Some women sail through this experience without a hitch, whilst many others find it a tumultuous time with many ups and downs. This page will help you understand what is happening in the body and give you some tools to move through this process more easily.
Menopause happens when the ovaries change from egg bearing organs, to hormone secreting glands. This usually starts mid to late forties. It is considered over when a woman has not had a period for two years.
Menopause happens when the ovaries change from egg bearing organs, to hormone secreting glands. This usually starts mid to late forties. It is considered over when a woman has not had a period for two years.
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Take a look at the traffic light picture. Does any of it ring a bell to you?
We often wonder why menopause is so difficult for us. Our body often feels like we are being 'attacked from within' with hot flushes, strange sensations, headaches, feeling guilt and shame for our wild emotions that keep turning up. This then puts us in a state of fight/flight/freeze (the polyvagal system is activated - see video link below), causing hyper-vigilance, anxiety, brain fog, strong emotions to arise, stress and tension. This is a link to a short video on the Polyvagal/nervous system:- Click here |
There are physical symptoms too... When we are stressed the digestive system shuts down, and all our energy diverts to our extremities in order that we can flight/run/freeze. Long term activation causes digestive issues, strange sensations in the extremities, shortness of breath and palpitations - which then stresses the system more! Check out my free stress brochure here.
That said, help is at hand.
The first step is to understand what is going on in the body.
The second step is to learn the tools to deal with it.
Here is the link and password for your zoom class recording on menopause. https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/cvZoi4Yg838IZ1viMKK5nuGxvugSDtIy8enFEh3RtWf0UbCdUhgPzfl8EQV8kHiz.1BosJhLDMd6s25Hk
Passcode: VhX1KA$&
That said, help is at hand.
The first step is to understand what is going on in the body.
The second step is to learn the tools to deal with it.
Here is the link and password for your zoom class recording on menopause. https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/cvZoi4Yg838IZ1viMKK5nuGxvugSDtIy8enFEh3RtWf0UbCdUhgPzfl8EQV8kHiz.1BosJhLDMd6s25Hk
Passcode: VhX1KA$&
Fortunately, we know a lot more about how to calm our nervous system back down now, than we ever did in the past. Here are some techniques: -
Mindfulness to notice when our nervous system gets activated (see the traffic light image above)
Slow belly breathing and sighing on the out breath
Mindfulness to notice when our nervous system gets activated (see the traffic light image above)
Slow belly breathing and sighing on the out breath
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Vigorous exercise when we feel pent up/frustrated/angry/tense such as shaking or fast walking
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The 3 B's to change our state when we freeze, feel anxious or overwhelmed
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Hypnosis which will both calm your nervous system (through the breath with a sigh) and cool down your hot flushes.
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When we are going through menopause, we tend to get activated more quickly than at other times of our lives. We can also take the pressure off ourselves by doing less, having a quieter life and managing our energy. This can mean avoiding things that might activate you like TV (highly emotional shows), violent or distressing movies, books and other media.
Multi-tasking too many things at once can take us into overwhelm very quickly. For example, cooking dinner, having a discussion with hubby about a decision you are both making and children running around the house. Split activities up and do one thing at a time, i.e. hubby looks after kids while you make dinner. After dinner, sit down with him in a quiet space and have a discussion with him then.
Start to de-clutter your diary and do less. Plan for quiet time, walks, alone time, fresh air - things that nourish you.
Menopause is a transition from one life phase to another. There could be grief about your age, loss of youth, the end of being able to bear children or young adults leaving home. Or a reflection time - assessing where you are at in your life and what do you want now? What no longer serves you?
Multi-tasking too many things at once can take us into overwhelm very quickly. For example, cooking dinner, having a discussion with hubby about a decision you are both making and children running around the house. Split activities up and do one thing at a time, i.e. hubby looks after kids while you make dinner. After dinner, sit down with him in a quiet space and have a discussion with him then.
Start to de-clutter your diary and do less. Plan for quiet time, walks, alone time, fresh air - things that nourish you.
Menopause is a transition from one life phase to another. There could be grief about your age, loss of youth, the end of being able to bear children or young adults leaving home. Or a reflection time - assessing where you are at in your life and what do you want now? What no longer serves you?
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Working with a skilled counsellor, hypnotherapist or psychologist can help you move through this process.
Calming activities such as meditation, walking on the beach, massage, gardening, relaxing to music, deep breathing practice help to down-regulate the nervous system. |
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I read this in a book recently: "Out of menopause arises a wise woman who is like nature - wild, still passionate, calm, peaceful, adaptable, flowing, creative and powerful. She walks her own path and focuses on her own needs. This transition brings about a new purpose with meaning and direction, more appropriate for a mature, strong woman - a life of her own design. This means setting boundaries that may have not been there before. She may speak and act with directness - and this can come as a surprise to both herself and to others, as very often she won't settle for less! Menopause will take her into the prime of her life with many meaningful, productive and creative years ahead as she embraces her true power and potential". |
Do you need help with your Menopause? I can help you in person or on zoom. Click here for more information.
