan have been successfully using natural remedies and infrared heat to reduce their symptoms.
Helpful Infrared Heat
Infrared sessions can provide relief for menopausal symptoms in a variety of ways. In 2011 scientists in Taiwan conducted a study on the effects on thermal therapy on menopausal symptoms and bone mineral density. A group of Northern Taiwanese female volunteers were split into two groups. The first group received infrared therapy on their backs for 20 minutes a day, twice a week and the second group received no treatment. After 10 weeks and 20 sessions the menopause-related symptoms for the group that received infrared treatment were noticeably lessened. The scientists reported vasomotor (blood pressure regulation) changes as well as musculoskeletal, urologic and psychologic changes. This led them to conclude that local thermal therapy with infrared heat can provide a significant reduction in menopause-related symptoms. And that’s not all infrared can help with. During an infrared session, the body produces sweat, promoting detoxification. Since menopausal symptoms can increase or alter cholesterol levels sweating out toxins with infrared can help. Weight loss can also be achieved with regular infrared sessions enabling you to achieve your health and wellness goals while relieving symptoms in the process. Change can be uncomfortable, but it can also encourage us to create new and healthy habits. While menopausal symptoms can be a real pain, natural remedies and a bit of self-care can go a long way. Menopause and infrared may seem like an unlikely pair, but research shows they are a match made in heaven! Sources:
- “The Best Activities To Do During Menopause”. Healthline. N.p., 2016. Web.
- Chien LW, et al. “Local Thermal Therapy Effects On Menopausal Symptoms And Bone Mineral Density. – Pubmed – NCBI”. Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. N.p., 2016. Web.
- “Menopause – Mayo Clinic”. Mayoclinic.org. N.p., 2016. Web.