The Menopause Rollercoaster

Sometimes menopause isn’t just a phase. It can be a full-blown transformation that affects nearly every aspect of life. From fluctuating hormones to shifting body composition, many women find themselves wondering, “What happened to me?” If you’re feeling like a stranger in your own body, you’re not alone. Here’s what’s happening and, more importantly, what you can do about it.

C'est moi?! Mais non! / Photo: Kenzie Craft on Unsplash

The hormonal rollercoaster

As oestrogen and progesterone levels drop significantly, they impact everything from mood to metabolism. These shifts can trigger hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disturbances, leaving you exhausted and drained. Low energy levels can make even daily tasks feel overwhelming. You might find yourself on an emotional seesaw: one moment feeling anxious or irritable, the next feeling really like your self-esteem has been abducted by aliens. Some women experience brain fog and forgetfulness. (I know I did – which made me frantically click through a million and one online dementia tests.)

It can feel like this, yes / Photo: Stephen Hatel on Unsplash

Changes in weight gain and aches and pains

Even if your what you eat and your exercise routine haven’t changed, weight gain, especially around the dreaded midsection. This is due to a slowing metabolism and the natural decline in muscle mass (again due to hormone changes), making it harder to keep the same body shape and fitness. Which also contributes to joint pain and stiffness, which is why when getting out of bed in the morning, you may feel like a hunched-over cave-dweller.

G'mornin'! / Photo: TV Tropes

Managing menopause: Science-Backed Strategies

Managing perimenopause and menopause symptoms is about understanding your changing body and working with it, not against it. Here are some key lifestyle tips:

·       Eat protein & plants

·       Lift your body weight and other weights

·       Move in any way that brings you joy

·       Cut out ultra processed foods and refined carbs

·       Reduce chronic stress (it promotes belly fat storage)

·       Give your body time to rest from food

You don’t have to go through this alone. Health coaching with support, education, and small, sustainable changes can make a world of difference. Let’s navigate this journey together!

When it comes to managing menopause symptoms, lifestyle medicine can be your first port of call, offering sustainable, science-backed solutions to ease the process