In my part time role I am delivering multiple sessions on the Menopause this month, and at the age of 39, the research is definitely hitting home. I shared this on Linkedin last week and had many people engaging and commenting on the need for more information.

So this may not appeal to everyone who receives my newsletter but nevertheless I feel it important to share.

My friends and I have been vaguely discussing the menopause on and off for the past few years. Although it is something I have researched in my wellbeing role, I am now taking my own advice and creating my Menopause plan. I’d recommend you do the same; it’s not too early to reflect on many of these steps, and it is not too late if you are currently experiencing peri-menopausal symptoms or are even menopausal / post-menopausal.

Side note: this information is also relevant to men, be aware and be a support to the women in your life whether at home or in the workplace. The UK economy needs to not lose talented women in their prime from the workplace, we need to take both an individual and collective approach to improve.

My Menopause plan covers three main areas: Educating myself, Looking after myself and Talking to others.

I’m also really comfortable with the fact that this is a work in progress, as symptoms develop and change or not (around 25% of women experience no symptoms), and as my life situation changes.

Educating myself:

• I’ve watched the Davina Mccall documentaries, listened to podcasts, and read books by Dr Newsom and Maisie Hill (also has podcast and books on menstrual health)

• I don’t have female relatives to talk to about their experience, but if you do I would recommend this.

• I have a list of menopause symptoms and some questions in case my GP needs some direction in supporting me in the right way for me….

• Researched treatment options and also checked in with myself to see what I feel comfortable with not only for potential symptoms but also long term health.

Looking after myself:

• Sleep and rest is something I have been focusing on in the last year or so. Maisie Hill says that so many women are already exhausted when they come to see her, before their perimenopausal / menopausal symptoms start…which bring s me on to..

• Saying no more, and saying yes to myself more. Not easy as so much of my life was as a people pleaser and a “fixer”

• Allowing myself to be soft and seek support from others. I have always prided myself on my strength; physical and mental, but I accept that there are also times when I crave being soft.

• Eating for health and joy, as well as my values. Nutrition can be really supportive for symptoms and long term health. And as hormones fluctuate the way our bodies process food and store fat changes, including new intolerances. Simple changes like switching to wholegrain, bringing in more colour and variety and adding a fancy sprinkling of seeds to meals help.

• Exercising for bone health, balance and joy. I walk lots and enjoy the odd hike up a peak, so I feel comfortable with my cardio health, but adding in yoga and weight training has had a big impact on my confidence and will help to keep my bones strong and healthy when I most need it.

Talking to others:

• I have had chats with a few people so far personally, and professionally my role allows me to create conversations. I think this newsletter may prompt even more of this, and I am looking forward to engaging with more people.

I am determined to take a proactive approach to however the menopause may hit me, but more than anything I am determined to be compassionate with myself.

I urge you to do the same for yourself and others around you.

If you want to talk about this further, please do drop me an email.

PS if you think your organisation could benefit from Menopause training do get in touch. In my charity role we have a number of options available, all of which provide funding to our therapy services.