Perimenopause & Menopause

Did you know know?

During Perimenopause & Menopause:

Oestrogen the hormone which helps metabolize Cortisol (stress hormone) decreases
Your Cortisol levels reach the highest they will be in your lifetime, if there is no history of trauma
Stress upsets our hormones and inflammation, which has direct consequences on our menstrual cycle, our aches, pains and emotions
The nervous system’s survival function can become stuck, leaving you in a constant state of “Fight, Flight or Freeze”

There are 13 million Perimenopausal & Menopausal women in the UK
1 in 4 women have considered leaving their job because of the Menopause
The NHS website assumes a woman is in Perimenopause by the age of 45
Many women report experiencing Perimenopause symptoms from the age of 40
The average black woman women will reach her Menopause at 49
The average white woman will reach her Menopause at the age of 51
Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome tend to reach Menopause aged 53
Smokers reach menopause on average 1 year before non smokers
Menopause is defined as when a woman has not had a bleed for 12 consecutive months
Premature menopause, premature ovarian failure, or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) are terms used when a woman reaches menopause in her teens, 20s, 30s, or early 40s
HRT protects a woman from many illnesses including: Alzheimer’s; heart disease & strokes, Osteoporosis & Type 2 Diabetes
The rate of major depressive disorders and depressive symptoms increase 2 to 3 fold during the Perimenopause transition due to a number of different factors:

- Psychosocial
- Increased sensitivity to ovarian hormone fluctuations and menopausal symptoms
- Poor health & fitness
- Poor nutrition
Women who experience a shorter Perimenopause transition may be more protected against Perimenopausal depression
The study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) showed that women with higher BMIs are more likely to have worse hot flashes during Perimenopause
Auto-immune disease (under-active thyroid, Type 1 diabetes, Addisons disease), genetics, infection, surgery, chemo and radiation treatment can place a woman into early Menopause
3 out of 4 women experience symptoms, 1 in 4 could experience serious symptoms

Symptoms

Insomnia – waking up at 3a.m. is one of the first indicators
Mood swings: Depression, Anger, Anxiety & Imposter Syndrome
Low confidence
Increased Premenstrual Tension
Short term memory loss / brain fog
Headaches / Migraines
Weight gain – especially around the belly
Menstrual cycle may lengthen or shorten
Heavy bleeding, also known as flooding
Decreased fertility, although you can still get pregnant for up to 2 years post menopause
Hot flashes & night sweats
Heart palpitations
Lower sex drive, vaginal atrophy , dryness
Urinary incontinence
Stiff and achy joints
Osteoporosis
Carpal Tunnel
Peripheral neuropathy & formication (itchy skin)
Rosacea
Thinning hair
Vertigo
Tinnitus

Misconceptions

You can’t lose weight once your in Perimenopause
You have to be 50 to be Menopausal – some women will reach menopause in their 30’s and this is defined as Premature Menopause
HRT is dangerous and shouldn’t be used – for most, HRT is very safe and protects you from many diseases

The Good News

I can help you get fit during Perimenopause and Menopause
I can help you regulate your mood swings
I can help you feel more energised
I can help you sleep better
The Japanese call the Menopause the “Second Spring” for a reason because once through it – you’re free – you no longer have to worry about the time of the month – your young still and can do anything you want to do
Many people repurpose their life and go through a period of great growth – which we call Menopause Growth / Wisdom