Menopause & Hydration

by: Dr. Mary Claire Haver
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You’ve heard it time and time again – “be sure you drink plenty of water.” But why is it so important to stay hydrated? Is this need heightened during menopause? You bet. Water is essential throughout every stage of our life but especially during menopause as the decrease in estrogen, a hormone that fluctuates during menopause, levels often leads to dehydration.

A constant lack of hydration may increase the intensity/severity of the following menopausal symptoms:

  • Night sweats
  • Fatigue
  • Hot flashes
  • Joint inflammation
  • Mood swings
  • Bloating

Many women find it difficult to drink a sufficient amount of water each day. I’ve cultivated a list of tips and tricks to ensure you’re maintaining hydration:

  • Drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up
    • Room temperature water has been shown to kick start your metabolism for the day
  • ALWAYS have water with you – carry a glass around the house, throw a reusable bottle in your purse, and bring water with you for even minimal errands (to/from the grocery store) so you are always reminded to drink
  • Obviously increasing your water intake increases hydration but drinking the following liquids actually flushes water out of your body, leading to dehydration: coffee, alcohol, and carbonated beverages. Avoid these beverages as much as possible
  • Add a slice of lemon, which offers health benefits of its own, to your water for added flavor
  • Keep track of how much water you drink and each day try to add a little more until you reach the recommended 10-12 glasses per day

Specifically for those of us in menopause, I’d like to touch on the three main benefits of consistently drinking enough water each day:

  • Decreasing the frequency and intensity of the symptoms listed above
  • Preventing weight gain and promoting weight loss – drinking sufficient amounts of water is great for your metabolism and also makes you feel fuller (you generally consume 13% less calories when you drink a glass of water before eating a meal)
  • Hydrated, moisturized skin (from the inside out)

Related Posts:

The Galveston Diet can help women in menopause feel more confident in their skin.

This blog provides general information and discussion about medicine, health and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other health care worker.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency room immediately.

The views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which the authors are affiliated.

While the information on the site was prepared to provide accurate information regarding topics related to general and specific health issues, the information contained in the site is made available with the express understanding that neither Dr. Mary Claire Haver, galvestondiet.com, nor the other experts on the site, nor the site itself, nor members of the Site are dispensing medical advice and do not intend any of this information to be used for self-diagnosis or treatment.

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