Menopause Awareness Month takes place in  October.  Awareness of this once taboo subject is increasing with various campaigns both in the public domain and with employers too however significant more work needs to be done to help the 51% of the population that experience it.

It is estimated that over 13 million women in the UK are on the menopause spectrum varying from perimenopausal (which means around menopause and refers to the time where the body is naturally transitionally towards the menopause as oestrogen levels fluctuate).  Post menopause is where there have been 12 consecutive months of not having a menstrual period.  Women start the perimenopause at varying ages and for different reasons too but on average signs and symptoms often start from mid 40s onwards.

You may be asking “what does it mean to be perimenopausal or postmenopausal?”.  As oestrogen levels fluctuate symptoms can be significant and life changing too.  All to often, as I help ladies through this challenging time, I hear how they experience overwhelming feelings of being unable to cope doing things they would normally do in their stride, worrying about people judging them, difficulties with sleeping, being aware of others noticing physical symptoms such as hot flushes etc. Ultimately this may even be contributing to ladies leaving their profession, a significant reduction in self-esteem and confidence and impacting upon personal relationships too.

To help yourself there are various things you can do including:-

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
• Eating healthy fresh foods and avoiding preservatives
• Refraining from drinking alcohol or reducing your consumption
• Reducing caffeine
• Drinking more water throughout the day
• Setting a sleep schedule and sticking to it every day
• Carry out some deep breathing exercises at the start, during and at the end of your day (put one hand on your chest and another on your tummy and as you take 10 really deep breaths notice your tummy rise as you inhale and fall as you exhale).
• Say positive affirmations to yourself throughout your day.
• Be active each day even if it is just a gentle walk.

Introduce changes into your schedule gradually and remember consistency is key – it takes 28 days for habits to be implemented!  Above all, start to be kinder to yourself and when you need to take things easier do just that.  Allow yourself time to do things that you enjoy whether that is chatting with others, doing a hobby, reading, taking a soak in the bath or planning things to look forward to.

Always have a chat to your GP about any health concerns and be open with your friends and family too. Menopause is inevitable for all of us ladies so lets keep learning about our bodies, supporting each other and reaching out sharing our experiences to help others wherever we can.

Hypnotherapy and Healing are both complementary therapies that can help you through this stage in your life.  If you would like a complimentary consultation to share your specific issues and for me to explain more about how I could help you move from survive to thrive then get in touch now as I would be delighted to help you.

lisapryce-jones@outlook.com / 07427 451992 (please leave a message and I’ll get in touch as soon as I can).

Warmest wishes

Lisa

Lisa Pryce-Jones