Mindfulness: a relief for menopause

Among some of the well-known tips to combat the physical effects of menopause are have good eating habits -preferably with a diet rich in calcium-, exercise regularly, drink plenty of water, moderate sun exposure, make regular checks of cholesterol, blood pressure and glucose, as well as take nutritional supplements containing soy isoflavones -and that help to fight osteoporosis-.

And while it is true that mens sana and corpore sano, apparently new research reveals that the mind, in this period, can also be molded.

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Studies that support mindfulness

A recent publication of the Mayo clinic group in Rochester, Minnesota, suggests that mindfulness could improve much of the symptoms associated with menopause.

In this study, it is revealed that mature women with the highest scores in "full consciousness" had fewer menopausal symptoms. These investigations therefore suggest that it can be a hopeful means to help women reduce the symptoms of menopause and stress in general. Mindfulness, or method to reach this "full consciousness", involves focusing attention on the present moment and observing thoughts and emotions, without making any kind of judgment. The objective of the moments of awareness is not to empty the mind, but to observe the activity of the mind, being generous with oneself.

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Expert options

The doctor Natalia R. Gómez-Hidalgo, of the Oncology Gynecology Unit, Vall d'Hebron Hospital and CIMA Sanitas Barcelona alert in relation to this stage in the life of every woman "During the climacteric, our sex hormones disappear and our body undergoes certain changes that we must know. Our metabolism changes, we may also weight, we experience fluid retention, hair loss, hirsutism, we suffer from sleep disturbance, dry skin and vaginal dryness, as well as mood swings and the famous hot flashes that are some of the symptoms that we all know about this period. "

It is true that menopause occurs at a time when women often feel the pressure of other so many stressors: the children who grow up and leave home, take care of the elderly parents, and the pressures of work associated with age and rhythms, which according to what profession, can no longer be the same.

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Gómez-Hidalgo adds in relation to mindfulness "when we talk about this technique we really talk about positive attitude, since several researches have shown that practicing this type of techniques can reduce stress and Improve Life Quality. And mindfulness can be part of a more comprehensive method to manage all the problems of this stage, linked or not to menopause. It is true that more clinical studies will be needed to support the apparently promising results of this discipline, but for now one of the things that, as a gynecologist, I like to work with my patients in the consultation is the basic principle of acceptance, acceptance of our condition"

In short, take care, and take the time to be present in everyday activities charge an important value to continue with the normality of our lives.