Health, Menopause
Menopause is a natural progression for women as they age. For some women this is around the age of 45, some reach it earlier, some later. Some experience major upheavals in their everyday lives suffering hot flushes, night sweats and low libido while others experience very little symptoms.
Some women are in denial when they reach menopause. This can be due to the fact that menopause is rarely discussed and we tend to forget it exists until it actually affects us. Also, many women think that they are still too young to be entering the menopause phase, when in reality they are not.
Now is the time to celebrate, and not be down. When it comes to menopause you have nothing to fear and plenty to enjoy.
Here are four ways for you to make your menopause journey an easier one.
First and foremost it is important that you recognise that the menopause phase is a perfectly natural transition into your next phase of life.
Be kind to yourself and whisper these few words to yourself, “This is a time of change for my body and my life and I will survive this, just like I have survived everything else Mother Nature has bestowed upon me!”
Find answers from those who have been through the transition and can offer advice that you feel comfortable following. Even better, find someone who ensures a two-way communication; someone who listens to you and makes you feel heard. There are many groups available for you to find like-minded people. This site, Fighting Fifty is a great start.
Once you reach peri-menopause (the phase preceding menopause) and menopause, your body is less forgiving and is not as able to tolerate bad habits or unhealthy eating plans. This is the time that you need to eat well and exercise regularly to help maintain a healthy weight.
By exercising, as little as three days a week, you can also keep at bay many medical conditions that are often exacerbated with the hormonal fluctuation that occurs during the menopause.
Relax! Stress relief is particularly recommended at this time of life. Stress intensifies your menopause symptoms as well as lowers your body’s immunity to disease. Living a stress-free life is more achievable than you think.
The first step in being positive is to surround yourself with positive people and not to get caught up in trivial matters that get you down.
About the author: Julie Dargan is a Nurse, Naturopath BHSc and has worked in the wellness industry for over 30 years.
