Understanding Menopause
Are you menopausal? Do you know what it is? It can be confusing to define when you are in menopause, and maybe you don’t even care. You might want an explanation for all the mysterious symptoms you start to have – possibly even as early as age 35.
My Story
Last weekend I had the privilege of speaking at an event called Wise Pause, all about menopause and how to deal with it. It was a great event. There were many speakers about every topic related to menopause – Including menopause for the working woman.
When I first started experiencing peri-menopausal symptoms I felt like I had gone crazy! Mood swings, anger, and weight gain, but still having periods every month. I didn’t realize at the time that those were peri-menopausal symptoms and they were happening when I was only 42!! The toughest part was the inability to lose weight. I had 20 pounds I couldn’t get to budge.
Menopause at Work
I learned that in the UK they are developing programs to educate women and their fellow workers about menopause in the work place so that it would go more smoothly. We have nothing of the kind here in the US. It’s all thanks to a women named Deborah Garlick who has created work place programs to help women survive the symptoms of menopause in the workplace. Her website is Henpicked.net. I like her positive approach to the whole idea of menopause. Supporting us in living our best lives and finding what makes us feel good.
What is Menopause?
So.. what is menopause anyway? Menopause itself is defined as a period of time that starts when you have not had a period in a year. Until then, you are perimenopausal. And after that, you are post menopausal.
The symptoms of menopause include all of the following:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Sleep issues
- Weight gain
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- New onset of digestive issues
- Urinary incontinence
- Brain fog
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Intolerance to foods you used to be able to eat
- More prone to autoimmune issues
- And more..
Each woman experiences these symptoms in varying degrees, and as I’ve said, they can begin as early as age 35.
Many of these symptoms are treatable with some simple measures.
If you are beginning to have some of these symptoms, start by learning about your options. How you eat, how you exercise, and when you sleep all play a role in how you feel. It might be as simple as going to bed earlier, eating a high protein breakfast when you first get up in the morning, and not working out as hard as you used to.
Stay tuned!
I will be doing a whole series on menopause.
Next week – What’s happening to My Body???
Inexplicable ailments, chronic pain and other mystery issues with your body do not have to be a forever thing. You can heal! Pick up a copy of my book – Healing When It Seems Impossible: 7 Keys To Defy The Odds.
