Let’s Talk About Menopause!

I recently tuned into a podcast where a 30-year-old man interviewed an OB/Gyn specializing in menopause. He shared how this topic is deeply personal to him, given that his girlfriend and sister will experience it in the future, and his mother is in the middle of it. He wanted to understand how menopause would impact their lives.  How progressive he is! 

Until I started experiencing perimenopausal symptoms myself, menopause felt like a distant story that belonged to someone else. It was something I read about or heard in passing, but never truly connected with—until it became my own reality. So, let’s dive into the conversation about menopause!

Choosing to have a baby is a personal decision for women, but menopause is not a choice. Menopause is a transformative phase in a woman’s life, marking the end of her reproductive years and bringing a cascade of physical and emotional changes.  Our ovaries are reaching the final chapter of their life cycle.  Despite its significance, the reality of menopausal support and care often reveals a mix of challenges and opportunities for empowerment. Here’s a look at what menopausal support and care really entail:

1. Addressing Varied Symptoms and Receiving Care

 Menopause isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. Women can face a wide range of symptoms.  Below symptoms are some of the examples of what women can experience as the estrogen declines and other hormones fluctuate: 

·      Acne

·      Acid reflux

·      Asthma

·      Autoimmune disease (new or worsening)

·      Bloating

·      Belly fat

·      Body odor

·      Brain fog

·      Breast tenderness/soreness

·      Brittle nails

·      Burning sensation in the mouth/tongue

·      Chronic fatigue syndrome

·      Crawling skin sensations/Tingling extremities/Electric shock sensations

·      Decline in cognitive functions

·      Difficulty concentrating

·      Dry/Itchy eyes

·      Dry skin, dry mouth

·      Eczema

·      Fatty liver disease

·      Fibromyalgia

·      Frozen shoulder

·      Gastrointestinal issues

·      Genitourinary syndrome

·      Headaches/Migraines

·      Heart Palpitations

·      High cholesterol/High Triglycerides

·      Hot flashes

·      Insulin resistance

·      Incontinence

·      Irritable bowel syndrome

·      Itchy ears/skin

·      Joint and muscle pain

·      Kidney stones

·      Mental health disorders/Mood changes (anxiety, depression, irritation)

·      Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

·      Osteoporosis

·      Sarcopenia

·      Sexual dysfunction

·      Sleep apnea

·      Sleep disturbance

·      TMJ

·      Thinning hair

·      Tinnitus

·      UTI

·      Vertigo

Sometimes, menopause symptoms are minimized or misunderstood.  There is a general lack of awareness and education about menopause, both among the public and within the medical community.  Many women do not fully understand what to expect or how to manage symptoms, leading to underreported issues and insufficient care.

Also, not all healthcare providers are well-versed in menopausal care. Medical training can sometimes lack focus on menopause, leaving some doctors less prepared to offer comprehensive support. As a result, women may receive inadequate treatment or be dismissed when they report symptoms.

Menopausal care often falls between various specialties—gynecology, endocrinology, mental health, and more. This fragmentation can lead to inconsistent care and a lack of coordinated support. Women might find themselves navigating a maze of different specialists without a cohesive plan.

Effective support means personalized care that addresses these diverse symptoms, helping each woman find relief based on her unique experience.

2. Navigating Emotional Shift

This is where I feel the deepest connection—the rollercoaster of emotional shifts. During menopause, hormonal fluctuations can trigger intense changes in mood, including anxiety, depression, and irritability. Do you remember what it was like after your baby was born?  Emotional shift can be significantly more challenging during menopausal time. 

While much of the focus tends to be on managing physical symptoms, it’s equally important to address the emotional and psychological challenges. True menopausal care should encompass the entire spectrum of experiences, including mental health and overall quality of life.

3. Breaking the Silence

Menopause is often shrouded in cultural stigma and silence. Many societies view it as a taboo subject, leading to reluctance in discussing symptoms openly. This cultural discomfort can discourage women from seeking help or even acknowledging their needs.

Menopausal support aims to break this silence, providing women with the information and reassurance they need to navigate this phase confidently.

4. Promoting Self-Care and Empowerment

 One of the most valuable aspects of menopausal care is encouraging women to prioritize their own health and well-being. Support involves guiding women to adopt self-care practices, make informed decisions about their health, and embrace menopause as a new chapter rather than a burden.

5. Offering Comprehensive Resources

Effective menopausal support encompasses a range of resources, from medical treatments and lifestyle adjustments to educational materials and support groups. This comprehensive approach ensures that women have access to various options and can choose what best suits their needs.

6. Acknowledging Long-Term Health Implications

Menopause can influence long-term health, including bone density, cognitive function, and cardiovascular health. Support and care should include monitoring these aspects, providing preventive measures, and offering guidance on maintaining overall health beyond menopause.

7. Creating Community and Connection

Feeling isolated during menopause can be common. Support often includes fostering a sense of community through support groups and peer connections, allowing women to share experiences, find solidarity, and gain insights from others going through similar changes.  In recent years, podcasts, interviews, and Facebook groups have become more accessible than ever. These platforms offer excellent opportunities to connect with other women who are going through similar experiences as you.

8. Personalized Care Matters

No two women experience menopause in exactly the same way. Personalized care is essential, as it tailors support to each woman’s specific symptoms, health history, and lifestyle. This individualized approach helps ensure that each woman receives the most relevant and effective care.

The reality of menopausal support and care is that it’s a multifaceted and deeply personal journey. It’s about more than just managing symptoms.

Here at Panorama Wellness Group, we offer following services as a part of your comprehensive support system:

 Acupuncture: addresses specific issues such as hot flashes, emotional shift, and insomnia, promoting balance and well-being.

 Counselling: offers essential emotional support, helping you navigate mood swings and stress with resilience.

Massage therapy: provides relief from physical discomfort and enhances relaxation.

Nutritionist: guides you in making dietary choices that support overall health and alleviate menopausal symptoms like weight gain and bone density loss

If you're ready to take the next step in enhancing your menopausal journey with personalized support, we're here to help! Feel free to reach out to us for more information about our counselling services, massage therapy, nutritional guidance, and acupuncture treatments in Langley, BC.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how our comprehensive approach can support your well-being during this important life transition. Your path to a more empowered menopausal experience with confidence and vitality starts here—get in touch and let us partner with you on this journey.