Menopause woes

Walking for Health – Self Care is painful at times

February 19, 2019

Walking for Health is recognised as being very beneficial. It has been described as the perfect exercise. It benefits our bodies and our minds. It helps reduce diabetes and heart disease and the benefits for the mind are well documented

Walking improves self-perception, self-esteem, mood and sleep quality. It also reduces stress, anxiety and fatigue. Physically active people have up to a 30% reduced risk of becoming depressed, and staying active helps those who are depressed recover.

In older people, staying active can improve cognitive function, memory, attention and processing speed, and reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

Walking for Health

If you have read any of my earlier posts you will have read that I suffer from joint pain and osteoarthritis. After a nursing career spanning 38 years a lot of this is due to wear and tear after being on my feet for most of that time.

After an injury last year I had need to undergo an MRI and consult with an orthopaedic surgeon. He advised me that I was not to perform any exercise involving impact e.g. running on the treadmill or Zumba (which I loved). He recommended as much walking for health as possible, this echoes earlier advice I had received after being diagnosed with a chronic back condition, facet joint syndrome.

I try to walk as much as possible and since retiring I use public transport more and walk to destinations. This though is not as frequent as I would like in the winter months. Mr Fitz and I used to walk as a hobby but its an activity that we got out of the habit of doing.

Weekend Walk

A sunny Sunday afternoon along the canal

Mr Fitz striding ahead

Last Sunday Mr Fitz decided we should try a walk that was accessible for our hose and had been recommended to him. We didn’t use a map or any prior research just followed the verbal directions given to him by his colleague.

As the weather has been really pleasant we thought we would enjoy the February sunshine. I do have a pedometer but on this occasion I used the Map My Walk app on my phone to monitor progress and distance. Walking for Health was one of my New Year goals and I was happy to get out.

The walk ended up as being over 8 km in distance, with a stop for refreshments. The app can be paused when you take a stop and restarted. I however forgot to restart for the final part of the journey so I did not manage to track the full total. I am aware that I ma so out of condition compared to my younger days and that Mr Fitz is far fitter than I. But I am made of strong stuff and even though I am ‘out of puff’ on inclines I will not be beaten. The sights and smell of fresh air are so exhilarating, not least the fabulous dogs to be seen and patted on route. We passed along the banks of the nearby canal and the sun was dappling the water, boats moored there were colourful and the geese were noisy!

Colourful boats

Fabulous sights and sounds to lift the mood and bring a smile. We have vowed to take this route and others more regularly.

Fresh air and walking is perfect exercise

The afternoon sun dappling the water and Canada geese

Post walk pain

As the walk progressed I could feel my joints creaking and I developed a blister under my foot, I underestimated the length of the walk chose the wrong footwear! We rewarded ourselves with a beer on the way home, I chose a half pint of Guinness with blackcurrant. Heaven and well deserved. I slept better than I had for a long time, I’m usually woken several times a night due to menopausal hot flushes. The next morning I had stiffness and pain in joints and muscles and was hobbling and struggling to straighten up! I know others give in to these symptoms and stop exercising due to this. I really would encourage anyone else who does feel like this to continue, after a soak in the bath with muscle relaxing bath product and some analgesia and anti inflammatory’s I was much improved.

To me the other after effects such as the increased endorphins, improved sleep and the chance to spend quality time with Mr Fitz outside in the fresh air far outweighs the pain. I suffer pain and discomfort anyway, even after a day spent sat at my computer. I strongly encourage everyone to get outdoors and walk.

Do you have a love of walking, maybe a favourite walking routine you’d like to share with me. I love hearing from you and reading your comments.

Update on Joint pain and use of GOPO® supplements in the menopause

January 6, 2019

use of GoPo supplements for joint pain

Taking the pain out of the menopause: are menopausal women overlooking their joint health?

These are the words from the providers of GoPo supplements. You may have read my earlier post about my injury earlier this year and how it exacerbated my already present joint pain

I accepted a trial of GOPO® supplements derived from natural rosehip.

