Menopause? What? Me?
By guest blogger, Caroline Shore
Let me tell you about my experience. I must have been around 42 when I first experienced hot sweats in bed at night. I would wake from a deep sleep to realise the sheets were dripping and so was I. It did not dawn on me that I could have been at the very beginning of a long journey that would end with the menopause. I was far too young for any of that stuff. In fact, most people thought I was way younger than my years. If only someone had told my body that. And if only I had been better educated then about what was to come. I blamed the night sweats on too much wine and moved on.
Thankfully we are just starting to see more frank and open conversations in the media about the menopause. And this in turn is encouraging women to talk more freely with each other about something that is still considered taboo, a nonsense, and often, a fertile ground for jokes.
There are at least 35 different symptoms of the menopause (and peri menopause which precedes menopause). As women we do ourselves a disservice if we don’t gen-up on this subject. Menopause can creep up on you and leave you in a state you were not prepared for. The well known symptoms are hot flushes and night sweats. The lesser known symptoms can be:
urinary urgency (where you find yourself desperate for a wee and experience feelings of panic until you can get to the loo)
aching joints
itchy skin
hair loss
irritable leg syndrome in bed
disturbed sleep
Some women experience crippling forgetfulness, the type when you can’t recall why you walked into a room, which can be tricky if you happen to be walking into your own Board meeting. You could have anxiety, panic attacks or bouts of severe depression. You could have chronic fatigue and symptoms of crashing tiredness. You may feel little electric shocks in strange places. I could go on and on.
It is important to state that not everyone experiences these symptoms, but many report years later that they wish they had recognised and acknowledged these symptoms earlier. This would have helped them minimise and manage the symptoms much more effectively.
If you are starting to experience some of the above you may just be entering peri-menopause. As a professional woman in today's world you may feel you want more support to be at your best physically and psychologically. Consider the following sources of help:
Join an online group (search for “Pause For Menopause” on Facebook) to read about real life experiences and get practical advice from those who may be going through a similar experience to you
There are loads of additional online resources. Take a look at www.mysecondspring.ie
If you have a professional coach, and feel comfortable doing so, talk about these symptoms. A good coach will think beyond just the psychological and will have an open and frank conversation about the menopause.
Beware if your GP offers you anti-depressants before considering other options. There are changes to your diet and lifestyle that can really help, as can herbal and prescription medicines
Above all, don't be like me. I waited until I was 55. I struggled on. I could have helped myself enter this stage of my life so much easier if I had recognised what was happening to me.
Caroline Shore BSc (Hons) MBPsS is an accredited Master Executive Coach with over 15 years coaching experience at senior level. She is a founding fellow of the Institute of Coaching and accredited by The Solicitor's regulatory body. She constantly strives for self improvement and is a qualified fitness instructor. She cycles regularly long distance and has just completed a Psychology degree. Her coaching focuses on personal presence, self determination and impact enabling others to approach decisions and situations with clarity, assurance, gravitas and confidence.
www.carolineshore.com
Tel: +44 (0)7769883664