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How society needs to help women as they navigate the menopause transition

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Cheryl MacDonald of YogaPause - YogaBellies®

As the creator of YogaPause (yoga for women over 40) and student psychologist, I am passionate about helping women navigate the menopause transition with ease, grace, and self-compassion. However, I am also acutely aware of the significant lack of understanding and support for women in midlife. This is particularly concerning given the recent news that the UK government rejected a menopause law that would have provided better protection and support for women in the workplace.The menopause transition is a natural and inevitable process that all women will go through at some point in their lives. However, it is also a time of great change, both physically and emotionally. The hormonal fluctuations that occur during perimenopause and menopause can cause a range of symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and difficulty sleeping. These symptoms can be distressing and can have a significant impact on women’s quality of life.

Unfortunately, many women feel embarrassed or ashamed to talk about their menopause symptoms. This is partly due to the societal taboos that still exist around menopause, but it is also because women may feel like their concerns are not being taken seriously. In some cases, healthcare providers may not have the necessary knowledge or training to effectively address menopause-related symptoms, leaving women feeling dismissed and unsupported.

This lack of understanding and support is a significant problem that needs to be addressed. Women deserve to have access to information, resources, and treatment options that can help them manage their menopause symptoms and improve their overall health and well-being. Here are some potential solutions that I believe could help to address this issue:

1. Education and training for healthcare providers: Healthcare providers need to be better educated and trained on menopause and its related symptoms. This can help to ensure that women receive the care and support they need when going through the menopause transition. Healthcare providers can also be better equipped to address the psychological and emotional aspects of menopause, such as mood swings and anxiety.

2. Community outreach programs: Raising awareness and understanding of menopause in the general population can help to reduce the stigma and shame that women may feel when going through this transition. Community outreach programs can provide women with access to information, resources, and support groups that can help them navigate the menopause transition more effectively.

3. Workplace support: The rejection of the UK menopause law highlights the urgent need for better workplace support for women going through the menopause transition. Employers need to be more aware of the impact that menopause-related symptoms can have on their employees and provide appropriate support and accommodations.

4. Self-care practices: Women can take proactive steps to manage their menopause symptoms and improve their overall health and well-being. Engaging in regular physical activity, such as the right type of yoga, can help to reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes, improve sleep quality, and reduce stress and anxiety. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing, can also be effective tools for reducing stress and promoting relaxation. ALL women over 40 need to be practising yoga!

In my work as a menopause yoga teacher and counsellor, I have seen first-hand the incredible benefits that yoga and other self-care practices can provide for women in midlife. Yoga is a gentle and effective way to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being. It can also be a powerful tool for helping women to reconnect with their bodies and embrace the changes that come with menopause.

By combining yoga and mindset practices, women can learn to manage their menopause symptoms in a holistic and integrative way. Through mindful movement, deep breathing, and self-reflection, women can develop a greater sense of self-awareness and self-compassion. This can help to reduce feelings of shame and self-judgment and promote a greater sense of acceptance and self-love.

The lack of understanding and support for women in midlife is a significant problem that needs to be addressed. However, through education, community outreach, workplace support, and self-care practices, we can begin to make positive changes and improve the lives of women going through the menopause transition. We need to break down the stigma and shame that still surrounds menopause and empower women to take control of their health and well-being.

As a society, we need to recognize the significant contributions that women in midlife make to our families, communities, and workplaces. By providing better support and understanding during the menopause transition, we can ensure that women can continue to thrive and succeed in all areas of their lives. It’s time for all of us to take action and create a more inclusive and supportive world for women in midlife.

YogaBellies has recently launched YogaPause – yoga that focuses on everything women need as they move through menopause, from the first signs to the end of their menstrual cycles. It focuses on weight bearing yoga practices, combined with weights (YogaPause STRONG) and also looks at all the stuff nobody wants to talk about – weight gain and menopause belly, hormonal fluctuations and mood swings, joint pain, and even the effect on libido and the dreaded vaginal atrophy.

This programme takes yoga off the mat and into life – looking at natural solutions to symptoms and promising strength, energy and vitality throughout life. To find your nearest class or join online visit YogaPause – YogaBellies®