Menopause: What Every Women Over 40 Needs To Know

There are so many things that women over 40 should know as they head into menopause. In this article, Nurse Becky will be sharing some of the key facts and advice that can really make the journey easier.

The first thing I wish every woman over 40 knew is that, while menopause can bring along some challenging moments, it’s also an amazing opportunity to take stock of your life and focus on lifestyle choices including exercise, diet, alcohol intake/smoking and stress and sleep that will future proof your health. Life can be very busy with work, family and elderly parents, but making some tweakments or adjustments can support you in the long run.

We all know that movement and exercise are vital for health. Movement isn’t just about fitness, but is about keeping your body, mind and independence as you age. Cardio exercise is fantastic for heart and lung health, but don’t overlook strength training — it’s a game-changer for protecting your bones, joints and muscles as you age. Both boost metabolism and enhance weight control. Our brains also benefit from increased blood flow improving memory, focus and boosting mood by regulating stress hormones.

Your diet is just as important. Paying attention to what you’re putting into your body can make a huge difference. Did you know that by boosting your protein intake can (help you feel stronger,) preserve lean muscle mass, support heathy metabolism, aid fat loss, regulate blood sugar levels, protect bone health and support skin, hair and connective tissue? Increasing protein intake sets you up for a vibrant, healthy life afterwards. We all know that by limiting alcohol intake, stopping smoking, reducing stress levels and getting as much sleep as we can also make this transition time easier.

Another thing many women don’t realise is that symptoms can actually start earlier than expected. Perimenopausal signs often show up in the early 40s, and it’s easy to miss the connection between those “odd little changes” and the start of the change.

Finally it’s worth remembering that the perimenopause/menopause isn’t only about physical symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and aching joints. Emotional and cognitive symptoms — like mood shifts or brain fog, anxiety and palpitations — are just as real and deserve as much attention and care.

And most importantly, you don’t have to go through this alone. There is plenty of support out there. At FrownDocs, we offer a complete menopause pathway where we take a holistic approach, look at you as an individual, meeting your unique needs and help you manage your symptoms so you can feel your best.

If you’d like personalised support on your menopause journey, you can book now for a consultation with Nurse Becky or contact us if you have any queries.