The menopause has a lot to answer for, especially in my experience. Hot flushes, night sweats, loss of libido and low mood are all commonly recognised menopausal symptoms. Yet, joint pain affects as many as 40% of all menopausal women[i] and joint stiffness is the most common contributor to impairment of quality of life and work in women of a menopausal age.

Menopausal joint pain, is commonly mistaken as an inevitable part of the ‘aging’ process and whilst women may seek help for other symptoms, they struggle on with aching and painful joints. For many this results in a downward spiral of taking less exercise, weight gain and further joint pain.

Dr Kathy Abernethy Chair of the British Menopause Society and Menopause Expert comments;

“Whilst more women are now seeking help for the menopause, joint health is often ignored resulting in a significant impact on quality of life. It is important that women consider treating all symptoms to maintain their overall wellbeing. Simple lifestyle changes such as low impact exercise, changes to diet and taking supplements may help, particularly in the early stages”

The symptoms of the menopause usually start to appear between 45-55 years of age. However, according to consultant rheumatologist Dr. Rod Hughes;

“Menopausal joint pain, can start several years before other menopausal symptoms. This is due to oestrogen levels starting to decline several years before the menopause, causing a reduction in collagen, loss of cartilage and an increase in inflammation leading to joint pain and stiffness.”

Reading this information provided by the suppliers I was really surprised to read this. I have endured quite severe joint pain for several years and it was one of the contributory factors to make my decision to retire early. I always thought my pain was wear and tear after years of being on my feet for very long shifts as a nurse. Even up until receiving these supplements I did not think the pain was menopause related at all.

With this new found realisation I was happy to trial this natural supplement. My first post explained that since I commenced the supplements I had experienced less of the burning pain that began after my fall in January of last year.

GoPo Joint Supplements for menopausal women

I am now nearly 3 months into taking the supplement and still my knee feels much more comfortable, the burning pain which was present daily prior to starting these supplements, is still gone. Initially there was no change in my chronic back pain, however again I seem to feel less back pain symptoms. I have to be honest and admit to have forgotten to take the supplements on occasions but am happy with the results.

As I stated in my earlier post, If you are interested in this supplement GOPO® Joint Health is available from Boots, supermarkets and independent chemists nationwide £18.99 for 120 capsules and £28.49 for 200 capsules. www.GoPo.co.uk

Please share this post if you think it could help you or someone you know, maybe one of your older female friends or family members have the same joint pain struggles and this could help them.

Keep healthy and happy

Signature

Gift Guide for the mature females in your life this Christmas

December 3, 2018

Gift Guide for the mature women in your life

This gift guide is to help you choose a gift for the mature women in your life. This could be your mum, nanna, auntie, neighbour or friend.

As an over 50’s female I know what I like to receive and hopefully can provide you with some gift ideas that will be enjoyed.

There are many gift guide around at this time of year but I hope I can provide some different specific inspiration for the over 40’s/50’s female.

some of these gifts have affiliate links which mean I may be paid a small fee or a free product when a purchase is made. This does not affect the price you pay and I only recommend products I would use myself.

Under £20

I am a huge fan of Aldi and I love make up. Earlier this year Aldi sold some fabulous eye shadow palettes, that are similar to the fabulous and must have Urban Decay palettes. I was lucky enough to be bought an original last Christmas by my husband and I loved it. However once I saw Aldi’s version I invested in a couple of theirs. I can honestly say I think they give as good a colour coverage and high end look. Aldi are releasing some more this week in stores and online. At £5.99 I think they are an absolute steal and would be a fabulous present to your make up wearing female.

Aldi Lacura eye palette

This next gift may not look very festive and seem out of place in Winter, but as a menopausal woman plagued with hot sweats it is becoming my best friend. The Chillmax gel cooling pillow is so versatile. It can be inserted inside a pillow case, or beneath your bottom sheet to help keep you cool at night and reduce and maybe even prevent hot flushes. It can also be used behind your back when sat watching TV or travelling. At £11.99 it is great value.

