Menopause: What’s Really Going On (and What You Can Do About It)

Menopause. It’s one of those things we hear about long before it arrives — but when it does, it can feel like no one really warned us what to expect.

In simple terms, menopause is the natural point in time when your menstrual cycle stops, marking the end of your reproductive years. It’s officially ‘menopause’ when you’ve gone 12 months without a period, but the lead-up (perimenopause) and the after-effects (post-menopause) can bring a wide variety of symptoms.

Some of the many symptoms women may experience include:

·         Hot flushes and night sweats

·         Trouble sleeping

·         Mood swings or anxiety

·         Brain fog or forgetfulness

·         Weight gain (especially around the middle)

·         Fatigue

·         Vaginal dryness or discomfort

·         Changes in skin, hair, and nails

·         Joint aches and stiffness

·         Low libido

Sound like a long list? That’s because menopause doesn’t just affect your ovaries — it influences your entire hormonal system, which in turn affects your brain, bones, heart, gut, and mood.

It’s important to note that there is a) no order to any of the symptoms many women experience them in different ways and b) not everyone experiences all of the symptoms it varies, some may experience a few and some more.

So what can you do?

The good news is — there are plenty of supportive options to help you feel more balanced and in control:

·         Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods to support hormone balance (especially good fats, fibre, and quality protein)

·         Move your body — regular exercise helps with mood, weight management, and bone strength

·         Get quality sleep (I know, easier said than done — but it’s key)

·         Manage stress — your adrenal health becomes even more important at this stage

·         See natural support: seeing a qualified naturopath can help. These health professionals look at the big picture — your diet, lifestyle, hormones, gut health, and stress — and tailor natural solutions (herbs, nutritional supplements, and lifestyle advice) to help you feel like yourself again.

Menopause might be inevitable, but struggling through it isn’t.