Energy boosters

Women going through menopause often feel mentally and physically exhausted. If this applies to you there are several things you might do to boost your energy:

Eat a nutritious diet. An eating plan following the advice in the section above can make you feel regenerated. Avoid saturated fats and sugary foods such as crisps, cakes, biscuits and carbonated drinks. Energy foods with a low glycaemic index such as wholemeal bread and pasta, or brown rice, are digested slowly, help to keep blood sugar levels stable and provide energy over a longer period.
Take some exercise. When you are tired it’s tempting to want to conserve what little energy you feel you have by curling up on the sofa and watching TV. Paradoxically, expending energy in exercise can actually make you feel more energetic.
Drinking at least 1.5 to 2 litres of water per day is important.
If you drink alcohol do so in moderation.
Keep a check on how well you sleep. Hot flushes, night sweats, worry and depression may be leaving you sleep-deprived. If you are not getting an uninterrupted 6 or 7 hours sleep each night try following a more relaxing routine in the evenings and go to bed earlier if possible.
Give yourself a break now and again. A weekend away, a holiday or a special treat can give a much-needed psychological boost.

At the run up to menopause, some women have had months of very heavy periods that leave them anaemic. Hypothyroidism (an under-active thyroid) is also common. Both these conditions can cause fatigue. Ask your doctor if it would be appropriate to check your blood for levels of haemoglobin and thyroid stimulating hormone. By doing so, your doctor can tell if you would need any treatment.

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