Chillmax cooling mat

Most people these days use ear phones either when travelling or at the gym or watching TV in bed on tablets or ipads. I love mine and do have several sets in my gym bag, at home in my handbag. As a female it’s nice to have a little bit of bling wherever you go – I think it’s good for the soul. These Rose Gold ones from Amazon look sensational and I would love to receive them in my stocking. At £20 I love them.

Rose gold earphones with bling

As a mature woman my hair texture has changed as I age. I touch on this more in a later product suggestion. I love hair products to keep my hair looking good. This plumping whip by Toni and Guy is one of my favourite products. It smells and feels luxurious and does provide great fullness for fine hair. At under £10 it would make a nice gift or stocking filler.

Toni and Guy volume plumping whip

Most modern mature women are still active and like to go to fitness classes or be comfortable when out and about, maybe just be on the go caring for younger family members. Yoga pants are must have in my opinion and I certainly can never have enough pairs. These are super comfy and look smart.

Yoga pants are so versatile

My final suggestion in this price bracket is for the lady who likes to holiday and travel. I love Packing cubes and think they are invaluable. Makes packing for trips easier and also helps once you have arrived. The cubes can just be transferred straight into the storage provided at your destination.

I have these particular ones and find them great, the toilet bag even includes a small pouch that can be used for jewellery or travel cosmetics.

Packing cubes for the lady that likes to holiday

Gifts under £50

In my gift guide I want to add some higher priced suggestions. It’s not just men that experience hair problems as they age. We women can experience thinning of our hair, losing body and texture and hair styling can be a challenge. I am continually searching for new products to help my hair stay looking good. I have a few products that I would recommend as a treat. My first recommendation is in the under £20 section.

Living Proof Style Lab texture Volumizing cream is expensive but applied to your hair after styling close to the roots adds great volume which is still present the next day.

This styling cream can be used on dry hair to create instant volume, touchable texture and flexible hold – hair is never stiff or frozen and is revivable for up to 48 hours.

Living proof amp provides body to fine hair

I have always moisturised my skin but only this year appreciated the benefit of serums for improving the look of my skin. This is often not a product anyone would purchase for their selves, particularly busy working women or mature women who have not always used serums in their skin regimen. My first set was bought for me and now I appreciate the need for multi layering products as we mature. This gift set of Boots Protect and Perfect would make a fabulous gift to start that special lady on the road to great skin.

Serums for glowing mature skin

Gifts over £50

My final couple of suggestions are for gifts for people who you really care about and wish to buy something special for.

As we age there is nothing like comfortable shoes and feet, particularly if like me you’ve worked as a nurse or in other professions, such as hairdressing, that have required hours spent on your feet whilst at work.

These Fitflops are fabulously comfort and come in many designs many with that touch of glamour and bling like these. As they can be expensive they are a luxury that border on an essential and make a fabulous present, especially for the lady who likes her holidays.

Fitflops for comfort and style

My final suggestion is a Sensationail gel nail kit. I have written before about how much I enjoy having nice nails and my local nail salons are full of mature ladies being pampered. This can be an expensive look to maintain but this gel nail kit is like giving a whole years full of beautiful nails. I have used this and found it easy to use and the results look professional and last.

Home gel nail kits save time and money

I hope I have provided you with some inspiration in this gift guide. I’d love to hear what you think, whether any of these suggestions have helped you. I aim to be back later in the week for the gift guide for the more mature men in your life.

Please comment or contact me by email

Also if you need more inspiration why not pop over to Karen’s blog The Geordie Grandma, as she also has some great gift ideas for women over 50.

Joint pain in the menopause Review GOPO® Supplements

November 21, 2018

Having been a Neonatal nurse for over 38 years, involving hours standing at Incubators or preterm deliveries, plus walking miles around Postnatal wards my joints have taken a pounding. Added to this my extra pounds gained during the menopause , I experience joint pain daily, especially my knees.

