Hey, Angeline here! How are you doing? Hope this article finds you good? How’s things been going for you? Today, the rollercoaster ride of perimenopause and menopause leads me to talk about three specific symptoms, ones that I truly affiliate with at the moment.
- Anxiety
- Brain fog
- Mood swings
These are the not-so-fun side effects that can drive us a bit bonkers during this stage of life. But fear not, because I’ve got some tips, hacks, and advice to help you navigate those more tricky days.
Let's start with anxiety.
Ah, that unwelcome visitor who loves to crash the party TOTALLY uninvited. It turns out that fluctuating hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, can wreak havoc on our emotions. Anxiety levels can skyrocket, leaving us feeling on edge, restless, and even panicky at times. Don't fret though—there are ways to manage it. Do exercise, cut back on alcohol and eat healthy choices …. These are probably very obvious, but it’s very easy to fall out of the habit of any one of these aspects. Ask yourself have you really done all three of these things everyday recently?
If you find yourself in the midst of an anxiety attack, remember these helpful tips to regain control. First, focus on your breathing. Take slow, deep breaths to calm your body and mind. Engaging in grounding techniques, such as naming five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste, can bring you back to the present moment. Additionally, try to challenge negative thoughts by questioning their validity and replacing them with positive affirmations. Lastly, reach out for support from a trusted friend or family member who can offer comfort and understanding. Someone who can help you back to you. You are not alone, and you have the strength to overcome this momentary challenge.
Next up is brain fog.
Raise your hand if you've ever walked into a room and instantly forgotten why you went in there in the first place. Yep, brain fog is a real thing, and it's a common complaint among menopausal women. Blame it on hormonal fluctuations, sleep disturbances, or just the general chaos of life. To combat this foggy feeling, try incorporating brain-boosting foods into your diet, such as blueberries, fatty fish, and nuts. Additionally, quality sleep can improve cognitive function. And let's not forget the power of lists, reminders, and sticky notes to keep you on track when your brain decides to take a vacation. Choose yourself a reputable supplement making sure it’s got a good amount of B12.
Last but not least, mood swings.
Ah, the daily lottery that can make your loved ones wonder if you're in ‘Incredible Hulk’ or ‘Bambi’ mode! Hormonal changes during menopause can leave us feeling like we're riding shotgun, with rapid shifts in mood from happy to sad to irritable and back again. Rage - pure RAGE at seemingly small things. One minute you're laughing, and the next, you're crying over a TV ad. It's all part of the hormonal dance, my friends. Finding healthy outlets for your emotions, such as journaling, talking to a therapist or health coach, or engaging in activities that bring you joy, can help smooth out those ups and downs.
Remember, ladies, you're not alone on this wild ride. It's crucial to seek support from healthcare professionals who specialise in menopause if these symptoms become overwhelming or affect your daily life significantly. They can provide guidance on hormone replacement therapy or other treatments if necessary.
So, the bottom line is this: anxiety, brain fog, and mood swings may be unwelcome guests during perimenopause and menopause, but they don't have to be permanent residents. With a combination of self-care practices, support systems, and professional guidance, you can navigate these choppy waters and emerge on the other side with a newfound sense of empowerment and peace. Hang in there, ladies sometimes it’s just nice to know it’s not JUST YOU. Don’t forget our forum here.
You are not losing you, you are just discovering a new version of yourself. Happiness is an inside job. It’s a you thing, don’t lay your happiness at the feet of anyone else, take control yourself.
Sending you a squeeze hug. Just hope one sentence from this helped?
Love Angeline 🦋 x
Angeline Davies is a Fully Qualified Health Coach Specialising in Perimenopause and Menopause.
Accredited By The PCI and The Royal College of General Practitioners.
