Menopause - Part 1


Aug 1, 2023

 by Kim Bouldin
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I went through menopause in my early 40s (there was some discrepancy about when my last period was since it would make a yearly appearance for several years). I began having hot flashes right around 40 and still have them occasionally now at 50. If you have been in any of the classes I teach at the studio you may have witnessed me putting on a sweatshirt only to take it off again 5 minutes later. Rinse and repeat a few times through the 45-min session. Over the past 10 years I’ve tried MANY MANY things to help relieve some of my hormonal symptoms and am well versed on all things related to cooler sleep. 

Overview

Symptoms of menopause can impact our lives for several years, if not upwards of 2 decades. 

  • Perimenopause symptoms can begin when a woman is in their late 30s and post menopause symptoms can linger into their 60s. 
  • How do we navigate this?

Common Symptoms (Who has experienced these…raise your hand if you want)

  • Hot flashes (also known as hot flushes; vasomotor symptoms - nervous system’s regulation of blood flow and temperature through the blood vessels) - Linked to estradiol (E2 - most potent estrogen in the human body) fluctuations rather than the loss of estradiol. 
  • Weight gain and changes to fat distribution
  • Mood swings and disruption to emotional well being
  • Brain fog
  • Lack of energy and fatigue
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Pelvic health concerns and changes (urgency and leaking)
  • Digestive issues (bloating, constipation)
  • Vaginal dryness/discomfort
  • A greater risk of injury or difficulty recovering from exercise. 

Many women find techniques that previously worked earlier in life to manage weight and improve health no longer work as expected. “Just work out more” or strict dieting may now be more harmful than helpful. 

I just started this amazing Menopause Coaching Specialist Certification and I can’t wait to begin to help our clients with some of the things I’m learning. 

Stay tuned for more about what menopause is and some things you can do to reduce the symptoms that go along with it.