I suffered a fall earlier this year which increased the pain in my knee joints. I had investigations including an MRI to exclude a fracture of the Patella, (knee cap), and any teaer to the meniscus, (Cartlidge). There was no overt fracture but a bone bruise and happily no tear. The MRI also revealed that I had patellofemoral arthritis. I have written about my trials with pain in an earlier post. Although there was no fracture I was still left with residual pain particularly around the side of my knee. Added to my pre-existing struggles when walking up and down stairs and rising from a crouched position I was struggling.

I have been prescribed anti inflammatory medication but I don’t like to take it regularly because of the potential adverse effects on my stomach, which requires a second medication to afford protection. I don’t want to get in the viscious circle of taking many medications for one problem. I like to think I can take steps myself by life style changes, diet and exercise to help control my pain and symptoms.

I was given the opportunity to trial a supplement GOPO®, made from natural galactolipid GOPO® which is derived from rose-hip (Rosa canina) and has been shown in randomized, placebo controlled clinical trials to significantly reduce arthritis joint pain.

I was intrigued to try this as even though I have worked in medicine for so many years I always feel that for chronic problems self help should be tried first before embarking on a long term regime of medication.

I was interested in the background information provided about the product from Consultant Rheumatologist Dr. Rod Hughes. You may be interested, particularly if you are suffering from joint pain in the menopause. so I will share the main features of this with you.

Switch to a clinically backed natural supplement: 45% of those surveyed took paracetamol for their joint pain which is largely ineffective and has a number of side-effects when taken long term. Instead you could try an option such as the galactolipid GOPO® which is derived from rose-hip (Rosa canina) and has been shown in randomized, placebo controlled clinical trials to significantly reduce arthritis joint pain and reduce consumption of paracetamol by 40%. In vitro studies have demonstrated GOPO® has anti-inflammatory properties which have a protective effect on cartilage, potentially even helping cartilage and joint tissues to rebuild and regenerate

Keep active: Physical activity helps synovial fluid circulate in the joint, increases blood flow – which in turn increases oxygen and nutrient flow to the joint – and strengthens muscles supporting the joint. It is important not to overdo exercise or cause injury, but even gentle activities such as walking and swimming are beneficial.

Treat injuries – Traumatic injury (ligament or meniscal tears) to the knee or hip increases your risk for developing OA in these joints. Effective rehabilitation is very important – always consult a professional if you suspect an injury and follow their advice.

Eat Well: Being overweight places additional strain on the joints – every pound of excess weight places an additional 4 pounds of extra strain on the knees. However, it’s not just this mechanical loading and wear and tear of joints that is of concern. More recently research has suggested inflammatory processes involved with fat tissues may also affect joints.

According to nutritionist Angelique Panagos; ‘’People often don’t associate joint issues with lifestyle choices and a poor diet but both these play a major role. There are a number of structures in the joint – including bone, cartilage, ligaments, tendons and collagen, which need a good source of nutrients to keep healthy and in good condition. Key nutrients for joint health include vitamin D, Vitamin C and calcium. I advise my clients to up their levels of foods such as broccoli, spinach, tart cherries, garlic, peppers, almonds, kale, and tomatoes in particular for these nutrients. In addition, avoiding foods that can increase inflammation, such as high sugar foods, and getting enough exercise are an integral part of joint health too.’’

High levels of the galactolipid GOPO® are found only in GOPO® Joint Health.

I try to follow 3 of the points anyway, you may have read about my struggles with my menopausal weight gain.

So the final element was to try a supplement and this seemed to be one I would feel comfortable trialing. To this end I accepted a free 3 month supply to trial. I am disclosing this to be transparent about why I am trialling this particular supplement for joint pain.

It comes with some promotional material including this Youtube Video with celebrity endorsement.

I have to say that another reason why I don’t take medication or regular supplements is that I am rubbish at remembering to take them regularly. I start off enthusiastically and then forget after a week or so. To this end I have placed the bottle of supplements near to my tea and coffee canisters to prompt me. The recommended started dose for this GOPO® supplement is 3 tablets twice a day for the first 3 to 5 weeks. The first challenge is remembering to keep taking them, and they are large capsules to swallow.

