How to Become the CEO of Your Health During Menopause
Understanding Menopause and Its Impact
Did you know that 1 in 3 women are experiencing menopause symptoms at any given moment?
Yet, over 80% of doctors admit they feel “barely comfortable” discussing the subject. This means the stigma and silence surrounding menopause continue today. Leaving countless women without the support and guidance they deserve from medical professionals.
Since menopause symptoms can begin up to a decade before the official transition, nearly 20% of a woman’s life may be spent feeling misunderstood, unsupported, or unprepared.
That’s why it is time for you to become the CEO of your health during menopause.
Understand the Stages of Menopause.
I will admit it until recently I was one of those women. I had no idea what was going on with my body. I was clueless that there were stages to a woman’s menopause journey.
Let me give you some insight and help you to understand the Stages of Menopause.
Stages of Menopause.
- Pre-menopausal: The Calm Before the Shift
Pre-menopause is the phase when your reproductive system is still working as usual. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone are cycling regularly, supporting ovulation and menstruation. During this time, you may feel balanced, with no signs of hormonal change. For many women, perimenopause feels like the “normal” state before the subtle stirrings of change begin.
- Perimenopause: The Transition Zone
Perimenopause is the bridge between your reproductive years and menopause. This phase typically starts in your 40s but can begin earlier. Think of it as your body gradually dialling down hormone production, especially estrogen.
Common symptoms of perimenopause include:
- Irregular periods (heavier, lighter, or skipping cycles)
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Mood swings and increased sensitivity
- Sleep disturbances
- Brain fog or difficulty focusing
The intensity of these symptoms varies, with some women barely noticing the changes while others feel like they’re on a rollercoaster. Perimenopause can last several years, with hormone levels fluctuating until you reach the next stage.
- Menopause: The Milestone Moment
Menopause officially begins when you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a period. For most women, this occurs around age 50. At this stage, your ovaries have significantly reduced their production of estrogen and progesterone, and you’re no longer ovulating.
Some symptoms of menopause may overlap with perimenopause, like hot flashes and mood changes, but they often start to stabilize over time. Menopause marks the end of fertility, but it’s also a time to reflect, reset, and embrace a new phase of life.
- Postmenopausal: Life After Menopause
The postmenopausal stage starts after you’ve hit that 12-month milestone without a period. Hormone levels remain low, and symptoms like hot flashes typically ease. However, this phase brings its considerations, such as bone health, heart health, and managing the long-term effects of low estrogen.
If you feel like no one truly understands your journey, you’re not alone. However, by taking charge of your health and educating yourself you can transform this phase into an opportunity for empowerment and growth.
Why You Should Take Control of Your Menopause Health
Managing your menopause health isn’t just about alleviating symptoms. It’s about reclaiming your confidence, improving your quality of life, and embracing a holistic approach to wellness.
How to become the CEO of your health during menopause
Educate Yourself: The Foundation of Empowerment
Start by learning about what’s happening to your body. Understanding the changes you’re experiencing can help demystify symptoms and alleviate fear. Key areas to research include:
- Hormonal Fluctuations: Learn how estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels impact your body.
- Common Symptoms: Be aware of mood swings, hot flashes, weight changes, and sleep disturbances.
- Long-Term Impacts: Understand how menopause affects bone density, heart health, and mental clarity.
Reliable information is power. Turn to trusted resources, including menopause-focused books, online forums, and health practitioners specializing in women’s menopause health.
Track and Monitor Your Symptoms
Keeping a symptom journal is a practical and empowering step. Documenting your experiences provides clarity and helps identify patterns. Your log might include:
- When symptoms occur (time of day, season, or hormonal cycle).
- Triggers such as diet, stress, or lack of sleep.
- Severity and duration of symptoms.
This data becomes invaluable when consulting with healthcare providers, enabling more tailored support.
Nurture Your Mental and Emotional Well-Being
Menopause can challenge your emotional health. Stress, anxiety, and mood swings may feel overwhelming, but there are strategies to help:
- Practice Gratitude: Start or end your day by writing three things you’re grateful for.
- Explore Therapy Options: Hypnotherapy, mindfulness or acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can address emotional challenges effectively.
- Build a Support Network: Connect with friends, family, or menopause-specific support groups to share experiences and tips.
Investing in your mental health enhances your resilience and overall well-being.
Holistic Approaches to Menopause Symptom Management
Adopting natural and holistic strategies can complement traditional medical care:
- Herbal Remedies: Consider black cohosh, red clover, or ashwagandha after consulting a qualified healthcare professional.
- Nutrition for Hormonal Balance: Prioritize foods like flaxseeds, leafy greens, soy, and oily fish.
- Acupuncture: This ancient practice has shown promise in reducing hot flashes and promoting relaxation.
Explore what works for you and remember that small adjustments can have a big impact over time.
The Role of Physical Activity in Menopause Health
Staying active not only improves physical health but also boosts mental clarity and emotional balance. Here are some effective activities:
- Strength Training: Supports bone density and muscle health.
- Yoga: Enhances core strength and posture, reducing joint pain and creating a sense of emotional calm.
- Aerobic Exercises: Improve cardiovascular health and combat fatigue.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of movement five times a week, and choose activities that bring you joy.
Prioritize Sleep and Restorative Practices
Sleep disturbances are a common menopause symptom, but they’re not inevitable. Improve your sleep quality by:
- Establishing a consistent bedtime routine.
- Reducing screen time an hour before bed.
- Keeping your bedroom cool and dark.
For added relaxation, consider incorporating sleep hypnosis, breathing exercises, yoga nidra, or progressive muscle relaxation techniques. (Try a free yoga nidra session here)
Getting the Right Support During Menopause
Menopause is a significant transition, and having the right support can make all the difference to your well-being. Remember you are the CEO think of it as building your professional team to support you. Here are a few tips on getting the right medical support in place
Work with the Right Medical Professional
Seek out a medical professional who specializes in women’s health and truly listens to your concerns. It’s important to feel heard and understood, so don’t hesitate to try different providers until you find one that aligns with your needs. Remember, you are the CEO of your health.
Once you’ve found a trustworthy healthcare provider, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Be curious, explore your options, and take an active role in your care.
Self-Care: The Key to Thriving
Menopause is the perfect time to prioritize self-care. Embrace activities that nourish your body and mind:
- Treat yourself to spa days, massages, or aromatherapy.
- Engage in creative outlets like painting, gardening, or journaling.
- Practice mindfulness daily to stay grounded.
Remember, self-care isn’t selfish; it’s a necessity.
Creating Your Personalized Menopause Health Plan
Taking charge of your menopause journey requires a clear, actionable plan:
- Set Health Goals: Identify what’s most important—better sleep, fewer hot flashes, or improved mood.
- Find Trusted Professionals: Build a team of specialists who understanding menopause care.
- Stay Consistent: Build routines that work with your lifestyle.
- Evaluate Progress: Adjust your plan as needed, focusing on what brings the most relief.
Explore Treatment Options
Menopause is not one-size-fits-all, and there are a variety of treatments available. While Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can be life-changing for many women, it’s not the only option. Here are a few alternatives to consider:
Take the time to discuss these options with your healthcare provider to determine what works best for you.
Finding the right support can empower you to navigate menopause and care for your health.
Take Charge of Your Health
Menopause is a natural and transformative phase of life. By becoming the CEO of your health, you reclaim control over your health and wellness during menopause. Empower yourself with reliable sources of information, education, symptom tracking, holistic care, and self-compassion, so you can thrive during menopause.
Empower yourself you are the CEO of your health so take change you are worth it.