Steps to Embrace the Change

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Embrace a fresh, positive mindset

Menopause is a natural life transition experienced by every woman in the world. 

Release old, outworn beliefs about how "hard" menopause is and acknowledge that it's a rite of passage, rich with opportunities for enhanced health and well-being.  

Identify where you are on your journey

This transition unfolds in two distinctly different phases ~ perimenopause and menopause. Each phase requires a different approach but all symptoms are often lumped into menopause. Know where you are to make informed choices.

It's time for positive diet and nutrition choices

Nourish your body, mind, and spirit with healthy, nutrition-dense foods. Learn what foods to eat and what to avoid. Pay attention to foods that worsen your symptoms. 

Move your body

We all know of the benefits of exercise and there's no better time to get moving. Feeling lousy, fatigue, and a lack of motivation might keep you inactive. Find some form of exercise you enjoy doing every day. Get on the floor and stretch. Turn up the music and dance. Go for a walk. Do yoga... in a chair if you must. Just get moving!

Think preventative wellness 

Unaddressed hormonal imbalances can lead to hormone-related health conditions like type II diabetes, adrenal insufficiency, heart disease and even some cancers. Shift your thinking from simply feeling good today, to creating long-term wellness. 

Follow current, accurate information

Use caution when researching products for perimenopause and menopause online. There's a lot of slick marketing to our demographic, and far too many well-meaning people are sharing inaccurate, outdated and downright dangerous information.   

Preserve your time, money and energy

Trial and error approaches to symptom relief can get expensive and be very disappointing. Learn what supplements, herbs, etc. bring results and use as few products as possible to identify what's working. I can help.

Always check for contraindications

If you have existing health conditions and use medications, please don’t miss this step. Always check for contraindications before adding supplements, herbs and even some foods. Never stop using medications without first consulting your doctor.

Scrutinize product and food labels

We become super sensitive during perimenopause and menopause, making it essential to read ingredients carefully and make wise choices. Be sure your supplements and herbs are free of preservatives, unnecessary fillers, endocrine disrupting chemicals and food coloring.  

Become picky about ingredients 

Choose organic foods, especially meats and dairy products, to help eliminate excess estrogens, chemicals, pesticides and preservatives. Remember, what you put on your skin goes in your body. Examine your personal care products for ingredients known to be endocrine disruptors. Without your knowledge, they can make you feel worse and be potentially dangerous with long-term use.

Manage stress and slow down

The adrenal glands are impacted by hormonal changes, big time. Nurture them and ease your transition by learning to effectively reduce and manage stress. You’ll also want to cut way back on things you might use to sustain your energy throughout the day like caffeine products, sugar and carbohydrates. Consider taking up yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, deep breathing, journaling, walking, time in nature or any number of stress reduction techniques.

Listen to your symptoms

During this transformative time of life, everything you’ve put on the back burner will begin to surface and demand your attention. Stored resentments, unhealed wounds, losses you haven’t grieved, etc. Learn to listen to your emotions and allow them to guide you to areas of your life in need of attention, care and positive change. 

Love and nurture yourself

After years of putting the needs and desire of others before your own, it’s time for you. Quiet alone time to go inward has never been more important. Take small, consistent steps each day to be more self-nurturing. Light some candles, turn on some peaceful music and soak in a warm bubble bath. Give yourself permission to rest, reflect, reevaluate, restore and reinvent. 

Ask for directions and support

If you are suffering from severe depression or other mental health issue, please seek the help of a medical doctor or mental health professional.