I am towards the end of my first month of taking these GOPO® and although I have forgotten the odd day and odd second dose I already feel that my knee pain is so much improved. I used to suffer a constant burning pain which required me to take Paracetamol and anti inflammatory medication when it was really bad. This burning pain is not an issue since I started taking them. I also have a chronic back problem, there has been no change in this pain.

I will update you again next month to see how things are.

If you are interested in this supplement GOPO® Joint Health is available from Boots, supermarkets and independent chemists nationwide £18.99 for 120 capsules and £28.49 for 200 capsules. www.GoPo.co.uk

Please share this post if you think it could help you or someone you know, maybe one of your older female friends or family members have the same joint pain struggles and this could help them.

Anxiety in the menopause #worldmentalhealthday

October 10, 2018

This post is day 10 in my participation in #Blogtober2018. As it is World Mental Health Day I thought how I would discuss how my anxiety levels have soared during the menopause.

When I was in my teens I suffered extreme anxiety but I did not know what it was or what it was caused by, in the 1970’s no one talked about mental health openly. But my teenage experiences are another post for another day. Since my late teens I have been very happy go lucky and positive. Always been a cup half full person and still am. However, since I have been in the full throws of the menopause I seem to be suffering from anxiety again in certain settings. Like many women my age I thought I was seriously ‘losing the plot!’ until I researched and acknowledged that it is a recognised symptom of the menopause.

Don’t get me wrong I’m still an upbeat positive person and I can mainly control my anxiety.

My triggers are usually when I am in what I perceive to be dangerous situations. My biggest cause of anxiety is when a passenger in a car on a motorway. This is almost crippling and I do not know where it has come from or what has caused it. Mr Fitz and I have always driven to events and places for days out, short breaks and holidays. Lately though I am filled with dread at the prospect of a road trip, even if it’s just across the other side of the city to visit family.

I have always had a fear of flying and have to take Valium prescribed by my GP when flying, this is such an irrational fear, again another post for another day. I can manage this fear with medication., but having said that I do not want to have to resort to this method for simply driving or being a passenger in a car.

If you’ve read my earlier piece about the menopause you will see that I use Kalms herbal tablets. These are widely recognised to be beneficial. I don’t know if it’s a placebo effect but I do find they help.

There are other situations where I feel anxious, I often see danger everywhere, but I manage to control it.

I am shocked by these new symptoms but it helps that some of my friends and peers going through the menopause too have also developed anxiety. Talking about your problems to friends or family is often the best medicine -I truly believe in the old saying “A Problem Shared Is A Problem Halved”

Thank you for reading, please take the time to look at some of the other bloggers involved in this #Blogtober2018 initiative.

Host Mandi Big Family Organised Chaos

Sarah – Sarah Beth Blogs

Hazel – Tea & Cake for the Soul

Kristine’s Blog

This post is also part of a Well Being Wednesday link = My Well Being Wednesday Post #4

Updating your autumn fashion look for the over 50’s

October 4, 2018

Today my post is about autumn fashion for the over 50’s. In my mother and definitely my grandmothers era reaching your fifties meant comfort, elasticated waists and sensible hush puppy shoes. These days we still have a lot of living to do and busy social lives. Although we are older and many do not still have the figures and measurements of our youth we still wish to keep up with trends and fashion and care for our appearance.

With this in mind this autumn I want to recommend some simple pieces for updating your look. The seasons autumn fashion colours are actually autumnal shades with lots of mustard and russet shades around alongside the softer pinks and greys and the staple wardrobe basic of black. By saying this I am making an assumption that a lot of us over 50’s who carry extra weight have many black items in our wardrobes!

Here is just 4 age appropriate autumn fashion pieces that have caught my eye this season.

Before I introduce some of this seasons latest colours I have to give a shout out to this fabulous soft pink sparkly poncho by Principles at Debenhams. I spotted it on a hanger and fell in love with it, such a soft knit with a hint of sparkle. The photograph does not do it justice – it really is gorgeous and feels super soft. Perfect for the menopausal woman who needs to layer up to cope with the effects of those personal tropical moments!

