Preparing for Menopause

What to expect when you’re definitely, absolutely done expecting.

Although a natural part of a woman’s life cycle, many women feel unprepared for menopause.

That’s why we’ve compiled all the need-to-know info as well as tell-tale signs that this season of life is approaching…

WHAT IS MENOPAUSE ACTUALLY?

It’s a time when a woman’s oestrogen and progesterone levels decrease and our bodies stop ovulating. You’ve officially reached menopause 12 months after your last period.

WHEN DOES IT USUALLY OCCUR?

Menopausal transition most often begins between the ages of 45 and 55.

Menopause before 40 is considered early menopause. If your ovaries have been removed as part of medical treatment, you will start with early menopause immediately.

WHAT TO EXPECT…

Perimenopause refers to the time right before actual menopause.

During this phase, your body is beginning the transition into menopause as hormone production from your ovaries starts to decline.

Over these years, many women experience a variety of changes…

• Irregular monthly cycles. As your oestrogen levels begin to fluctuate, your menstrual cycles may be longer or shorter than they usually are. Despite irregular periods, pregnancy is still possible! So if you’ve skipped a period but aren’t sure you’ve started the menopausal transition, consider a pregnancy test.
• Hot flashes. The most common (and earliest) symptom is usually sudden, intense episodes of heat all over the top half of your body, known as hot flashes. These can be accompanied by heart palpitations and feelings of dizziness, followed by chills. Hot flashes can also occur whilst you are sleeping, resulting in profuse sweating (known as night sweats). Take heart though – there are plenty of treatment options to help with symptoms like hot flashes. Just ask your doctor.
• Weight gain. As our hormones decrease, so does our metabolism sadly! This can lead to increased weight gain.
• Other symptoms to look out for include vaginal dryness, problems sleeping, mood swings, headaches, thinning hair, and sometimes, memory problems.

It’s a lot – we know!

But these symptoms tend to go away after you reach menopause, although your slower metabolism is here to stay!

ANYTHING I CAN DO TO EASE THE JOURNEY?

The best solution is to be as well-prepared as possible. To manage your symptoms, maintain a healthy diet and get plenty of exercises to avoid unnecessary weight gain.

Menopause can lead to bone loss and osteoporosis (due to the loss of oestrogen), but luckily, this is preventable.

How?

By increasing the calcium in your diet, adding weight-bearing exercise to your routine and making sure you’re getting enough calcium, magnesium and vitamin D.

Contact your doctor if you experience adverse symptoms that affect your ability to function, or if you notice anything unusual that might require a closer look.

And remember – this is all part of the journey.

We’re in this together, mums – every step of the way!

Any other tips, advice or encouragement from post-menopause moms out there?