Reaching your 40s and 50s should feel like you've finally got yourself figured out, but then BAM! along comes perimenopause to throw a massive hormonal spanner in the works.
It is such a busy time to have to negotiate all these changes too; the sandwich generation. You could be caring for kids alongside aging parents or partners. Everything and everybody seems to need you all at once. Add work and your other responsibilities into the mix - is it any wonder you might be feeling exhausted and overwhelmed?
Because life is so hectic, and you are tired and overwhelmed, you may not stop to think that some of those feelings are down to menopause.
For me, peri-menopause had me questioning who I was. Mood swings left me wondering if I was the same person from day to day, the person I used to be.
It's tough to admit our behaviours are dictated by hormones. We prefer to think we are in control of how we react, it’s because a car cut me up or my train was delayed, it’s not my hormones impacting my responses, right? But to best support yourself you need to understand the problem you are dealing with.
The Impact of Menopause
Some women do sail through menopause with barely a blip. Others suffer in silence because, well, women's health hasn't exactly been a top priority ever. For many of us, the truth is menopause is a major life change that impacts our bodies and minds, and it can ripple out to our families, our work, and communities.
A recent study1 found that 3 out of 5 women in the UK were negatively affected at work by menopause, with over 900,000 leaving their jobs entirely!
The drop in oestrogen during menopause can affect your bones, brain, skin, and muscles. It increases your risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, and stroke. Mentally, you might experience memory problems, anxiety, and depression. Oh, and there are also hot flushes, vaginal dryness, sleep issues, headaches – the list goes on. There are over 30 recognised symptoms.
So, yes, mentally, physically and emotionally – it is important.
Take charge – What you can Do to Support Yourself
⦁ Get informed: Talk to friends, doctors – anyone who can support you. There are loads of resources out there; online, social media, support groups, so use them. Knowledge is power!
⦁ Don't suffer in silence: Talk openly about your experience. Sharing your struggles can make a huge difference and lessen the impact of your symptoms2. Plus, you might help a friend going through the same thing.
⦁ Consider HRT: If it is an option for you, talk to friends about their experiences and make a list of your symptoms before seeing your GP. Consider if an issue, like depression, might be driven by menopause because this might alter the treatment you are offered.
⦁ Self-Care: Take time for yourself, reconnect with your values, and find things that bring you joy.
⦁ Listen to your body: Pay attention to what it needs – food, rest, cooler temperatures. Taking control of your health (eating well, exercising) and practicing mindfulness (yoga, meditation). These care all help to reduce menopause symptoms and working out what is right for you will help you feel more in charge.
⦁ Build your support system: Take help from friends, family; anyone who makes you feel safe and supported.
Be Kind To Yourself
Menopause is a time of transition. Like all transitions it is an opportunity to reflect and grow. Reconnect with your strengths, find your purpose (has this changed?) and embrace this new chapter in your life. Who knows, maybe it's time for a whole new adventure – like I did when I retrained in my new career! It has re-energised me. I am so excited about this next stage of my life and the learning and people that it will bring.
Let Positive Being Coaching support you through your life transitions and reconnect you to your inner compass. We can help you build a life of positive wellbeing at home and work.
References:
Menopause and the workplace - Women and Equalities Committee (parliament.uk)
⦁ Sayakhot, P., Vincent, A., & Teede, H. (2012). Cross-cultural study: experience, understanding of menopause, and related therapies in Australian and Laotian women. Menopause, 19(12), 1300-1308.
