For too long women have been suffering menopause symptoms and attributing it just to ageing. The average age for the menopause is 51, but you could be perimenopausal for years before you hit the actual menopause. Women are used to having symptoms and suffering instead of seeking help. The good news is that there's a lot more information, awareness and support available now.
The Stages
Premenopause - Starts the day of your first period
Perimenopause - Some symptoms may start. Periods could be normal or abnormal. Oestrogen starts to deplete.
Menopause - Is the day of the last egg, the end of a women's fertility
Postmenopause - For the rest of your life, some symptoms may go and then come back.
The Symptoms
- Anxiety, mood swings and depression
- Tiredness
- Brain fog
- Poor memory and concentration
- Hot flushes
- Difficulty sleeping
- Headaches and migraines
- Night sweats
- Changes to periods
- Loss of libido
- Vaginal and urinary symptoms
- Dry and itchy skin, nails and ears
- Weight gain
- Dizziness or Tinnitus or deafness
- Digestive issues
- Sight issues
- Vomiting
- Electric shock sensation
- Burning skin
- Temperature regulation
Women can experience such a vast range of symptoms because there are three types of hormones that may be imbalanced. These are Oestrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone.
Checking symptoms and getting a diagnosis
A good way to check and keep note of your symptoms is using the Balance App. If you think you are suffering from symptoms listed please visit your GP. If you are under 45 years old then a blood test can be done to check your hormone levels. If you are over 45 then unfortunately hormone levels change from morning to evening that a blood test will not be accurate. After 45 you are diagnosed by your symptoms only. You may be referred to a women's health clinic.
Treatment:
HRT - Is the only way to replace hormones.
Diet and Supplements- A healthy diet and supplements of Black Cohosh, Red Clover, Ashwaganda, Probiotics, St.Johns Wort and Don Quai.
Counselling, Therapies and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy- CBD oil and alternative therapies like Reiki, massage, and acupuncture.
Exercise - Aerobic and mindful exercise is proven to help with mental health and hot flushes.
More about HRT
Hormone Replacement Therapy received bad press from a report published in 2002 that HRT increases chances of getting breast cancer. This report was flawed and apologies have since been made. HRT should not be feared, it is now plant based and there is evidence that HRT treats and protects against; breast cancer, CVD, type 2 Diabetes, dementia, colon issues, osteoporosis. it's anti-inflammatory and there's no risk of thrombosis.
Menopause Pilates
Pilates is a great way to help relieve menopause symptoms because its:
- Non-impact and a gentle form of exercise
- Load bearing to help with bone density
- Breathwork to help calm your nervous system, relax and help anxiety
- Works your pelvic floor muscles
- Helps balance and coordination
- Increases mobility to help stiffness, aches and pains
- Increases body awareness and mindfulness
Visit the studio to go through the symptom checker, get some advice, menopause relief
feel better in body and mind.
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