A gorgeous soft pink poncho perfect for layering

Soft pink poncho with sparkle

This next top is again from Debenhams – I must confess that after supermarkets and Next I buy many of my clothes from here.This tan short sleeved shirt from J by Jasper Conran caters so well for the over 50’s.

J by Jasper Conran top

This top is in a fabulous autumnal colour. It has a flattering v nexk for those of us with big boobs. It is soft and drapey skimming those lumps and bumps we try hard to disguise and is nice and lightweight, perfect for layering – essential to cope with hot flushes. A simple stylish autumn fashion piece.

Camel coloured ankle boots Wallis

These fabulous camel coloured ankle boots are from another of my favourite stores Wallis. I mostly wear very comfortable shoes day to day but I always have a dressier heeled pair for days and nights out when I’m not expecting to have to walk any distance. These will look fabulous with cropped pants, jeans or even dresses.

My final item is this fabulous on trend mustard coloured coat from Matalan. I think this is a flattering style for most body shapes and adds a seasonal colour pop to any outfit for any occasion. Great price too.

Mustard Formal Belted coat Matalan

I hope you like the items I have chosen, This post is part of my Blogtober schedule, have a look at this post to see what else I have already and will be posting about.

My Blogtober schedule is in collaboration with other bloggers including Sarah Beth Blogs and hosted by Mandi at Big Family Organised Chaos

Take a look at what else is being written about by clicking the link below

Staying Healthy Over 50 – Progress September 2018

September 5, 2018

Staying healthy Over 50

Staying healthy over 50 comes with different challenges than when I was younger. I have always been active and having been a Nurse for nearly 40 years I am very aware of illness and health prevention. As a young nurse I was a health zealot – I watched what I ate, didn’t drink alcohol and exercised at a gym from the age of 19. This was 1979 at a time when gym use was unusual, far from the norm it is today. I have always attended aerobic classes, back in the day when the ‘thing’ was Going For The Burn with Jane Fonda, in fact I even remember following a Jane Fonda workout with colleagues during break times on night shifts at around 4am! That was real commitment to staying healthy.

I was probably the fittest I’ve ever been in my mid 40’s – I never thought I could run, thought I couldn’t breathe, but after training with a Personal Trainer and running with a friend I completed the Manchester 10K at the age of 46! I was so proud of myself. Then my mother became ill and my running, exercising and commitment to staying healthy took a backseat. Fitness, like anything, becomes a habit and I lost that habit. Following this period I then entered a stage in my Nursing Career that was very demanding, physically and emotionally draining. I lost my desire to go to exercise, All I wanted to do was collapse on the sofa at the end of a shift or rest on my days off in preparation for the next run of demanding shifts. I was in a permanent state of exhaustion, sometimes working days and night shifts in the same week.

The years of working as a nurse also took its toll on my joints. I was diagnosed with a chronic back problem – Facet Joint Syndrome and Osteo Arthritis. In my 50’s and having made the decision to retire at 55 I did very little exercise apart from walking, I felt I had earned my spurs and could stop exercising. I resented the fact that I had to continue to be committed to staying healthy by attending regular exercise classes. The only exercise I did after retirement was learning to swim, something I had never learned as a child. I attended a weekly class for 45 minutes for about 5 months, that was the extent of my efforts. Once I could swim a couple of breadths of the pool I stopped. I only wanted to learn to be able to enjoy the swimming pool on holiday.

The only factor that motivated me to return was the ever ongoing mission to lose weight – read my thoughts on my menopausal weight gain. I started attending Zumba classes, I loved these, enjoying the music, but I did not attend classes weekly, it was very sporadic. Finally at the end of last year, 2017, I decided to join the gym at my local Leisure Centre, what I saw was many women my age or older, looking trim, fabulous and happy. The penny dropped and I realised that continuing to exercise over 50 was a vital part of well being and staying healthy. These ladies were an inspiration.

