Menopause-the hormonal tsunami

An official definition;
‘The period in a woman’s life (typically between the ages of 45 and 50) when menstruation ceases.’
But nobody tells you the truth!
A bit like puberty-you know the body changes and it’s expected that you’ll have ‘puppy’ fat and be ‘hormonal- it’s the same with menopause.
Does anyone actually explain that at times you’ll feel there’s a different person living inside you, that you feel crazy and probably act like that at times?
Same as postnatal highs and lows -one minute fill of energy and the next crying like you’ve lost everything.
Well, you’re not on your own. I think it’s kept as a hidden secret just for the hell of it! And it is hell sometimes.
So if you feel you’ve lost the plot at the menopausal age or any of these hormonal tsunami times, take heart there is understanding and help.
So, after all I have read and experienced so far I can confirm it is a life changing time. Our hormones interact with ALL of our other systems therefore if one is going through change they all are.
These systems interact with each other and the flow of information is in all directions so explaining that if one part of the body is out of balance then the rest is to a greater or lesser degree.
Let me help clarify;

P.N.E. I.-
• Psychological-meaning mental health
• Neurological-nervous system
• Endocrine-hormonal system
• Immunology-our immune system
Rock one of these systems and it sends out help messages and alarm bells to the others causing a shift in the balanced way our bodies work.
Throw the menopausal hormonal tsunami and let’s see what can possibly happen
Psychological/mental health -anxiety, foggy brain, insomnia, depression, lower self-esteem, manic episodes- why? The answers can range from the effect of the hormone changes affecting our brain and perception to the changes that come with mid-life children leaving home, possibly the realisation of having no children, parents needing care etc
Neurological health-Oestrogens depletion can bring on a combination of hormonal and biochemical fluctuations that can lead to changes in your brain and nervous system-mood swings, memory loss, problems focusing, irritability, fatigue, hot flushes, night sweats, stress, anxiety and depression.
Endocrine health/balance-fatigue, depression, irritability, anxiety, memory difficulties, weight gain, and urinary incontinence, vaginal dryness and painful intercourse, decreased libido, increased risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis
Immune system –It has been shown ageing of the immune system results in an increased susceptibility to infections and decreased response to vaccination. And that postmenopausal women show higher chronic levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (immune system messengers)
Getting the picture? It can be traumatic but it doesn’t have to be.
I have helped lots of women through this sometimes turbulent life transition. To survive it healthily first get informed. Don’t become a hypochondriac as you will not be affected in all of the ways possible so fear is not required as an added feature.

For lots more information see my articles on;

Taming the Meno-pudge

Balancing Hormones Naturally

Having a happier menopause