#WorldMenopauseDay was a day to celebrate menopause, albeit for just one day. But shouldn’t every day be a day to be more aware of early menopause, perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause?

Why do we not celebrate menopause?

Surely by talking, discussing and raising awareness this will help inform women of what to expect and to prepare for the symptoms that lay ahead.

Creating a positive mindset, through knowledge and support will ensure that menopause will be normalised and accepted for this stage of a woman’s life.

Let’s not keep it a secret anymore, nor an unspoken taboo or treat with stigma and avoidance.

#UndoTheMenoTaboo

As women let’s all be strong, be empowered and be proud of what this stage of life has to offer! #MenoWarriors

This could be the answer?

So what does menopause bring with it?

Ok, so there are 34 symptoms;

• Anxiety.
• Insomnia.
• Hot Flushes.
• Weight gain.
• Mood swings.
• Fatigue.
• Low libido.
• Dry skin.
• Joint aches.
• Palpitations.
• Nights weats.
• Irregular periods.
• Low mood.
• Brain fog.
• Headaches.
• Tinnitus.
• Vaginal dryness.
• Hair loss.
• Dizziness.
• Bloating.
• Allergies.
• Brittle nails.
• Osteopororsis.
• Bladder problems.
• Breast pain.
• Dental problems.
• Nausea.
• Body Odour changing.
• A sense of panic.
• Muscle tension.
• Tingling sensation.
• Electric shock.
• Burning mouth.
• Hair loss.
• Irregular heartbeat.
• Source: Megs Menopause www.megsmenopause.com.

Menopause is a natural, biological process that will happen to all women.  Every woman will experience a different version of menopause, everyone is individual. No menopause is the same and everyone’s journey is so different.

Just think about what menopause has to offer?

• No more periods.
• No need for contraception.
• No more childbirth.
• Freedom.
• Power to create the next chapter of your life..
• Wisdom – having gone through the experience you can now offer advice and support to others, including your daughters, family members and friends.
• Career – you can now focus on regaining your career or deciding to balance your life/work balance to make it easier for you to manage.

How has this made you feel? Does this fill you with a sense of new adventure?  Has it left you feeling a sense of loss? Have you found this next stage energising? Have you made big life-changing decisions?

How can we manage menopause to maintain a good quality of life?

• Selfcare.
• Nutrition.
• Exercise.
• Hrt treatment.
• Natural menopause.
• Alternative remedies and treatments such as –
• Acupuncture – reflexology – deep tissue massage – aromatherapy -mindfulness.
• A good support network.
• A good relationship with your healthcare expert – enabling you to feel comfortable discussing your symptoms and what is going to work best for you.
• Be informed as you can, there are so many more helpful websites available now that offer advice and support for menopausal women.
• The following websites offer information and support;
• www.positivepause.co.uk
• www.megsmenopause.co.uk
• www.daisynetwork.co.uk
• www.menopausesupport.co.uk

This week’s Real-life Meno 60 seconds interview guest is Jo McEwan,  Co-Founder of PositivePause with fellow co-founder Ann Stephens.

Jo McEwan – Co-Founder PostivePause

Read Jo’s interview of her own personal journey through the stages of menopause and through the other side of menopause.

1)Best Part of menopause?

Happily, post-menopausal, it feels great on the other side, something that’s too often overlooked. With my kids grown up, I know that I’m lucky in that I’m not sandwiched between caring for an older and younger family, so I’ve got more time to prioritize work, pleasure and looking after number one. I feel completely energized now that I’m through menopause and I’m sure that it’s no coincidence.

2)Tell us your best #Menomoment?

Sitting in the gallery of the Houses of Parliament with Ann, co-founder of PP, listening to a debate on menopause we were delighted and very surprised to hear our website described by MP, Rachel McLean, as “incredible”. She said we “demystify some of the symptoms of menopause and to talk about them frankly.” As we’d just come from taking part in a Woman’s Hour discussion, it really was a day of #Menomoments!

3)What has been the worst part of your menopause?

Not being prepared for perimenopause made it feel so more perplexing than it needed to be. I felt totally wrong footed which seemed so at odds with what I thought I knew about my body – it turned out I knew very little indeed.

4) Have you taken the NHS or Private Health route to treat

your menopause?

NHS all the way. I’ve been fortunate in being able to access excellent NHS support, but I wouldn’t hesitate to consult some of the great private practitioners that I’ve met through PositivePause.  

5)Have you been supported within your workplace?

As a small business with just the two of us, deadlines and a raft of different pressures mean that perhaps we’re not as supportive of our own wellbeing as we should be. Note to self to look at this going forward! 

6)HRT or natural/alternative treatment for Menopause?

After a couple of years of hot flushes and soaring anxiety levels, and considering my own risk levels, I chose to take HRT. I don’t see HRT as a golden ticket, so I do try to ensure I get enough exercise, keep an eye on my diet and what I drink, sometimes the eye can wander! I think it’s important that women do what fits with their personal philosophy, do their research and make informed choices.

7) What advice would you give to a younger you prior to

Perimenopause and Menopause? 

Your symptoms creep up catching you out. Being aware of those early symptoms, (hello anxiety!), will make it less mysterious and discombobulating. Find out about what’s coming in advance.

8) Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

Fingers crossed – enjoying life, staying healthy and having little adventures with the husband.

9) Who would you like to give a shout out – mention too? Who

has been supportive and instrumental in helping you through

menopause? 

Dr Karen Morton’s been really supportive of our work both online and at our events. On a personal level, whenever I hear her talk at events she makes me laugh as well as taking away a practical, reassuring and supportive idea or two. So big shout out to Dr Karen! 

10)Who is your favourite #Menowarrior? 

I’ve recently met and had the pleasure of listening to talks by Jo Moseley, the voice behind the blog ‘Healthy Happy 50’, about how she navigated a tough perimenopause by getting on a paddleboard and taking on a massive challenge which has helped her physically, emotionally and creatively. She talks about it so powerfully, it resonates on so many levels! She’s my #Menowarrior.

Thank you, Jo, for your story.  We need more discussions regarding post-menopause, thank you for highlighting and talking about this stage. 

If you would like to follow Jo and Ann.  

Visit their fab website www.positivepause.co.uk the website has a wealth of information and positive support to help you through the stages of menopause.

Would you like to be our next real-life Meno 60 secs interview guest?

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Remember to turn the clocks back this weekend Menos, a well deserved lie in this weekend!!

Keep smiling and be positive Menos.