I then hit another set back in January this year when I fell and injured my knee. Following an MRI and a Consultation I was diagnosed with PatelloFemoral Arthritis, an incidental finding to the injury, and I was advised not to engage in any impact activities – bringing the end of my Zumba career! Because of the pain from the injury I suffered to my knee cap – I had micro fractures, my fitness activity came to a close again for another couple of months.

I am now pleased to say I have been back regularly attending the gym since July and my habit is back! One of the exercises I have done has caused a flare up of my knee problem again, but this time I have continued to attend and just modify my activity.

Lessons Learned

The big lesson I have learned is that exercise is essential to good health. Following an exercise session and I have showered. I feel fabulous, my skin is glowing and I sleep much better. Even my hot flushes during the night seem a little bit less. Yes, it may bring on aches and pains, but I think the benefits far outweigh the negatives. So ladies, keep going! I saw it as a chore for a couple of years, now I embrace and enjoy it!

Yesterday I attended my GP Practice for a Health MOT. I self referred to monitor my health. Next week I hope to update you with my reasons for doing this and the results.

What is your favourite exercise? Do you or your older female relatives stay active in their 50’s and retirement? Let me know what they do, their health and well being strategies – I love to find new methods.

Comment or Email me

I’m taking part in the Wellbeing Wonders linky with Becca from Beccas Blogs It Out and Emma from Sunshine and Rain.

Pop over and look at their Wellbeing posts

Menopause – My personal experience

August 20, 2018

Menopause read my personal experience

Menopause – the dreaded M word! Or at least it is when you’re in the throws of it! However, it has to be said it’s refreshing that the menopause is now talked about and discussed these days – in my mothers time it was a totally taboo topic! Spoken about only in whispers as ‘The Change’

I’m going to talk about and share my worst symptoms with you. If you’re younger and not yet there don’t feel the menopause is not a subject you need to know about. I’m discussing these symptoms in the hope that you may recognise the suffering or changes in an older female relative, friend or colleague and develop an understanding of where they’re at!

Hot Flushes

This is the symptom that is most commonly recognised. I was always a cold person, needing the heating on in winter months before my husband did. Wearing thick jumpers and roll necks. My first symptoms came on gradually, I found I didn’t feel as cold and generally felt warmer all the time. Then the dreaded flushes struck. Moments when my body would go into total surge and a feeling that my body would explode with molten lava flowing through my veins. Sounds dramatic I know but it’s so true. Working as a nurse in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit where the temperature was kept around 21oC, this was a challenge, particularly when I had to gown up to perform an aseptic procedure. Sweat would quite literally trickle down my back. If that wasn’t bad enough the night flushes are even worse. Waking up with my heart pounding accompanied by a feeling of panic and that overwhelming heat. I get a really strange feeling in my calves – the heat seems to emanate from the back of my legs – so bizarre. The bed clothes are flung off and my lags wafted around in the air in an attempt to cool them down. Thankfully they don’t disturb my husband too much, he’s grown used to this behaviour! A purchase of a large pedestal fan prior to the hottest part of this summers heatwave has been my saviour. After describing the effects in that last paragraph I’m sure you can see that it also impacts on my quality of sleep. As for clothing I rarely feel cold and when I do I layer up so that I can remove layers when my flushes rear their ugly head! As for thick jumpers, they are a thing of the past. I have to search to find a jumper that provides heat with ventilation, similar to this! Just the sight of a woman in a high roll neck sweater brings on a hot sweat. I hate to feel wrapped up around the neck and throat. The only time I wear something thick is on the coldest winter days when I go to watch my beloved Manchester City play.

