Sarah [00:00:00]:
Welcome to Mister Menopause on the radio. Here to guide you through the journey of menopause with compassion and expertise is award winning menopause educator, author, speaker and your host Tafiq Aqir, also known as Mister menopause. Get ready to be informed, empowered and inspired. Now let's dive in.
Tafiq Akhir aka Mr. Menopause [00:00:21]:
Welcome back to Mister Menopause on the radio it's Tawfika Kir, Mister Menopause here and today we're diving into essential aspects of menopause which are all about understanding, managing and thriving during this pivotal stage of life. Menopause is a natural biological process that of course marks a significant transition in a womans life. Now lets get into what menopause entails, common symptoms of menopause, effective management strategies and how to thrive through this stage of life. Menopause is diagnosed after twelve consecutive months without a menstrual period. Period typically occurring in women during their late forties to early fifties give or take five years. Menopause brings a host of psychological, physiological and emotional changes that will vary among different women. The three stages are perimenopause, menopause and post menopause. Now with perimenopause this is the transition period leading up to menopause, often marked by irregular periods and fluctuating hormone levels.
Tafiq Akhir aka Mr. Menopause [00:01:33]:
Next is menopause itself and this is defined as the point when a woman has not had a menstrual period for twelve consecutive months as I mentioned. And that moment itself is menopause. Next is post menopause and the years following menopause is where symptoms may continue for some as the body adjusts to new hormonal levels and its also extremely important to focus on healthy aging. Menopause can bring a variety of symptoms and here are just some of the up to 60 symptoms associated with menopause. One is hot flashes. These are sudden feelings of heat, usually most intense over the face, neck and chest. And then there are night sweats and these are similar to hot flashes but typically occurring during sleep, often leading to disrupted sleep patterns. Next is mood changes.
Tafiq Akhir aka Mr. Menopause [00:02:29]:
Theres an increased likelihood of mood swings, irritability or even depression during menopause. Next is sleep problems. This is difficulty in falling asleep or even staying asleep, often due to night sweats or other discomforts. Then theres vaginal dryness and discomfort. Reduction in lubrication and elasticity can lead to discomfort and even pain during intercourse and this is all due to the drop in estrogen levels. Next is weight gain and slowed metabolism. Hormonal changes can affect metabolism leading to weight gain, especially around the midsection. Effective management of menopause involves a combination of lifestyle changes, natural remedies and medical treatments.
Tafiq Akhir aka Mr. Menopause [00:03:19]:
Here are some strategies that you may want to consider as always healthier. Eating balanced nutrition, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins can help to manage weight, improve energy levels and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses. Next is regular exercise. Physical activity helps manage weight, improves mood, and maintains strong bones and muscles. You want to aim for a mix of cardio, strength training and flexibility exercises. Next is stress management. Techniques like yoga, meditation, deep breathing and mindfulness can help manage stress and improve overall well being. Four is getting adequate sleep.
Tafiq Akhir aka Mr. Menopause [00:04:04]:
Establishing a regular sleep routine and creating a comfortable sleep environment can help combat insomnia and even night sweats. Next is hydration. Drinking plenty of water can help to manage hot flashes and maintain overall health. Next is hormone replacement therapy or HRT. For some women, HRT can alleviate severe symptoms. However, its important to always discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. Seven is alternative therapies, acupuncture, herbal supplements and other alternative treatments may provide relief for some women. Life after menopause can be fulfilling and vibrant.
Tafiq Akhir aka Mr. Menopause [00:04:51]:
Embrace this new phase by focusing on health, well being and personal growth. Start with things like continued learning. Start by staying informed about menopause and aging. Knowledge is empowering and can help you make informed health decisions. Next is to maintain regular health checkups. Regular visits to your healthcare provider can help monitor your health and address any new concerns. Also, you want to cultivate relationships. Strong social connections can provide emotional support and improve your overall well being.
Tafiq Akhir aka Mr. Menopause [00:05:26]:
Pursue hobbies and other interests when you engage in activities that bring joy and fulfillment. Whether it's travel, reading, volunteering or new hobbies, it helps you to better manage your menopause journey. Next is to stay positive. Adopting a positive outlook can greatly influence your quality of life. Embrace the changes and see this as an opportunity for new beginnings. Understanding menopause and how to manage it can empower you to take control of your health and your overall well being. Remember, every womans experience with menopause is unique and what works for 1 may not work for the other, so its essential to find strategies that suit your individual needs and lifestyle. Menopause is not an end but a transition.
Tafiq Akhir aka Mr. Menopause [00:06:18]:
With the right tools and mindset, you can navigate this phase with confidence and embrace the opportunities that it brings. If you feel confused or unsure about menopause symptom management, health improvement and the types of support available, take my menopause awareness assessment. This assessment can help you to better understand your menopause journey and to even find the support that you need to manage this transition effectively, click the link in the bio section of the Mister Menopause on the radio podcast to take the assessment today. Thank you for joining me on this episode of Mister Menopause on the radio. I hope you found these insights helpful and empowering. Don't forget to subscribe and tune in next time as we continue to explore the many facets of menopause. Until then, stay safe and be well.
