Women are quitting early over it. Guys joke about it. It’s costing companies a fortune. Could it be the 7 little feckers of menopause at work? 

Here’s the lowdown on what they don’t tell you about the changes ahead.

Droopy. Pert boobs heading south? Probably the least of your concerns when you start feeling strangely hot and sweaty in non-steamy situations. Menopause usually kicks in between the ages of 45-52.

Itchy. Vaginas dry out and get itchy as ovaries retire. Vaginal dryness responds to ‘lube.’ Vaginal walls are delicate and more likely to tear. Love your vagina with an estrogen or silicone lubricant and stop that itch. Sex is good for you, and while contraception may not be a worry, STI rates are rising fastest in post-menopausal women.

Bitchy. Moodiness, irritability, forgetfulness are a breeze for PMS veterans – and loving partners. Lack of sleep makes everyone grumpy. You get less during menopause. Rising testosterone levels have you snapping at cheeky builders or anyone else who irritates you.

Bloaty. Freedom from periods pales slightly when your stomach softens and expands. Time to hit the gym or suffer ‘suck you in’ pants.

Sweaty. Hot flushes and night sweats are the most dramatic swansong of  ‘the  change.’ A whopping 10 degree shift in one minute – now that’s a power surge. It drops back in 1-2 minutes. Unexpectedly flushing to the roots of your hair like a teen is hard. Red wine and curries may worsen them. Make up your own mind. Change to beer with your curry? Tapas with red wine?

Leaky. Lots has changed since you pushed out your babies. Weakened pelvic floor muscles pose problems for bladder control, infections and fewer lovely orgasms. Bring back the Kegels, have ultrasound and get checked by a urologist. Minor surgery works wonders to stop leaks and revive orgasms.

Sleepy. Waking up with all that sweating, flushing and sheet changing makes 4am the new 10 o’clock. Insomnia affects weight, mood, libido, concentration and coping skills. Read some Philosophy and avoid screens in the bedroom. Nothing wrong with a bit of Mindfulness or brief siesta before 3pm to catch up on sleep.

And the rest?

Misbehaving hair, coarse complexion and a whisker or two are swiftly dealt with at your beauty salon. Menopause is weirdly interesting. Kind of like adolescence – without the angst!

Mind Over Menopause

Mindfulness Hypnotherapy eases hot flushes, improves mood, reduces anxiety and helps sleep. I found it great.

Dr Gary Elkins, Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Baylor University, validates it for menopause discomforts. ‘Hypnotherapy cuts hot flashes by up to 80% ,’ says research at Baylor University’s Mind-Body Medicine Research Laboratory,’It works on menopause symptoms, especially in cases where hot flushes are dominant and relieve anxiety, sadness and stress.’

No time for slimy acrylic

Eat good food in smaller amounts as your calorie needs decrease, it saves on cooking!  Mindfulness Hypnotherapy makes weight control easy and motivates you to exercise.

Keep your brain in gear. Treat yourself to cool cottons, silks and fresh linens for total comfort day and night. Keep pjs by your bed for quick night changes.

Diva or Martyr?

Menopause arrives when kids are fleeing the nest – hardly a fair exchange. But you’ve been around for half a century. You know by now that you can’t control life. Your response is up to you.

Life beyond PMS?  Energised, focused and confident.

No need to let those 7 Little Feckers of Menopause get to you.

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