What the Change!?!?

Menopause, the change of life, the big M, this change is one that happens in half of the human population. In the Western world that we live in, it is not as openly discussed or positively viewed as in other cultures around the world. One may think that the societal views of a biological process wouldn’t make a different in the experience of this change, but it does. In cultures where women gain more respect as they age, the symptoms they experience are less significant.

With all the changes that are occurring in the body, as they have happened for as long as humans have been alive, it is wild to think that it is sometimes such a taboo topic. The average life expectancy is 81 years old, with most women entering their post-menopause hormonal state at an average age of 51, this means that women will spend approximately 40% of their lives in this hormonal state.

Before we dive into common symptoms, hormonal changes and physiological changes that occur in the body during this shift, let’s get some definitions outlined first;

Peri-menopause: hormonal rollercoaster phase that occurs leading up to menopause. This phase can last anywhere from 4-10 years, with 4-5 years being the average length, and generally starting between ages 36-45.

Menopause: which is just actually only one day in time. Exactly 12 months without a menstrual cycle, commonly between ages 45-55, average age 51.

Post-Menopause: phase of life where menstrual cycle is finished.

As the body transitions from the menstrual, to peri, to post-menopause hormone phases, there are some common symptoms that occur. Some of these may seem familiar and might even be the reason you’re experiencing pee leaks and pelvic floor health issues. Hold tight, the list is a bit long;

• Hot flashes and night sweats

• Weight gain

• Heavy periods

• Incontinence: bladder leaks, urgency, night waking

• pelvic floor muscle weakening

• Vaginal pain and dryness

• Fatigue

• Brain fog

• Memory lapses

• Mental fuzziness

• Anger and mood swings

• Sleep disturbances

• Headaches and migraines

Sounds great, right??!! UUMMMM said no one ever.

There are good reasons for why these changes occur, but fear not, there are many ways that you can support your body in mitigating and managing these symptoms if they occur for you. Before we focus on how to support the body through these changes, I want to share with you the hormonal changes that are the culprit behind all these changes. Stay tuned for part 2 and part 3 of this topic - coming up in Oct!