All too often we hear about problems that the menopause can bring. At times, it can feel like it’s all doom and gloom.
But there’s another side to going through the menopause.
Tanith Lee, aka Mrs Menopause, a nutritional therapist and fitness trainer who specialises in women’s health in midlife, says: ‘Women tend to view the menopause as marking “an end” of a chapter in their life, but for many, this pivotal time can actually mark an exciting new beginning.
It can be incredibly liberating, and although it can bring great challenges, it can also bring great benefits too.’
Here, we explore why the menopause may not be so bad after all…
Goodbye PMS
PMS affects more than 90 per cent of menstruating women, and for some it can be debilitating. Women can experience a range of symptoms from swollen or tender breasts, cramping, backache, tension, bloating and irritability.
However, once your periods stop, so does PMS. Goodbye cramps, food cravings and curling up uncomfortably with a hot-water bottle!
Care-free sex
While it’s true that some women report a decrease in their libido following the menopause, many say that their sex life is better than ever.
Tanith says: ‘There’s a misconception that after the menopause, you’ll be less inclined to want sex. But many people find that sex becomes less complicated and more fun.
You feel less anxious about falling pregnant. You might not have to worry about the kids being in the house and you have more experience, confidence and freedom to experiment.’
No more hormonal headaches
According to the National Headache Foundation, approximately 60 per cent of women who get migraines, get menstrual migraines. Some experience nausea or vomiting with them. But following the menopause, as your hormones stop fluctuating and levels of progesterone and oestrogen fall, these headaches lessen too.
Better health choices
Tanith says: ‘Our menopausal symptoms, however frustrating, can nudge us to look within and reflect on the lifestyle choices we’re making.
‘Suddenly we’re forced to pay attention to our bodies and our needs. Whether that’s adopting better sleeping habits, exercising more or eating better, the menopause makes us think about how we can reduce symptoms, as well as improve things like our heart and bone health.’
More self-assured
Tanith says: ‘While the menopause can impact some women’s confidence levels negatively, many ladies I’ve spoken to feel more free and self-assured after the menopause.
‘You lose that self-obsession and care less about what people think. You’re more comfortable in yourself and you worry less.
‘It’s almost as if, as our body softens — often our attitude towards ourselves softens too and we become more self-accepting.’
A chance for change
Tanith says: ‘For some, the menopausal years can be really empowering. We spend so much of our lives looking after others.
‘But as our hormone levels shift, and levels of oestrogen — our “nurturing hormone” — drop, it can encourage us to start to think about ourselves again.
‘What do we want? Are we happy in our career? Our relationship? Is there a new hobby that we want to pursue?
‘There’s a sense of reaching a crossroads of opportunity, and this feeling of “This is now my time for me.”’
No more guessing games
Tanith says: ‘On a practical level, going through the menopause can bring great relief to many women. They no longer have to spend time messing about with tampons, sanitary towels, menstruation calendars or worrying about irregular cycles or getting caught out.
‘They can wear what they want, when they want and with confidence.’
A renewed sense of freedom
Tanith says: ‘Women often feel pressurised to hang on to the past, to try to look how they did when they were younger or have the same energy levels, and that can be a heavy load.
‘However, once you go through “the change”, you get better at letting go. You know who you are, you have more experience of the world, more wisdom and that can help you prioritise what matters in life and what really doesn’t. It’s liberating.’
For more information, visit mrsmenopause.co.uk
Edited by Stephanie May