Medically reviewed by Dr. Jessherin Sidhu, Medical Director, Insync Medical, Singapore.
Menopause, a natural phase in a woman's life, signifies the end of her reproductive years. As hormone levels decline, various physical and emotional symptoms can impact daily life. Recognising and addressing these changes can make a significant difference for your mom during this transition.
Let's Start Empowering Your Mom Through Menopause: Comprehensive Support Strategies!
KEY ASPECTS TO CONSIDER IN PROVIDING COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT
Research: Deepen your understanding of menopause, its stages, symptoms, and treatments by delving into credible sources like medical journals, articles, and books. This knowledge empowers both you and your mom in making informed decisions about her health and well-being during this crucial phase.
By staying up-to-date on the latest findings and breakthroughs in menopause research, you can help your mom explore various treatment options and lifestyle modifications that cater to her specific needs. Furthermore, understanding the hormonal changes and their effects on the body enables you to better empathise with your mom's experiences, and provide appropriate emotional support during this time.
You can also consider attending seminars, workshops, or support groups that focus on menopause, as these can offer valuable insights and a sense of community. By engaging with experts and others going through similar experiences, you and your mom can build a strong support network and learn practical tips for managing menopause symptoms.
Medical Guidance: Encourage your mom to schedule regular check-ups and foster open communication with healthcare professionals, as this can help her stay on top of her health during menopause.
Consult with professionals such as General Practitioners with a special interest in Menopause Care, Gynaecologists, and Endocrinologists, for personalised treatment options like hormone replacement therapy, herbal supplements, or alternative therapies. It's essential to discuss these options with a trusted medical expert, as they can offer evidence-based guidance tailored to your mom's unique needs.
Emotional Support: Create a safe and supportive environment for your mom to express her feelings openly. Validation and active listening are crucial in building trust and understanding during this time.
Engage in open and empathetic conversations, which can help reduce the stigma around menopause and promote emotional well-being. According to a study conducted by the Women's Midlife Health Journal, social support plays a significant role in improving a woman's psychological health during menopause (Im, Lee, & Chee, 2018).
Lifestyle Adjustments: Encourage your mom to adopt a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular exercise, balanced nutrition, proper hydration, and sufficient sleep. These habits can help alleviate menopause symptoms and improve overall well-being.
Staying active, consuming nutrient-rich foods, drinking enough water, and getting enough rest can make a significant difference in how she feels during this transitional period
Stress Management: Encourage your mom to try stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or mindfulness practices to help her manage emotional fluctuations during menopause. These practices can effectively reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve overall quality of life during this transitional period.
Support Network: Encourage your mom to build connections with others going through menopause by joining local support groups or online communities, such as our Surety Singapore: Mature Women Community.
By connecting with others who share similar experiences, she can benefit from advice, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging during this significant life transition.
Environmental Adaptations: To help ease your mom's symptoms, consider making some changes at home. For instance, install fans or air conditioning to alleviate hot flashes, which are common in menopause (HealthHub Singapore, n.d.). A white noise machine can also help improve sleep quality by masking disruptive noises (Singapore General Hospital, 2016).
Furthermore, be an advocate for your mom's needs in different settings, such as her workplace or within the family. Help her express her concerns and requests to create a supportive environment (Singapore Menopause Society, n.d.). By doing so, you can make her menopause journey more comfortable and manageable.
By taking a holistic approach and offering compassionate support, you can empower your mom through the menopause journey, strengthening your bond and helping her embrace this natural life stage with confidence and resilience.
Important Notes:
This article is meant purely for informational purposes and should not be relied upon as medical advice. Always consult a medical professional for specific advice on your health.
References:
HealthHub Singapore. (n.d.). Menopause: What to expect. Retrieved from https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/45/menopause
Im, E. O., Lee, B., & Chee, W. (2018). Menopausal symptoms and psychological health in Asian American midlife women: A mixed-methods study. Women's Midlife Health, 4(1), 3. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40695-018-0034-6
Singapore General Hospital. (2016, November 21). Sleeping well as you age. Retrieved from https://www.sgh.com.sg/patient-care/conditions-treatments/sleeping-well-as-you-age
Singapore Menopause Society. (n.d.). Support. Retrieved from http://www.singaporemenopausesociety.org.sg/support.html