Is Menopause A Change For The Better?

According to statistics presented by Nuffield Health:

• Approximately 13 million women in the U.K are either peri- or post menopausal
• Over 60% of women experience symptoms resulting in behaviour changes
• 1 in 4 women will experience severe debilitating symptoms
• A third of women say they suffer with anxiety
• Approximately two thirds of women say there is a general lack of support and understanding

Frightening statistics that make you wonder if indeed this ‘change’ known as menopause has any benefits to offer.

Feeling Alone

Over 30 years ago, in my 30’s, I experienced a range of frightening symptoms that 7 doctors over a period of 7 years never considered could be due to menopause. I was far too young. My mother didn’t speak of such ‘lady things’, the media would never have covered such a subject, and in days of yore the internet wasn’t even a twinkle in anyone’s eyes! (Though I’m not always sure that media coverage today, which so often seems to portray the menopause transition as being negative, is at all helpful).

I felt very much alone. I didn’t know who to turn to, who to ask for help or understanding.

When finally diagnosed, the struggles of the peri-menopause years soon manifested into the tsunami of post-menopause symptoms following a full hysterectomy age 39.

Based on my own experience, I can share with you that menopause can have a very positive impact on your life when you embrace change.

Any transition involves change, and change can be uncomfortable with potentially difficult choices and options to consider.

The Opportunity

Menopause is a crossroads, it’s an opportunity to choose the new direction you wish to follow for what should, and could, be the best third of your life. It’s a time of reflection. A time to create the positive change you want to see in your life, become the person you want to be.

To do this you need to explore your own needs and desires, reflect upon what you truly want out of your life. Maybe that would be to start a new career, learn a new skill, practice a new hobby, travel, focus on your health and well-being. There are so many possible opportunities to regain control, confidence, and be free to live the life you choose.

Make Menopause A Positive Experience

Here are some choices you can make to create a more positive menopause experience and live a vibrant life beyond menopause.

Do your Research

Ignorance fosters fear. Explore books and websites, and find positive support groups locally and/or on-line to reassure yourself that you’re not alone on this menopause journey.

Catch your Thoughts & Emotions

Are you talking to yourself with positive kindness or are you beating yourself up creating negative emotions? Speak to yourself kindly as you would some-one you deeply love and care for. Pick yourself up when you’re feeling down.

Ask for Help

It can be hard to pick yourself up when feeling down, so create a support network you can turn to. This can be people you know, who care for you, who can give you a hug. Even strangers in those local or on-line support groups can help. Sometimes you just need to be told ‘it’s OK’ or ‘I’m here for you’.

Learn to Say No

It’s OK to put any feelings of guilt aside and say NO at times. Ask yourself, what do YOU want out of life? How do you achieve that if you don’t prioritise yourself?

Make Time for Yourself

Just 10-15 minutes a day of ‘me-time’. That could be luxuriating in a bath with the door locked, or dancing energetically to some rock music. Make it whatever your soul needs at that time.

Love Yourself for Who You Are

Know that you are special, that you are unique. You may not be able to lose all the weight you were hoping to, and that’s OK. Maybe you’re finding a few more grey hairs? That’s OK too. Don’t judge yourself on how you look on the outside, love the person you are beneath.

Take Action

Knowledge is said to be power, but I believe it’s the application of that knowledge that is the true power. So having done your research, discovered steps that can help you create positive change, then do take action. Eat more healthily, take more exercise, indulge yourself.

SMILE!

Research proves that smiling changes your physiology. When you smile you will stand up straighter, you will feel lighter and brighter, the world will take on a more positive hue. You will also produce a cascade of happy hormones, help you cope better with this change this menopause.

Why not also read our 17 powerful ways to help build your confidence and self-esteem.

Bio:

Clare is a registered Nutritional Therapist, speaker, author and award winning menopause coach, loving life! An early menopause in her 30’s, severe endometriosis and a full hysterectomy, though traumatic at the time, led her on a wonderful journey of discovery. Clare now works to support, inspire and empower women to naturally achieve hormone harmony and balance, creating their own vibrant life ‘beyond’ menopause.

You can find out more about Clare and how she supports women through menopause via her on-line programmes on her website. Please do say hello, she would love to hear from you.