As October is the World Menopause Month, I have decided to be more vocal about it and I’m encouraging you to do the same, at least with yourself!
There is nothing more natural than us ladies experiencing this part of the beautiful period of life we are at.
“The changes, the highs and lows, and the hormonal shifts, there is power in that. But we were taught to be ashamed of it and to not even seek to understand it or explore it for our own edification, let alone to help the next generation.” —Michelle Obama
Each year, more than 1 million women in the United States become menopausal and many experience symptoms leading up to it, during the phase known as perimenopause.
WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT, KATE?
I could explain it myself, but I somehow always prefer to leave that for professionals. And chances are, you already know all about perimenopause and can easily skip to numbered paragraphs. If not, continue unbothered.
Perimenopause refers to the time leading up to menopause when women start experiencing fluctuations in ovarian functions and menstrual cycles but haven’t yet gone a full 12 months without a period, says Stephanie Faubion, medical director of the North American Menopause Society and director of the Mayo Clinic’s Center for Women’s Health.
The average age for menopause is 51, she says. Perimenopause can start as early as at the age of 40 or even in your late 30’s.
“100% of women will go through the menopause transition, if they are lucky enough to live that long,” doctor Faubion says.
It’s said that the onset of menopause is a slow process and perimenopause can last even years!
What’s interesting but then again doesn’t shock me at all is that some of us ladies do experience symptoms related to that and some women can be completely asymptomatic. We are all so very different, once again I realize.
“And the beauty of a woman, with passing years only grows!”—Audrey Hepburn
I couldn’t agree more and would like to offer you a few ways to observe World Menopause Month:
1. PAUSE TO SPEND SOME TIME REFLECTING.
Use the newfound freedom and liberating aspects this time brings to pursue the passions and projects you’ve had to put aside until this very moment.
Put the focus back on yourself and what makes YOU the happiest. I strongly believe that every woman should focus on herself first. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
“So many women I’ve talked to see menopause as an ending. But I’ve discovered this is your moment to reinvent yourself after years of focusing on the needs of everyone else. It’s your opportunity to get clear about what matters to you and then to pursue that with all of your energy, time and talent.” —Oprah Winfrey
It’s a beautiful time if you look at it this way. Use it, it’s your time to be a little selfish without feeling ashamed for it. In fact, you should never feel ashamed or guilty for dedicating time for yourself and your own well being.
2. SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE OPENLY!
Starting a frank discussion about menopause and the baggage that comes with it helps clarify and demystify it in some way.
Use your personal experience to help others be more informed and approach the process with less anxiety.
Having gone through it myself, I can surely say that reading blogs or watching videos of other women being completely transparent about it, helped me tremendously.
Psychologists say that such a support system, even if online, creates a better foundation for you to overcome whatever comes your way. It makes you more resilient towards hardship or even the smallest of challenges.
3. INCORPORATE EXERCISE TO YOUR DAILY REGIMEN.
Studies show exercise does wonders for reducing any bothersome menopausal symptoms. For instance, yoga can help manage hot flashes. Downward dog away!
It’s also been proven to help with feeling better, more confident and your overall mental, emotional as well as physical health.
I don’t agree or disagree, I know it to be true for myself and people around me, so I highly recommend doing at least a walk or seemingly awkward morning aerobics.
Let’s celebrate the Month of Menopause with a little something for ourselves or our beloved ladies around us.
I want to offer you a discount code for your next purchase on our website!
It will be active til the 18th of October (World Menopause Day) so hurry up!
Use code: WMM10 for 10% off at checkout! Enjoy!
Love,
Kate