My Relationship with Menopause

Before I alarm you I am not in menopause at age 30 or what would actually be called perimenopause (referring to the time during which your body makes the natural transition to menopause, marking the end of the reproductive years). For most of my life, anytime I thought about perimenopause, which wasn’t that often as it seemed like a lifetime away I would quickly try to think of other things as I felt fear. As someone who has suffered with my period on and off since age 11 I believed that perimenopause symptoms would most likely be a hellish experience for me. 

Then, to my surprise I see a friend, who also suffered with similar struggles, cruise through menopause with just some cramps in her legs.. Wow; I am not destined to be tormented it seems – HALLELUJAH!

With age and wisdom, from taking an interest in my own body (hello 3 periods using just 2 painkillers – winning) I’ve learned we are a lot more in control than we think. We tend to suffer because our body makes changes and we aren’t even taught what is going on, making us powerless. Then, our bodies give us signals, crying out for us to make changes and we are often ‘too busy’ to act or even to attempt listening, thus destined to endure unpleasant symptoms.

Well, it is time we empower ourselves. When I started The Healthy Period Series I had friends asking me to do an event on menopause and that, along with the care I’ve given to my womb and hormones this last year has opened up a whole new perspective.

Getting diagnosed with Dysmennorhea (painful reoccurring periods) and being told having a baby ‘might’ help didn’t leave me feeling so optimistic, but knowing I had once put it into remission and with all this new information from books written by women who actually did change their own narratives I committed to the cause of nurturing my reproductive health.

If I had to make 5 points to guide you in the right direction

The Healthy Period Series – Cycle Syncing

Here are some of the resources from our second event of ‘The Healthy Period Series’, where we got the opportunity to speak with Ali Brady of ‘Earthwise Yoga’, all about cycle syncing, yoga and other methods to consider as a means to support our period health.

TIPS

• Track your cycle all month long – energy, emotions, symptoms, mindset –Use apps, charts & journal.

• Tune in to how your body is actually feeling rather than always pushing on because you have an endless to do list. 

• Be prepared to prioritise yourself and meet the needs of your body – food prep, rest, exercise.

• Accept yourself exactly as you are in the moment.

• Become familiar with what your hormones & uterus are doing in each phase.

THE SEASONS OF YOUR CYCLE – Inspired by cycle syncing, a term coined by Alisa Vitta and worth your consideration.

1. SPRING TIME: Follicular Phase Starts (Pre-ovulation)

Inner masculine energy.

Starts the day your bleed ends. Energy starts to increase.

Priorities & best practices: 1. Start scheduling appointments & any big jobs. 2. Good time to start new habits.

Best forms of movement are classes that require more energy such as

• Vinyasa Yoga
• Hatha Yoga

Or trying a new workouts

• Pilates or Dancing
• Body strength as an online ballet class

When it comes to food: Eat moderate amounts of soy, add sprouts & fermented food, enjoy more healthy fats like avocado, olives & coconut and give preference to steaming & sauteing

Flowers in bloom, springtime at Garnish Island, Cork, Ireland

SUMMER TIME: Ovulation Phase Inner masculine energy. Might feel you could do anything!