Menopause and Counselling -a time for reflection

Educating ourselves about what is out there is one step closer to articulating what support we might need and we can also take the necessary steps to ensure we get the proper care we deserve. Too often women have suffered in silence simply by not having access to the right information.

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is an effective medical treatment for peri-menopausal and menopausal symptoms. There has been quite a bit of negative publicity about HRT over the past two decades which has focused on the health risks associated with HRT, this has meant many women either stopped taking HRT or refused to start. But recent social media campaigns and television programmes, such as Channel 4’s documentary presented by Davina McCall, have placed a spotlight on the widespread misinformation and lack of adequate education about HRT – treatments have come a long way since the more traditional medications and are in fact very safe for most women.

• It is worth taking a look at resources such as My Menopause Doctor for more information on the types of safe HRT available in the UK.  Many women have reported presenting with menopausal symptoms to their GPs and then being prescribed anti-depressants but found them to be ineffectual in the long term, especially if menopausal symptoms persist and continue untreated. The medical profession has historically provided limited training to GPs about the menopause which has meant symptoms have not been properly diagnosed nor has the correct treatment been given. This is being currently reviewed and addressed by  the medical profession.

• There are many offerings of wellbeing advice, podcasts, women’s support groups and guidance being initiated by women around the globe which are often promoted via social media, for instance #MakeMenopauseMatter campaign.

• Self-help courses  focusing on meditation, yoga, nutrition, breath work and positive thinking take a holistic approach towards the physical, mental and emotional aspects of Menopause. These practices build towards Menopause being a transformative process. Menopause does not have to only be negative, it can be the beginning of a new stage which can prompt a healthier lifestyle and self-reflection.

• Healthy eating and diets are known to help some women manage their symptoms, for example food rich in phytoestrogens (soybeans, tofu, flaxseeds) have a similar chemical structure to oestrogen.

• Talking about Menopause with our friends and family can help us feel that we are not alone. Menopause focused social media groups are also a good way of joining in the conversation and getting support.

• Cold and open water swimming have been found to ease some symptoms of Menopause and are thought to release the body’s stress hormones, the fight or flight response – as a result people talk about feeling “euphoric”. Some women report it can have a real impact on brain fog, bone and joint ache and energy levels contributing to your overall wellbeing.

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy can be an effective tool for reducing some of the physical symptoms and anxiety associated with Menopause. With CBT the focus is on training yourself to reframe  thoughts or shift  thinking patterns, this way you can see a change in how you experience things – this has the added benefit of lowering  anxiety levels by reducing negative thoughts. You can request CBT through your GP.