Peri-menopause
The early signs and symptoms that come with the peri-menopause can catch many women by surprise and can start as early as the late thirties. Although the menopause may be several years away (the average age is 51), fluctuations and changes in our hormones, most notably oestrogen and progesterone, can have a significant impact on a personal, social and professional level. I see many clients, particularly in the earlier peri-menopausal years (early-mid forties) who are surprised to learn that symptoms such as mood swings, increased anxiety, irritability, insomnia, weight gain, irregular and/or heavier periods and dry skin and for some, night sweats & hot flushes, are being driven by the change in their hormones. They think, or they are told, that they are too young and are most likely feeling depressed or have anxiety.
Whilst there is more awareness around menopause, symptoms and the options available to women to support this phase in life (in particular HRT), many are unaware what a difference nutrition and lifestyle can make to how they experience the menopause. As a nutritionist, I help clients to make changes to their diet by evaluating & making changes to the foods they eat, when and how they eat, whilst also evaluating their lifestyle in terms of exercise, stress, sleep and how we can address these to be more supportive. Some women may still need support from HRT, in which case I will refer them to their GP, but for others making nutrition & lifestyle changes can help their experience to be much smoother.
Menopause
The peri-menopause is also a very important time and window of opportunity to prepare our bodies for the post-menopausal years, when women are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dementia/Alzheimer’s and osteoporosis. I also love working with clients who are post-menopausal, helping them to make changes that are supportive of the body once their hormone levels are very low, again either working solely through foods and lifestyle or in addition to any HRT they may have been prescribed.
Would you like support?
My aim is to help support you on your journey through the menopause, to help you understand why you are experiencing symptoms and to give you coping strategies to help you minimise them. So, if you are in your forties and are experiencing some of the symptoms mentioned above or are post-menopausal, please do get in touch for a free 15 minute discovery call.