Sarah Maxwell shares a second instalment of vital menopause info

Menopause is a hot topic at the moment and has had a seismic shift in interest, giving us information and essential knowledge that we didn’t have previously. With this in mind, it’s surprising that post menopause isn’t a bigger subject, especially considering that the post menopausal stage is the longest period of time in a female’s life.

Just like puberty, pregnancy and peri menopause, post menopause can be entirely different again. You may think we’ve done menopause to death, but there is so much more for us to learn about ourselves and the stages we go through in order to support ourselves and enable us to pass on what we’ve learnt to those starting to navigate their way through the minefield of information and the distress that can often come with it.

Post menopause symptoms

You may have none of the below, you may have some, you may have all and more.

  • Mood swings
  • Anxiety
  • Disturbed sleep
  • Night sweats
  • Recurrent cystitis
  • Exhaustion
  • Thinning of hair
  • Lack of libido
  • Bowel and urination problems

Whilst many of the above post menopausal symptoms – such as mood swing and hot flushes – will resolve over time for many, it’s important to know that some may remain. This is why I encourage all women, particularly at this stage in their lives, to look after their health and wellbeing. Now is the time to build a good foundation for your overall health and wellbeing.

It’s never too late to start putting a few things in place, especially those that make you feel good.

It’s important to focus on good nutrition, making sure you include more fibre, calcium, essential vitamins and nutrients in your diet.

There is a great podcast series by Naturopath Jennifer Harrington on Spotify called Menopause Natural Solutions which was developed to help women transitioning into menopause rediscover their health and happiness in midlife, which you may be interested to listen to.

Post menopause health checker

It’s important to pay close attention to the following:

  • Gut health issues
  • Thyroid function
  • Heart disease
  • Obesity
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Plus, remember to book regular smears and breast checks. A health check is available from your GP for anyone aged 40 and above. mygp.com/what-does-a-health-check-include

Services available to you

Menopause Support is a service you can be referred to by your GP menopausesupport.co.uk. I understand that not everyone is lucky enough to have access to a GP who has an interest and understanding about menopause and how it presents in so many different ways. If, unfortunately, your doctor doesn’t support you, you may want to show them this page and, if that doesn’t work, change your doctor to one who wants to support you and others like you. There’s a helpful leaflet that you can download from The Menopause Charity’s website:
themenopausecharity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/How-to-ask-your-GP-for-help-rev.pdf

In a nutshell

A well balanced diet and regular exercise you enjoy doesn’t mean starvation diets and extreme exercise – something I never recommend. A healthy sprinkle of good food, movement, relaxation, rest and play is all we need. Take baby steps so that you are in a strong position to start what is the longest phase of your life as a woman and make a plan to enjoy every moment.

Sarah Maxwell is a multi award-winning weight loss, lifestyle and fitness coach. Find out more about her work…
Instagram: @sarahmaxlife Twitter: @sarahmax100 sarahmaxwell.com

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