The narrative surrounding menopause is outdated.Â
Many women, like myself, find themselves deep in perimenopause before even realising it. Rather than experiencing the stereotypical symptoms, such as hot flushes and night sweats, I found myself grappling with increased stress, unexplained weight changes, mood swings, and a general sense of not feeling like myself. It was as if life had suddenly thrown me a curveball.
So many women begin to experience these ​​perimenopause symptoms at 40, but what if we could be more aware of these, even prevent some of these if we acted sooner rather than later?
I discovered, there's so much more to menopause than hot flushes (or hot flashes, depending on where you live). Women experience a spectrum of effects, ranging from minor discomforts to extreme challenges. Unfortunately, the medical model often fails to recognise and address these diverse symptoms, attributing them dismissively to "hormonal changes."
Women have been left searching for answers for:
Itchy ears
Memory loss
Crippling brain fog
Wild mood swings
Muscle aches and pains
Mood swings
Irritability
Loss of joy
Burning tongue
Bone-aching tiredness
Cravings we can no longer control
It's vital for women to understand that these hormonal shifts that occur during perimenopause go beyond just reproductive hormones.
Our entire endocrine system is affected, yet research in this area remains insufficient. As a result, women are left to navigate this significant life transition largely on their own.
In my Naturopathy practice and online programs, I've witnessed firsthand the power of open dialogue and shared experiences. It's time to break the taboo surrounding menopause and confront it head-on. Women deserve to understand what's happening within their bodies and minds during this phase of life.
We are the research and sharing out-loud is the answer.
No longer does perimenopause and postmenopause need to be taboo.
No longer do these significant shifts that women are experiencing need to be hidden under the ‘oh it’s just your hormones’ carpet.
This season of life is such a significant change for women, it alters our biochemistry from our cycle to our energy to our brains, which means, the breadth of symptoms we can experience is wide and varied - I mean, who would have thought that an itchy ear was due to perimenopause changes?!
Menopause affects every aspect of our being – from our physical health to our mental and emotional well-being. As a practitioner, it pains me to hear women express feeling lost and disconnected from themselves during this time.
That's why I advocate for starting the conversation about menopause early on. By empowering women with knowledge and holistic approaches, we can equip them to navigate this transition with greater confidence and resilience.
My tiny course, "Passage: Preparing for Menopause," offers practical insights and solutions to help women understand their bodies and manage symptoms effectively through natural remedies for (peri)menopause mood swings, weight gain and more.
Through education, self-awareness, and proactive measures, women can embrace menopause as a natural phase of life rather than fearing it. It's time to shift our focus from merely reacting to symptoms to adopting a proactive approach to women's health.
Come join me in conversation:
Are you experiencing any of these unexpected symptoms or changes in your body? Join me in rewriting the narrative on menopause. Gain knowledge, support, and practical solutions to thrive during this transformative phase: Passage: preparing for menopause tiny course
P.S. If you're struggling with weight increase and other physical changes during perimenopause, consider joining my program, Liberate. We utilises personalised nutrition strategies to support hormonal balance and improve overall wellbeing.