The Menopause Basics

When it comes to menopause most of us go in knowing every little. So I’m going to breakdown the basics for you: 

There are three stages of Menopause: 

• Perimenopause

• Menopause

• Post Menopause

Perimenopause . . . 

• can begin anywhere between your mid-30s and 50s (average age is 47.5 years old)

• is a biological progression, not an actual event

• can last 3-15 years

• is a big deal because this is when your hormones start to fluctuate

As your estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels (your sex hormones) begin to decrease, a hormonal imbalances happens (annoying but totally common) and you may begin to feel a host of symptoms. These symptoms are a pretty solid confirmation that something is going on. I encourage all my clients to talk to their GP or OB/GYN and get their blood work updated. 

Some of the most common symptoms are: 

• Irritability

• Anxiety

• Weight gain

• Acne

• Moodiness or depression

• Irregular periods

• Joint pain

• Memory issues, fuzzy thinking, or brain fog

• Insomnia

• Hot flashes or night sweats

• Vaginal dryness

• Low sex drive

Understand that your body is naturally prepared to handle changings in your hormone levels, natural highs and lows, it’s when your lifestyle and other factors affect those changing hormones - things like: diet, chronic stress, poor quality sleep, being sedentary, and even environmental toxins can affect how your body handles menopause. 

Keep in mind that plenty of women sail through this transition with little or no symptoms while others feel like every aspect of their life is being affected! 

Even issues that start off small when you’re young can affect your hormones as you hit perimenopause. 

When it comes to using positive and natural methods to help minimize symptoms start with evaluating your current lifestyle habits: 

• Check your diet. Make sure to eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, lean protein (animal or plant-based), whole grains, and limit things like sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and starchy carbs.

• Move your body!! Movement and exercise are one of the best ways to minimize perimenopause symptoms. Not only is it good for your metabolism (weight gain is common as our metabolism slows down) but it also helps reduce stress and improve sleep.

• Talk to your Doctor about using herbs and supplements to help balance your hormones. Your doctor can give you lots of over the counter recommendations. He/she may even suggest a prescription. Don't be afraid to ask questions, do a little research, and be open minded. Sometimes our bodies need a little help to get back on track.

• Don’t forget to focus on mental health and self care. This can be an emotional time for women in midlife. You have a lot going on - aging parents, older kids, career changes, life demands, plus you are trying to navigate this new season that sometimes leaves you feeling tired, cranky, and a little crazy!! Talk to your partner, girlfriends, or a professional and don’t feel guilty for putting your needs at the to of the priority list!

The goal is to let yourself feel good during this transition. I like to refer to menopause as our caterpillar to butterfly stage in life. This is where we get the opportunity to step out and become who we were made to be!! 

We have the confidence, the wisdom, the time to invest in living as our best, authentic self!! 

Don’t be scared or worries about this new season. Instead embrace it, learn about how your body is changing, and take this time to pour back into you!!! 

To get the complete lowdown on what to expect with midlife and menopause - grab yourself a copy of my eBook The Beginner's Guide to Perimenopause and Beyond! 

And if you have more questions or want to chat about incorporating some of these healthy lifestyle habits into your life - book a free discovery call today!