What lifestyle modifications should I advise to a patient with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency to help manage their symptoms and improve quality of li

Lifestyle modifications for patients with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) to manage symptoms and improve quality of life include:

• Encourage regular physical activity, which can help alleviate vasomotor symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats, improve mood, cognitive function, and sleep quality.
• Advise weight management if overweight, as weight loss may reduce symptom severity and improve overall health.
• Recommend wearing lighter clothing, layering clothes, reducing central heating, sleeping in a cooler room, and using fans to manage hot flushes and night sweats.
• Advise avoiding known symptom triggers such as spicy foods, caffeine, smoking, and alcohol.
• Promote good sleep hygiene, including avoiding exercise late in the day and maintaining a regular bedtime to reduce sleep disturbances.
• Encourage relaxation techniques and stress reduction strategies to help manage low mood and anxiety.
• Advise on cardiovascular risk management through lifestyle changes, including smoking cessation, healthy diet, and physical activity, given the increased cardiovascular risk associated with POI.
• Support bone health through adequate calcium and vitamin D intake and weight-bearing exercise, as POI increases osteoporosis risk.
• Provide information about support organizations and resources for additional psychosocial support.

These lifestyle measures should be offered alongside hormonal treatments unless contraindicated, and tailored to the individual's circumstances to optimize symptom control and quality of life.

References: NICE NG23,NICE CKS