Perimenopause, menopause and post menopause are natural life stages that all women go through, but they're often shrouded in secrecy and shame. Why is that?
Here are a few reasons why we may avoid thinking about or talking about perimenopause and menopause:
They're associated with ageing. Our culture is obsessed with youth, and perimenopause and menopause are often seen as signs of ageing. This can be difficult for many women, especially those who have been conditioned to believe that their worth is tied to their appearance.
They can be uncomfortable to talk about. Perimenopause and menopause can cause a variety of physical and emotional symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. These symptoms can be embarrassing and uncomfortable to talk about, even with close friends and family members.
They're often misunderstood. There's a lot of misinformation and stigma surrounding perimenopause and menopause. Many people believe that these life stages are all about hot flashes and mood swings, but that's not the case. Perimenopause and menopause can also be a time of great personal growth and transformation.
They're a reminder of our mortality. Perimenopause and menopause mark the end of our reproductive years. This can be a difficult reality to face, especially for women who have always wanted to be mothers.
So, what can we do to break the silence around perimenopause and menopause?
Start talking about it. The more we talk about perimenopause and menopause, the more we can normalize these life stages and help other women feel seen and heard.
Educate ourselves. The more we know about perimenopause and menopause, the less scary they seem. There are many great resources available online and in libraries.
Support each other. We're all in this together. Let's create a community of support for women who are going through perimenopause and menopause.
Here are a few additional tips for talking about perimenopause and menopause:
Be open and honest about your own experiences.
Be respectful of other women's experiences, even if they're different from your own.
Avoid using negative language or stereotypes.
Focus on the positive aspects of perimenopause and menopause, such as personal growth and transformation.
Perimenopause and menopause are natural parts of life. Let's break the silence and start talking about them.
Why is exercise important during the perimenopause and menopause?
Exercise is important during the perimenopause and menopause for a number of reasons. These include:
Maintaining a healthy weight. As women age, their metabolism slows down, making it easier to gain weight. Exercise can help to burn calories and prevent weight gain.
Building and maintaining muscle mass. Muscle mass helps to support bones and protect joints. Exercise, especially resistance training, can help to build and maintain muscle mass.
Strengthening bones. Osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones, is a common problem for women after menopause. Exercise, especially weight-bearing exercises, can help to strengthen bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Improving cardiovascular health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women. Exercise can help to improve cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and the risk of blood clots.
Reducing the risk of other chronic diseases. Exercise can help to reduce the risk of other chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, stroke, and some types of cancer.
Improving mood and mental health. Exercise can help to improve mood, reduce stress, and boost self-esteem. This is especially important during the perimenopause and menopause, when many women experience mood swings and other emotional challenges.
In addition to these general health benefits, exercise can also help to relieve some of the specific symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep problems.
It's important from a personal training and exercise perspective for a trainer to acknowledge and understand the various physical, hormonal and life changes that clients experience during perimenopause and menopause.
Adapting your routine to accommodate and work alongside these changes is crucial.
As a qualified perimenopause and menopause personal trainer I work with you to understand your individual requirements at this important time, and to support you through creating sustainable changes that focus on improving your health, core strength and wellbeing.
I will be running a promotion specifically relating to perimenopause and menopause fitness toward the end of October '23.
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