In this bonus episode, I talk about menopause and perimenopause and why we all, male and female need to understand more about it.
What is menopause?
According to the NHS, menopause is ‘when a woman stops having periods and is no longer able to get pregnant.’
We use the term as an umbrella, and it encompasses perimenopause, menopause and post menopause. Perimenopause starts when our progesterone levels drop, and can often be earlier than we think in our early 40s.
Post menopause is when our periods have fully stopped, and most menopausal symptoms will ease.
Symptoms of menopause
There are 34+ recognised symptoms of perimenopause, and this is one of the reasons why it is hard to know in the early stages if you are menopausal or not. You may experience some or even none of these, but the key ones are:
- Anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping
- Reduced sex drive
- Problems with memory and concentration
- Headaches or migraines
- Palpitations
- Joint stiffness, aches and pains
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI’s)
- Night sweats, hot flushes
- Irregular period cycle
- Heavy periods
Bone Health
This year’s theme is bone health, and it is something that I am very aware and interested in.
Listen to podcast episode 111 to hear why vitamin D has a key role to play, in supporting our bone health.
The worry is, that the first sign is often a broken bone. Start thinking about it now. Good gut function is key to optimised absorption and including calcium rich foods in your diet will really help. Here are some examples:
- Seeds, particularly poppy, sesame and chia seeds
- Cheese – choose mature cheese such as Parmesan
- Yoghurt – choose kefir for its gut loving bacteria
- Sardines
- Beans and lentils
- Almonds – and other nuts
- Leafy greens
- Rhubarb
Fabulous & Female
The important thing to know about menopause, is that it is a time when change is happening. We need to re-evaluate what our bodies need and adjust accordingly. What worked in our 20s and 30s, just might not be appropriate any more, and we need support.
This is where my Fabulous & Female group steps in. You get the full support from a female hormone expert (that’s me) delivered in a realistic and approachable way.
My links
Do you know someone who is struggling with the menopause? Please reach out and let them know you understand and care.