3 minute read

Menopause - what can help and is there an upside?

A nutritious diet, regular exercise and staying hydrated can all make a difference.

Aim for a good sleep routine. Reduce light and background noise (white noise might help). Changing your bedding or cooling gels may help maintain the right temperature

Try to reduce stress. For example, the Headspace app is just £10 per month or free for NHS staff. Talking about how you’re feeling can help. Try not to feel a need to keep things secret –this can make anxiety worse

Check your workplace’s menopause policy and the support on offer. This might include flexible or hybrid working, time to take regular breaks outside, access to drinks, support with writing things down or recording meetings

Menopause cafes have been set up across the country as places where women are encouraged to talk about how they’re feeling. To find your nearest venue visit: www. menopausecafe.net

Mersey Care is seeking people to become menopause ‘experts by experience’ and menopause champions wellbeinghub@ merseycare.nhs.uk

An internal renovation – the superpower of menopause

After the challenges, there is – it seems - an upside to menopause. Neurology professor Lisa Mosconi says once the brain’s links to the ovaries are no longer needed, it rewires. This brings emotional stability, calmness and contentment.

In her book The Menopause Brain, Mosconi reveals that the emotion centre of the brain becomes less reactive to negative or upsetting things after menopause.

“Many postmenopausal women all over the world report feeling more self confident, at greater peace with themselves and more comfortable in their own skin than they were before.”

As well as inner peace, menopause is thought to boost crucial life skills. Scientists say compassion and empathy are enhanced during this biological transition, improving relationships and reducing the chances of loneliness in older age. Looks like there’s plenty to look forward to besides no more periods!

Get the most from your GP

Dealing with these symptoms can make life harder and your GP can help. The Menopause Charity advises the following to get the most out of your appointment:

• When you make the appointment ask if there’s a person with a particular interest in menopause at the surgery

• Book a double appointment to give yourself time to discuss your concerns

• Look at the symptoms list and write down which ones you’re experiencing

• Make a note of changes to your periods

• Bring a list of your current medication, including supplements

• If you’re feeling anxious, bring someone with you for moral support.

• Jot down worries or concerns so you don’t forget to mention them

NICE guidelines recommend a review three months after your first appointment but go back sooner if you notice side effects or if the treatment doesn’t seem to be working.

Get help

mymenopausecentre.com

themenopausecharity.org

wellbeingofwomen.org.uk

henpicked.net

daisynetwork.org

menopausewhilstblack.com

@menopausewhilstblack

@BLKMenopause

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