The M Word

Written By Lynn Roberts

Menopause doesn’t only affect half of us. If we live long enough, half of us will take the journey, but most of us will be along for the white knuckle ride with someone close to us at least once in our lives. Most of us have a relationship, partner, offspring, sibling, or friend, with someone who’s approaching, (perimenopause) or post menopause. How you navigate this often turbulent time, can make a huge difference to whether she survives with relationships intact, or leaves behind a trail of destruction.

Despite Menopause being a normal, natural, and inevitable transition in a woman’s life, there is still huge stigma around it, and women’s health generally at this stage of life. This can stop women from talking about it openly and seeking help, and can reinforce beliefs that the debilitating symptoms are normal. Trying to understand her experience, and keeping lines of communication open, whilst not drawing attention to her symptoms, is the most supportive you can be. It’s a highly personal subject that many women may not want to talk about, but knowing they have a sympathetic, caring, and non-judgemental ear can make a huge difference.

Learning about the symptoms also can help. Unpredictability, is one of the biggest frustrations of perimenopause, and can begin, for some, as early as mid 30’s. Recognising a mood swing for what it is, and not taking it personally, can prevent friction in relationships. In a loving partnership, loss of interest in sex can become an added friction, but many women whose appetite falters, find that their libido returns to it’s former glory once menopause is complete. Adjusting expectations and patience, will help steer a positive course through these rough times.

In our youth-obsessed society self-esteem and confidence can suffer, as weight gathers around the middle, skin & hair suffer, and we have to acknowledge to ourselves that we’re physically ageing. Women’s bodies can feel out of control during menopause; just having free range over the windows and thermostats can give back the feeling of some control. Chances are the lady going through menopause is racked with guilt about her lack of control over her body and emotions. Try not to add to that burden, and remind your menopausal friend often that she is as fabulous as ever.

There are effective complimentary treatments for menopause symptoms. Hypnotherapy has a proven success record, and can help with many of the 70 plus acknowledged symptoms associated with perimenopause, such as hot flashes, joint pain, sleep issues, sudden onset anxiety or phobias, self esteem.

Lynn Roberts – Clinical Hypnotherapist and Psychosensory Practitioner

I work with people from all walks of life to resolve the difficulties or blocks and hold them back.