Menopause Mondays: What I Know for Sure
If you had asked me 10 years what I knew about menopause, I would have simply said “hot flashes and no more babies”. How innocent and naive I was! This is such a complex time of a women’s live, regardless of the severity of your symptoms.
I have done so much reading on this stage of life and learnt so much about my own body, hormones and women’s health (or the lack their of).
This is what I know about perimenopause
- Menopause is actually just the moment when a woman hasn’t had her period for 12 consecutive months. Perimenopause is everything that happens leading up to that point and can last years (and years).
- Perimenopause can start in your late 30’s.
- The weight gain can be so demoralizing.
- Increasing your protein intake definitely helps to make you feel better.
- If you aren’t moving your body, start now. It doesn’t have to be going to the gym or running a marathon – go for a 20 minute walk, have a swim, do a yoga flow (I love Yoga with Adrienne). It is not so much about weight loss as it is maintaining mobility.
- Everyone experiences this stage differently. I have had a few of the symptoms but very mild but I have friends who have really struggled with intense, ongoing symptoms. Don’t let anyone gaslight you into thinking your symptoms aren’t real!
- Prioritising time for yourself is vital. Coffee dates, crafting, hiking with friends, solo movie dates – whatever it is that helps you recharge – put it in your diary! This has become more important the older I have become.
- HRT’s are not the cure all solution. I have spoken to so many women about this and the feedback is split down the middle – some have had great results, others haven’t. Before you make the decision to go onto treatment – do your own research then find a Dr you can trust.
What have you learnt about perimenopause?
