Let’s Talk About Menopause.
It seems odd to me that as girls and women, we don’t talk to one another about the transitional phases of our lives. As young girls, puberty is not openly discussed or celebrated, we are taught about how painful cramps can be or the difference between wearing a pad or tampon. As we age, the same seems to happen, as women enter the perimenopause and menopause phase of life. These different transitions are perfect opportunities for women of all ages to share their experiences and help other women through life’s milestones. Any life-shift or any big breakthrough usually comes after some form of a transitional process, and menopause is no exception. Let’s talk about Menopause.
Three tips that have helped me.
1) Talk about menopause with other women.
Even though I knew other women were experiencing some of the same symptoms as I was, I felt alone because we were not sharing our experiences. Once I broached the subject with one of my closest friends, she, in return, shared her questions and struggles. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; talk to your doctor, your closest friends, and your mother. Keep asking until you are satisfied that you’ve received the information you were seeking. Menopause is a normal process!
2) 30 minutes of daily, moderate exercise.
I know you are probably sick and tired of being told to exercise, but here is why I believe it is vital to our physical and mental health. One of my favorite books, Our Bodied, Ourselves: Menopause, has this to say about exercise.
- Reduces high blood pressure.
- Controls weight.
- Lowers risk for heart disease. (Physically inactive people are twice as likely to develop heart disease as people who are regularly active.)
- Lowers risk for colon cancer and breast cancer
- Keeps bones, muscles, and joints healthy, easing arthritis and reducing frailty and incidence of falls and osteoporosis.
- It lowers blood glucose and risk for type 2 diabetes.
- Improves mood and sleep.
- Relieves stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Boosts energy.
- Improves self-confidence.
- It makes you look and feel better.
3) Making mental health a priority.
I noticed early on that I was experiencing waves of emotion that were new to me, such as sadness and anxiety. I started to follow when these waves would occur to see if there were any triggers or if something eased my symptoms. For me, regular sleep and daily exercise helped immensely, and I found that meditation breaks throughout the day help to keep my stress level down. I may only have 5 minutes, which is plenty for a quite breathing sequence. Also, stay connected to your friends and family, if you feel like you are isolating yourself, reach out and if needed talk with a mental health professional.
