Navigating the Menopause
Photo by Jared Rice on Unsplash
It is a bit like when you want to change your car, you narrow it down to two, and then one, and then everywhere you see that make of car. Car Parks, motorways etc. Writing this post, was a bit similar. I had seen many great articles and books on the Menopause and they kept prompting me to write about it. Each time, there was something else that needed attention, a wall needs painting, the log store panel fixing, a bruised knee rubbed, on and on it goes. Finally I have made the time to sit down and put words onto a page about something that I hope will help others on this journey, trying to remember that it will be personal and different to each and everyone of us but clinging to a common life raft of a few similarities along the way, eventually finding a golden shore where we can be free on the other side, but until then, here we go.
I love it when I hear the positive viewpoint of the Menopause. I recall over hearing a lady entering into a Neal’s Yard shop in my favourite town in Devon. The type of shop I love with wooden floorboards and diffusers steaming out essential oils that recharge, with an wall of glass jars housing all kinds of herbal goodness. She exclaimed to the lady behind the counter, that she had heard of a type of herb that may help with the hot flushes, the customer was a lovely brunette, great skin, long hair but god she was at her wits end with the flushes, the sleepless nights and the terrifying heat that creeps. The lady working in the shop, didn’t reach out and say “Poor you”, or “what a nightmare” she just calmly said yes these can be of a benefit, but you are in the powering up part of your life. Wow! I thought yes that is exactly what this is. Powering up towards, wisdom, menstural freedom, no more symptoms, well at least a few less. Powering up is what the Menopause is.
The peri-menopause is the stage leading up to the actual Menopause and that can begin in your forties, and for some it can be much earlier. I began to notice an increase in my migraines, headaches, brain fog, forgetfulness, swinging hi and low with moods. Dreaded outbreak of spots as the hormones fluctuate up and down. Weight and body shape has changed. Even my monthly period changed its pattern. Yet what I find interesting is that in this fast paced world we live in, we aren’t adapting our lifestyle to help us cope better with this transition of ‘Powering Up’!
Jobs, full -time and part-time, kids, elderly parents, house moves we think we can still surge through these at the same pace, with the same optimum output, yet our bodies and mind are telling us different stories, so what tips and tricks can help us along the way, so that we can ride the wave to the golden shore!
Look at your lifestyle. What worked five or even ten years ago is going to feel very different. No-one is saying that you need take a drastic approach. For some there is no option but to keep working and to hold onto that position. Yet. Could you somehow reduce your hours?, change jobs?, get extra help from somewhere for certain tasks? Do you find alcohol takes more of a toll? Are you unable to digest or tolerate certain foods? Do certain skin products bring you out in a rash when before they were fine? Things that would have been a breeze before the menopausal journey began, can alter as the hormones fluctuate. If we can sit down and identify what triggers certain moods or feelings we empower ourselves to take back a little control even if we can’t predict when a hot flush is going to strike!
Consider getting your bra size checked. I know it might seem silly but our bodies are changing and what we have always felt was our ideal size may have changed a- lot! It will mean better support for your chest and your shoulders and back, giving your chest more lift and will make you feel more comfortable and confident in your body image which can take a knock at this time of life. Most major high street department stores offer this service, don’t feel shy about asking, it could be life changing.
Clothing is another area to consider looking at. You will find natural fabrics such as linen, bamboo, hemp and cotton will help your skin cope within sudden hot flushes or sweats. Linen from Italy is a wonderful wardrobe addition through the Spring/Summer months. More independent retailers are stocking a variety of tunic style tops, floaty dresses, wide linen pants etc. These styles are perfect for covering our ever changing weight, with widening waists it can help you feel more confident and have a better body image, whilst boosting your confidence when out. As you can add lovely colourful scarves to the outfit on cooler evenings, plus who doesn’t love seeing painted toe nails peeking out from wide legged trousers in flat sandals to complete the look.! Layers are equally important, so that you can easily discard a thin cardigan, scarf when the heat strikes, but have something to wrap around you when you are balanced again.
Sleep gets erratic with hot flushes. Invest in getting two single duvets so that you can have a lighter tog than your partner and you won’t feel like you are disturbing them when you kick the covers off with a night sweat! Aim for a power nap if possible during the day to boost the lack of quality sleep. I read somewhere once that if you hold a bunch of keys in your hand, as you near the sleep stage your hand relaxes and they will drop to the floor which is a cue to not rest further! However with modern technology and apps, such as Calm and Headspace, even fit bit watches have a function to help you relax. It is about finding what works for you. Maybe a park near your office has a nice tree or bench. Busy buildings, offices, grab a space and pop on a pair of noise cancelling headphones can help recharge your mind and reduce the sensory overload.
Keep a pretty crystal glass or jug of water by your bed for those late night/early morning thirsts. You might feel like hell, but surrounding yourself with pretty things can brighten a moment or mood. Consider making your own facial spritz mist with soothing essential oils to cool your face , helping you to relax and ease your tension due their aroma, plus it hydrates your skin at the same time! Post coming soon on how to make your own menopausal facial mist!
Book a regular massage. This is a time for you, your health & wellbeing.
You may have young children, or elderly parents, grown up children, or are a highly successful business woman.
Your wellbeing should take priority at this time. We often still think of Massage as a luxury, but it actually has many proven health benefits.
Massage can help…
alleviate tension
lower blood pressure
boost flexibility in your joints
improve posture
A gentle massage in the abdominal area, can aid with cramps and assist the sluggish digestive system.
Regular sessions of massage help boost your mood, skin tone, helping you to relax and maintain an optimum level of health.
See you on the Golden Shore and in my therapy studio space. Where I offer a massage package specifically for the Menopause. X