Women over 40 often research a range of topics related to their health, well-being, and personal growth. Some common topics include menopause symptoms, hormonal changes, stress management, healthy aging, fitness, nutrition, skincare, weight management, maintaining a healthy sex life, and mental health. Researching these topics helps women make informed decisions about their health and lifestyle choices.

These topics reflect the unique concerns and challenges that women over 40 may face, and researching them can help women make informed decisions about their health and lifestyle choices.

As we navigate through the various stages of life, it's essential to embrace and celebrate every milestone.

Menopause, often seen as a taboo subject, is one such transformative phase that every woman experiences.

"Women’s life expectancy has increased worldwide. As women experience and perceive menopause differently depending on their personal, family and sociocultural backgrounds, perimenopausal symptoms can often go unnoticed and missed by general practitioners" (read full NCBI research here).

My passion is to empower you to understand what you can do in order to navigate menopause from a holistic, natural, all-encompassing Functional Medicine approach which takes a close look at the whole individual and her unique experience in her unique body. 

Today, we will embark on a journey to understand how you can recognize the signs and symptoms of menopause and approach this transition with confidence and empowerment.

1. Pay Attention to Your Body's Signals: Menopause, simply put, is the end of your reproductive years. While it is a natural process, it comes with its own set of indicators. Keep an eye out for irregular periods, which may become lighter or heavier, and the cessation of menstruation altogether. Hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings are also common signs.

2. Emotional and Physical Changes: Menopause affects each woman differently, both emotionally and physically. You may experience changes in your sleep patterns, including difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Additionally, you might notice a decrease in libido or vaginal dryness. Mood swings, anxiety, and irritability are also common during this time. Remember, it's crucial to acknowledge and address these changes with self-compassion.

3. Consult and Connect: If you suspect that you are entering menopause, it's wise to consult with a healthcare professional who can guide you through this journey. They may suggest blood tests to measure hormone levels. During menopause, hormone levels can fluctuate significantly. To measure hormone levels, including estrogen, progesterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a blood test can be conducted. This blood test is known as a hormone panel or hormone profile.

What are the common symptoms of menopause?

Ah, menopause. A natural phase of life that every woman experiences. It's a time of change, transformation, and yes, sometimes challenges. Today we will explore the common symptoms of menopause and empower you with knowledge to navigate this transition with grace and ease.

1. Hot flashes: Ah, the infamous Hot Flashes. These sudden waves of heat can make you feel like you're standing on the sun. Your face becomes flushed, your body temperature rises, and beads of sweat form on your brow. Remember, you're not alone in this. Take a deep breath and know that it will pass.

2. Night sweats can be an uncomfortable and disruptive symptom of menopause. Waking up drenched in sweat, with sheets clinging to your body, can interfere with your sleep and overall well-being. However, there are remedies available to help you stay cool and enjoy restful nights.

3. Mood swings: Ah, the rollercoaster of emotions. One moment you're laughing, the next you're in tears. Menopause can wreak havoc on your hormonal balance, causing sudden shifts in your mood. Remember, it's okay to feel all the feels. Give yourself permission to acknowledge and express your emotions. Seek support from loved ones and consider practices like meditation and journaling to find inner peace.

4. Fatigue: Menopause can leave you feeling like you've been hit by a ton of bricks, my friend. Fatigue and exhaustion are common symptoms during this time. Your energy levels might plummet, and even simple tasks can feel like climbing Mount Everest. Remember, it's okay to rest and prioritize self-care. Listen to your body and give it the rest it needs.

5. Sleep disturbances: Ah, the elusive beauty sleep. Menopause can throw a wrench in your sleep patterns, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. You might find yourself tossing and turning, counting sheep in the wee hours of the morning. Here are strategies to help you reclaim your restful nights: Establish a bedtime routine, create a sleep-friendly environment, and consider relaxation techniques like meditation or gentle yoga.

6. Changes in libido: Menopause can also have an impact on your sexual desire and satisfaction. You might experience a decrease in libido or changes in vaginal lubrication. Remember, my friend, that this is a normal part of the journey. Open communication with your partner and exploring alternative intimate activities can help maintain a healthy and fulfilling sex life.

7. Memory lapses: Ah, the infamous "menopause brain." Forgetfulness and memory lapses can become a frequent visitor during this time. You might find yourself misplacing your keys more often or struggling to remember names and appointments. But fear not, my friend, for there are strategies to help you stay sharp. Stay organized, use reminders and calendars, and engage in

Navigating menopause can be a unique and personal journey for every woman. Here are some general tips to help you navigate this phase of life:

1. Educate yourself: Learn about the physical and emotional changes that occur during menopause. Understanding what to expect can help you better manage symptoms and make informed decisions.
2. Seek support: Connect with other women going through menopause. Join support groups, online communities, or seek guidance from healthcare professionals. Sharing experiences and advice can provide comfort and reassurance.
3. Prioritize self-care: Take care of your physical and emotional well-being. Eat a balanced diet, engage in regular exercise, get enough sleep, and practice stress management techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises.
4. Talk to your healthcare provider: Discuss your symptoms and concerns with your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance, recommend treatments, or suggest lifestyle changes to help manage menopause symptoms.
5. Consider hormone therapy: If appropriate for your situation, discuss hormone therapy options with your healthcare provider. Hormone therapy can help alleviate certain menopause symptoms, but it's important to weigh the benefits and risks.
6. Adapt your lifestyle: Make adjustments to your lifestyle to accommodate the changes that menopause brings. This may include managing stress, incorporating relaxation techniques, adjusting your exercise routine, and making dietary changes.
7. Stay informed about health screenings: Regularly schedule check-ups and screenings for conditions such as osteoporosis, heart disease, and breast cancer. Menopause can increase the risk of certain health issues, so staying proactive is important.

Remember, every woman's experience with menopause is unique. It's essential to listen to your body, be patient with yourself, and seek the support and guidance you need during this transition.

Functional medicine practitioners take a holistic approach to healthcare, focusing on the whole person rather than just treating isolated symptoms. When it comes to navigating menopause, functional medicine practitioners recognize that each individual experiences this transition differently. They understand that menopause is not just a hormonal change but a complex interplay of various factors, including genetics, lifestyle, environment, and emotional well-being.

Functional medicine practitioners aim to identify and address the root causes of menopause symptoms, rather than simply providing temporary relief. They take into account the unique dynamics of each person's body, considering factors such as hormone balance, gut health, stress levels, nutrition, and lifestyle habits.

They might suggest conducting comprehensive assessments to gain a deeper understanding of an individual's health status. They may evaluate hormone levels, nutrient deficiencies, adrenal function, and other relevant markers to develop a personalized treatment plan.

Treatment approaches in functional medicine may include a combination of lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, stress management techniques, targeted supplementation, and, if necessary, hormone optimization. The goal is to support the body's natural healing mechanisms, restore balance, and improve overall well-being during the menopausal transition.

Functional medicine practitioners also emphasize patient education and empowerment. They take the time to listen to their patients' concerns, provide guidance, and educate them about the changes happening in their bodies. This helps individuals gain a better understanding of their own health and enables them to actively participate in their own care.

By focusing on the whole person and considering the unique dynamics of each individual, functional medicine practitioners can provide a more comprehensive and personalized approach to navigating menopause. This approach aims to optimize health, reduce symptoms, and improve overall quality of life during this transformative phase.

If you would like to gain more clarity and specific guidance to understand and resolve your symptoms, contact us here. At Glow we take a 100% personalised approach, offer guidance tailored to your specific needs, evaluate your unique health situation, discuss your concerns, and develop a plan to help you better prepare for and navigate menopause effectively.