Exercise and Menopause

Hot flashes, mood swings and headaches are just a few of the symptoms that give menopause a bad name. But the key to easing these and other symptoms and improving how you fell, in general, is exercise. Here's what out own Dr. Wiley has to say about the topic: "Strength training and aerobic exercise in particular can help control menopausal changes that can undermine your health, such as thinning bones leading to osteoporosis, loss of muscle strength and balance, and a heightened risk for heart disease."

The government's Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans call for adults to get at least two and one half hours a week of moderate exercise, like walking, but you can cut that time to one and a quarter hours by doing vigorous aerobic activity. You should strength train all major muscle groups at a moderate or high intensity at least 2 days per week.