We love hearing from our OYG Community, and we adore seeing how you all support each other and share advice and tips on fitness, eating healthily and getting over motivational problems. So many of you reach out to talk about the perimenopause and menopause and we know that you find all of our menopause related information really helpful. 

Going through the perimenopause or the menopause or being post-menopausal can be a testing time as your mind and body change. 

Common symptoms of the menopause include:

• Changes in your periods
• Hot flushes and night sweats
• Difficulty sleeping
• Mood swings, low mood, anxiety and problems with your memory and ability to concentrate
• Vaginal dryness, low sex drive and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) 
• Heart palpitations
• Aching, stiff joints
• Reduced lean muscle mass
• Weight gain, particularly around your midriff

Simply carrying on regardless is seen by many as an outdated view, and women of today should feel supported and understood. Which is why our community of likeminded women is so amazing! 

Dealing with the common symptoms of this time of life however, can be a difficult time, so here’s some tips on coping with the common symptoms of the menopause. 

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

HRT is perhaps the most well-known treatment for managing the symptoms of the menopause. It involves taking oestrogen (or oestrogen and progesterone) supplements to help replace the oestrogen that’s lost during the perimenopause and menopause. It’s this natural decline in hormones that’s responsible for the symptoms you’re experiencing. 

It can be taken in tablet form, an implant, skin patches or as a gel that’s rubbed into the skin. It can help to significantly reduce hot flushes and night sweats as well as reduce some of the emotional symptoms such as mood swings. 

There are some side effects to taking HRT, such as headaches, vaginal bleeding and breast tenderness. If you’re interested in taking HRT, as many, many women are, speak to your GP who can discuss your options with you. 

Lifestyle help for the menopause

Making some changes to your lifestyle can also help to manage your symptoms. Eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein sources and wholegrains is beneficial all round. Our Nutrition Through the Menopause guide is packed with valuable advice. 

Regular exercise is also important for managing some of the physical and mental health symptoms. We developed our Menopause Programme with our experts to provide workouts that help to strengthen the bones, increase muscle mass and strength and improve stability and posture. 

It might be easier said than done, but reducing stress will also help to relieve some of the pressure you may be feeling. Try to unwind with things that you enjoy and practice mindfulness and yoga to help you feel more present and connected. 

Wearing loose fitting pyjamas made from natural fabrics such as cotton and hemp, and sleeping in a cool bedroom can help with night sweats. HRT can help with a reduced libido and using a vaginal lubricant can help if you’re experiencing vaginal dryness. 

If you’re suffering brain fog, then some brain training might help with your focus! Try our Menopause Brain Training Guide – we’d love to know what you think.