MENOPAUSE - A NEW CHAPTER IN WOMENS HEALTH

Understand your body. Support your health. Reconnect with yourself

Menopause is a natural transition in a woman's life, but that doesn't mean its always an easy one.

For some women, the changes are relatively straight forward. for others the experience can feel overwhelming, affecting sleep, mood, energy, confidence, relationships, and the way they feel in their own bodies.

And somewhere amongst the hot flushes, night sweats, brain fog and endless responsibilities, it can be easy to lose sight of yourself.

Menopause is about more than the end of your reproductive years.

Its an important time to take stock of your health, understand what is happening within your body, and consider what it is you need to support yourself for the years ahead.

At A Positive Touch, I believe in looking at the bigger picture.

With my background in nursing, reproductive health, reflexology, Reiki and Nutritional and Naturopathic studies, I take an individualised whole person approach to women's health.

Because looking after yourself through menopause isn't simply about managing symptoms. Its about supporting your health for the next chapter of your life.

What is menopause - and what isn't it ?

Menopause is a natural biological transition associated with changes in ovarian function and declining levels of oestrogen and progesterone.

It is officially reached when you have gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, where there is no explanation for the absence of periods average time to experience this is 4 years, however it can last from 1 - 12 years for some women

It generally starts around 40 - 50 years of age, with average age in the UK being 51.

Menopause isn't one day, one event, or one set of symptoms

PERI-MENOPAUSE

This is the transition leading up to menopause. Hormone levels fluctuate, menstrual cycles may become irregular and symptoms can begin, sometimes years before your final period.

DIAGNOSIS OF PERI-MENOPAUSE - Over 45 years of age: Symptoms and irregular periods

Under 45 years: Blood test to check FSH (follicle stimulating hormone.

MENOPAUSE

The point at which you have reached 12 consecutive months without a period.

POST- MENOPAUSE

The stage of life following menopause. Some symptoms may settle, while others can continue. It is also an important time to pay attention to your long term health, including bone and cardiovascular health.

Menopause isn't an illness, a deficiency of womanhood, or something that every woman will experience in the same way, because we are all different, with different stories, different lives, and different pictures of health.

Menopause isn't something you simply have to endure either.

There are many options available, including medical treatments, lifestyle, and natural approaches too. Every woman deserves to understand her options, and make fully informed decisions about her health.

WHEN MENOPAUSE GOES RIGHT, AND WHEN IT DOESN'T

There isn't one correct way to experience menopause, for some women it's a relatively gentle transition. Periods gradually change, symptoms are manageable and life continues without too much disruption.

For others the experience can be quite different

Fluctuating and declining hormones can affect multiple systems throughout the body, including temperature regulation, sleep, mood, sexual and urinary health, bone metabolism, and body composition

You might notice:

• Hot flushes and night sweats
• Changes in sleep and energy
• Anxiety, irritability or low mood
• Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
• Changes in weight and body composition
• Joint and muscle discomfort
• Changes in libido
• Vaginal or urinary issues
• Changes is menstrual pattern
• Dry skin
• Thinning hair

This list is not exhaustive. Sometimes the symptoms are the most visible part of a much bigger picture.

This is where I believe we need to look beyond menopause itself.

What is happening with your nutrition? Are you getting enough protein? How is your gut health? Are you sleeping well? Are you moving your body?, What is happening with your stress levels? Are you making time for yourself?

These things don't explain every menopause symptom but they are part of preventative care, they are just some of the things that matter to your health throughout midlife and beyond