Talking Menopause
Updated: Oct 17, 2018
Hot flushes and irrational behaviour - is that Menopause summed up?
Far from it and yet there isn't a lot of 'awareness' out there about the 34 (!) symptoms of menopause that women can and are suffering from in their midlife. Is this just a lack of empathy or because there is a real gap in the research? Humans are, after all, one of only three creatures known to experience it (the others are killer whales and short-finned pilot whales).
When asked at what stage a woman ceases to feel the torments of the flesh, a woman replied "I don't know. I am only 65"! - Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir
We may mock National Pizza Day (Feb 9th) or National Boyfriend Day (Oct 3rd) but there is something to be said for bringing focus to topics which otherwise get brushed under the carpet. World Menopause Day, this year on Thursday October 18th, raises awareness of midlife women's health and there is quite a hive of activity going on around it.
Where to chat?
Join the Latte Lounge, an online forum for Women over 40 to share experiences and more importantly find solutions that work. This Thursday join a Facebook Live panel talking all things Menopause https://www.lattelounge.co
Move over mumsnet this is Henpicked - 'UK’s largest, fastest-growing website for women who weren’t born yesterday' - articles by women for women to review and comment on along with curation content on topics of interest for women over 40 https://henpicked.net/about-us/
Read their story...
Still somewhat of a taboo subject, Menopause is receiving some well needed airtime in the media with the help of Meg Matthews and Loose Women's Andrea McLean. Here are their stories and advice on how to cope.
Meg Matthews
https://www.redonline.co.uk/health-self/nutrition/a528031/we-need-to-talk-about-the-menopause/
Andrea McLean - see our competition below to win her book!
Typically candid, and including tips and tricks on diet, exercise and even your sex life, in her book 'Confessions of a Menopausal Woman' Andrea brings her trademark humour and honesty to a very hot topic.
And how can exercise help?
Aside from the general health benefits that exercise brings at any stage in your life there are certain disciplines that are particularly beneficial to women in midlife. The controlled movements of Yoga and Pilates, and in particular focus on strengthening the core and pelvic floor which can take a battering during childbirth and again weakens during menopause. These practices also bring attention back to the breath, calming the mind and helping to quieten the noise of the day which could otherwise become overwhelming.
Why not arrange a 1-2-1 with one of our Pilates teachers to discuss your experiences and concerns and see which of our classes would be right for you. COMPETITION TIME
WIN Confessions of a Menopausal Woman by Andrea McLean & Sylk Natural UK
Enter by emailing to our competition by 26/10/18.
The winning name will be pulled at random on 27/10/18 to claim the prize.
A uniquely natural and silky lubricant, Sylk’s plant-based female friendly formula works in harmony with your body. Made in New Zealand with kiwi vine gum extract, Sylk gently soothes vaginal dryness and provides lubrication. And you don't need to be suffering from the menopause to use it!