Alison's journey: Practicing self-care during the menopause

Every woman’s menopause journey is different. While some will sail through the menopause without any symptoms, 80-85% of women will experience at least one symptom in the perimenopause and menopause. Some can experience debilitating symptoms. Stress on the body from emotions, diet and lifestyle can have a huge impact on our hormones, which can result in menopause symptoms or an impact on them. We can't stop the menopause; however, we can make positive lifestyle changes that can help to support how we feel at this time. Alison shares her experience going through the menopause and how mindful self-care rituals can help. 

Alison's experience

Navigating menopause

Alison first noticed symptoms of menopause at the age of 45, though she didn’t immediately connect these changes to menopause due to a lack of information and awareness at the time. By the age of 47, she experienced classic symptoms like hot flushes and low energy, marking a definitive entry into menopause. 

During her transition into menopause, Alison faced vaginal health issues and recurring bladder infections and vaginal atrophy, which she initially did not associate with menopause. Alison sought medical advice when she experienced bladder issues, frequent infections, and discomfort. Like many women, she found herself in the dark about the connection between her symptoms and menopause. The medical professionals she consulted initially offered treatments like hormonal gels and intermittent antibiotics. However, the prospect of hormonal treatments, which could potentially reinstate her menstrual cycle, did not appeal to Alison, who had already gone several months without a period.

Menopause significantly impacted Alison's energy levels and sleep, subsequently affecting her work and social life. Her job as a self-employed yoga teacher provided her with the flexibility to manage her symptoms more effectively, which she acknowledges would have been more challenging in a rigid corporate structure. 

Education and awareness

As Alison delved deeper into her menopause journey, she realised a gap in resources and education. Her search for effective solutions led her to focus on lifestyle adjustments such as maintaining a good diet, staying hydrated, and engaging in activities like yoga and meditation that promoted overall wellness. Her proactive steps in seeking knowledge and experiments with various solutions emphasise the importance of self-awareness and advocacy in managing health during menopause.

Through her journey, Alison learned the importance of self-care rituals. She advocates for daily or weekly practices dedicated to maintaining mental and emotional health. Alison urges women to embrace these changes with confidence, encouraging a mindset of self-focus and acceptance.

Menopause in the workplace

Having spent several years as a wellbeing therapist for a corporate company, Alison observed firsthand the challenges women face in the workplace during menopause. Many women lacked adequate support, facing issues like unsympathetic policies on breaks and environmental controls. Alison advises the need for more flexible and understanding workplace environments, which could include better adaptation to women's needs, more frequent breaks, and increased awareness of menopausal symptoms.

Alison believes that the first step towards change is opening dialogues about menopause—not only among women but within families, social circles, and workplaces. Understanding that menopause affects all aspects of life can foster a supportive environment. She suggests educational initiatives and wellness programs within workplaces to spread awareness and lend support.

Alison's tips for navigating the menopause

Alison offers several insightful tips for women navigating the complexities of menopause:

• Establish self-care rituals: Alison emphasises the importance of dedicating time to self-care. She suggests creating daily or weekly rituals that focus on personal wellbeing, even if it's just a few minutes each day. This routine helps maintain mental and emotional health.
• Listen to your body: Being in tune with your body's needs and changes during menopause is crucial. Alison encourages women to pay attention to their energy levels, stressors, and emotional wellbeing to better manage symptoms.
  
• Empowerment through knowledge: Educating oneself about menopause and its symptoms can be empowering. Alison suggests researching available treatments and lifestyle adjustments to make informed decisions about managing symptoms.
• Nutrition and lifestyle: Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and engaging in regular physical activity, such as yoga and meditation, are vital to handling menopause effectively.
• Open communication: Alison recommends talking openly about menopause with family, friends, and healthcare providers to create a supportive environment and dispel myths or fears associated with this natural phase.
  

By incorporating these tips, Alison hopes to inspire and support other women in navigating menopause with confidence and a sense of empowerment.

Key takeaways

Alison's experience shows the need for comprehensive education and open conversations around menopause-related issues, including lesser-known symptoms like vaginal atrophy and its associated conditions. Her story is a testament to the crucial role of awareness and education in empowering women to seek appropriate care and support during menopause. Through patience, self-awareness, and a proactive approach, Alison champions the journey through menopause as one of empowerment and transformation.

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• Emma Skeets on surgically-induced menopause
• Claire's journey: Navigating horrific menopause symptoms
• Carole's journey: From postnatal depression to menopause
• Janine's journey: Finding confidence during the menopause
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