Are you trying to ignore the transition you find yourself in called menopause? It may be a trip of a lifetime and one you thought you eventually would be invited to, yet not ready to embark on just yet. You’re not even sure when it started and have no idea when it will end. If you are the kind of person that needs to know exactly what is going to happen and when you’re going to get there, you may have a really rough ride on this journey. You may even have trouble packing because one minute you feel ok and the next you are drenching in sweat, wondering who turned up the heat.
Are you ready to jump on this train ride or hide in the boxcar not knowing where you will end up or how you will feel? There are 3 stops we are going to make during this extended trip. Today on this leg of the journey, you will learn about Peri menopause. We will visit Menopause in a few weeks and then off to Post menopause where life really starts to make sense and enjoyed to the fullest.
Ignoring something that lasts half the lifetime of a child is silly. Menopause has 3 stages and can have lingering effects for as long as a decade or more. According to Womenshealth.gov; “The average age of menopause is 51.” Some women start down that path in their early 40’s while others arrive to the party in their late 50’s". Many women are affected and feel all the symptoms their mother and grandmother talked about while others wonder why all the fuss.
The North American Menopause Society takes you on a guided tour to help you through some of the roadblocks and brick walls you may run into. The first stop on their tour is Perimenopause; described by Dr Christine Northrup as a precursor to Menopause with symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, and mood swings; and that’s just the beginning of your journey.
Transitioning through these stages can be easier on you if you implement the following self care tips;
- Eating healthier helps you in a variety of ways. When you feed your brain and your body you feel optimum results. Certain foods enhance hot flashes, so stay away from spicy foods, alcohol or caffeine and anything else that may be a trigger for you. Eat a diet rich in vegetables and fruit. Use less sweeteners.
- Exercising at least 30 minutes a day may lessen the effects on you and will help you at this important stage of life when you are at greater risk of developing diseases such as; diabetes, heart disease and osteoporosis.
- Stress relief helps when your mood fluctuates. Try yoga, Pilates, low impact aerobics, hiking or anything to get you moving and increase your natural endorphins. Meditation is another great way of connecting and slowing down.
If you find you are overwhelmed with symptoms, call a friend so you don't have to go through it alone.
Preparation and planning for transition is another proactive way of minimizing your menopause misery. You may be fortunate to not have the horrible symptoms your mother or grandmother suffered through. You know your body better than anyone else. Treat yourself well and you will gladly jump back on the train and journey to the next stop; Menopause.
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