MICHELLE KEENAN empowers people and organisations to achieve
optimal wellbeing by providing customised wellness coaching programmes tailored to their unique needs and goals.
This week’s column is not just for the women.
If you’re a guy, you might be tempted to stop reading, but please don’t, because this affects you too!
Every woman who makes it to middle age (and some much earlier) will go through this, and a little knowledge and understanding can go a long way when it comes to supporting your partners, sisters, friends, colleagues, and daughters through what can be an incredibly challenging time.
In New Zealand, most women will start perimenopause between the ages of 42 and 56, although it can start even earlier, and it will generally last between three and 10 years.
During perimenopause, oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone (yes, women have testosterone too!) decline, which can cause a host of symptoms that can negatively impact quality of life.
Symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and mood swings can have a detrimental effect on all aspects of life, including career and relationships, and sadly suicide rates increase among women of perimenopausal age.
Most of us know about the hot flashes, weight gain, and changes to our menstrual cycle, but here are 10 lesser-known signs of perimenopause to look out for:
- Anxiety and depression
- Joint pain
- Post-nasal drip
- Tinnitus
- Body odour
- Vertigo
- Increased or new allergies
- Thinning hair
- Bowel issues
- Skin sensitivity and itching
If you suspect you might be perimenopausal, you can support your own well-being by eating well and exercising regularly.
Make sure you include cardio that gets you out of breath, as well as resistance training, which is important for maintaining muscle mass, and getting enough sleep, especially if the hot flashes are waking you a lot during the night.
It’s also a great idea to see your doctor to confirm a diagnosis, and to discuss ways to manage your symptoms, including whether hormone replacement therapy is a good option for you.
www.michellekeenan.com