Menopause weight gain around the middle

The hormonal changes of menopause might make you more likely to gain weight around your abdomen than around your hips and thighs. Well I can confirm that this is certainly the case with me! I’m only 4′ 10″ tall and have turned into a stumpy little apple! I reminisce about the days when I could wear a size 6, proving I haven’t always been overweight. Having always loved clothes and fashion its now difficult to find styles and clothes that look flattering. I’m not someone who wishes to wear snug fitting clothes that cling to ripples of tummy rolls. I hate it. I try to be careful and often when shopping for something specific will have to try on around 30 dresses to find 1 suitable. The way I wish to dress is not the way I have to. Opting for loose tents rather than the lovely figure hugging dresses I would love to wear. I don’t feel I over eat, I really limit treats to once a week, no McDonalds, cream cakes or fish and chip takeaways for me. Exercise and staying active is important to me but as I’m now retired and work from home mostly as a part time ebay reseller and now blogger I don’t burn the calories I did when I was a Neonatal Nurse on my feet for up to 13 hours per shift. But I don’t sit on my butt all day watching TV either. I do keep active moving around the house and now go to the gym 3-4 times a week. I find it so difficult to lose weight, a constant struggle, read my post on how I hate my shape

Anxiety

As an adult I’ve always been a positive happy go lucky upbeat person. Always cheery with a humorous quip to make people laugh in all situations. The menopause has brought on levels of anxiety that were previously unknown to me. As a Nurse you see distress and stressful situations all the time and are able to cope with more than your peers. In contrast, since I’ve been going through the menopause I suffer anxiety much more than before. I have always had a fear of flying and require medication when travelling on holiday, now I have anxiety even travelling in the car or visiting new places. I see danger everywhere. That does not mean I have stopped travelling or trying new experiences, I just have to plan a little bit more and I have taken to using Kalms tablets when needed. I have not yet gone down the road of having to visit my Doctor for HRT or other medication. On the whole I manage using my own strategies and I avoid watching in depth news coverage of distressing events. This does not mean I do not keep up with the news and World events I just scan the basic headlines – I’ve become a bit of an Ostrich!

Thinning Hair

Hair loss tends to be subtler in women than it is in men. Most women experience overall hair thinning rather than noticeable bald spots. The thinning can occur on the front, sides, or top of the head. Hair may also fall out in large clumps during brushing and showering. I have always had fine hair but lots of it. With the changes I’ve experienced during the menopause my hair has really thinned out and become even more fine and difficult to style. My wonderful hairdresser reassures me that it is normal for women of my age and that she does not think that my degree of hair loss is a great concern. However that does still mean that she has had to adapt my colour and styling to accommodate these changes. I’m now blond to cover my ever increasing grey hair and I have to adopt a simple bob. I used to be able to have volume and tease into shape using mousse and gels. Recently despite battling with styles it just falls and flops into a soft bob, so rather than continue to tease and use a lot of heat styling products I have conceded and gone with a style that nature is telling me I should wear.

Menopause the effects causing thinning hair

Menopause brain Fog

Brain fog is the one symptom of the menopause that really influenced my decision to take early retirement. I was working in a very senior clinical role as an Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner and needed to be at the top of my game. I was struggling with concentration and memory issues. This was quite worrying initially until I realised that these were symptoms of the menopause rather than anything else. There are times when this brain fog means you have to stop mid sentence to try and remember the next word you want to say. Remembering names and details were becoming more difficult, particularly when under pressure. My brain appeared to be in overload. Particularly as I had always been commended for my memory for detail. Younger colleagues I knew were looking at me and thinking – how the hell did she get this job! This is becoming something taken seriously in other professions particularly the Police Force who are having to consider strategies to support female officers, particularly as Pension changes mean they have to work longer through this very difficult time of their careers. I for one welcome these measures, if I did not have the ability to retire at 55 I would be struggling to continue, perhaps even having to resort to sick leave to take time out due to stress.

Now that I’ve told you these issues I appreciate they all sound negative and do not reflect this time of life in a positive light. It is worth addressing these issues as a woman today now spends approximately one third of their life menopausal. I want to end by saying that life is not all bad, in fact this third age of my life is possibly the best era of my life in many ways. I am now out of the daily slog of full time work, I’m in control of what I do with my time. My confidence levels are high, I know who I am and what I want from life. The menopause is an irritation to be dealt with but hey it’s not spoiling my retirement party!

So if you are reading this and are suffering like me let me know by email or commenting how you cope. Consequently, if you know a female relative, friend or colleague who is struggling I hope my words can help you relate to their struggles and have sympathy.

Thanks for reading

Elaine x