What should I do if I don't eat during menopause

Menopausal fasting can be improved through adjusting dietary structure, supplementing nutrients, psychological counseling, moderate exercise, seeking medical treatment, and other methods. Menopausal appetite loss may be related to hormone changes, weakened gastrointestinal function, emotional fluctuations, chronic diseases, medication side effects, and other factors.

1. Adjust the diet structure

Choose foods that are easy to digest and have high nutritional density, such as millet porridge, steamed egg custard, fish paste, etc., with a small number of meals. Avoid greasy and spicy foods that irritate the gastrointestinal tract, increase the proportion of whole grains and dark vegetables, and replace animal fats with olive oil. Drink a small amount of appetizer soup before meals, such as hawthorn and tangerine peel water.

2. Supplement Nutrients

Focus on supplementing B vitamins and calcium, consuming fermented dairy products, sesame paste, etc. Protein should prioritize soy products and deep-sea fish, and if necessary, use multivitamin tablets under the guidance of a doctor. Avoid drinking coffee or strong tea on an empty stomach as it may affect mineral absorption.

3. Psychological counseling

Menopausal emotional fluctuations can suppress the feeding center and alleviate anxiety through mindfulness meditation. Family members should avoid applying pressure during meals and create a relaxed dining environment. Participating in group cooking activities can improve appetite and cultivate positive associations with food.

4. Moderate Exercise

Engage in low-intensity exercises such as brisk walking or Tai Chi half an hour before meals to promote gastrointestinal peristalsis. Avoid eating immediately after intense exercise and replenish electrolytes promptly after exercise. Twisting postures in yoga can help improve digestive function.

5. Medical treatment

If the food intake is insufficient for more than one week, hyperthyroidism or diabetes should be checked and six sex hormones should be tested. Gastroscopy examination excludes atrophic gastritis, and if necessary, use gastrointestinal motility promoting drugs. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can use formulas such as Guipi Tang for treatment based on syndrome differentiation. Menopausal women should ensure at least 1500 milliliters of water per day to avoid high salt snacks exacerbating hot flashes. Establish a regular schedule and set meal times. Keeping a food diary helps identify rejected foods and gradually tries to introduce new ingredients. Long term malnutrition may induce osteoporosis, and regular monitoring of bone density is necessary. Community nutrition clinics can provide personalized dietary guidance programs and conduct swallowing function assessments when necessary.