Handling Hormones
Coincidentally these are also the years for career building and family building . So women's biological clock is often in conflict with the social norms.
When her own hormones are dwindling and declining during perimenopause( onset of first symptom of menopause) , her kid's hormones are at peak as invariably they may be in their teen years.
The newly born baby 's underdeveloped system adjusting to the new environment and a new mother's body going through havoc of hormonal changes after child birth is quite a lot for any women to handle all alone , whether a homemaker or a working professional.
This write-up focuses on the menopausal years, a topic hardly discussed in our Indian family set-ups.
Ladies ! Communication in your inner circle is non-negotiable if you are keen to navigate your hormones in right direction. Creating an ecosystem of a supportive spouse, understanding family and cohesive workforce can make this roller coaster ride less bumpy.
Look at this term HORMONE as "haar - mann". Means Agar Mann haar gaya tou hormones will overpower you.
So stay brave , make your family aware what your mind and body is going through . Before that have enough knowledge about this transition yourself.
Menopause is natural cessation of reproductive years in a woman's life. Typically occurring from 45 year - 55 years of age. Generally perimenopause ranges from 2to 5 years until complete menopause.
Though all hormones are affected, there is significant decline in estrogen levels , drastic changes in neurotransmitters , leading to symptoms like Mood swings, confusion, brain fog, irratibility, sleep disturbances, food cravings , anxiety, forgetfulness, tiredness, lethargy, hot flushes, difficulty in staying calm, palpitations, skin dryness, wrinkles, pigmentation, hair fall, hair thinning, change in body shape, weight gain, feeling of burn out.
Most women blame themselves and find faults within . Understand that this is another phase in continuum of life stages and it shall pass . Just understand the process and reorient your life accordingly.
Women often feel worse about their body gaining weight especially around the lower abdomen. This is normal as body deposits more fat to compensate for declining estrogen levels. Fat cells help in production of estrogen to some extent . This is body's balancing mechanism , curated by God. Accept this change and focus on doing gentle exercises and some awareness about your daily diet.
Don't go overboard with extensive exercising to loose weight . Intense excercise will put your already stressed body under more stress ,leading to further increase in cortisol level ( stress hormone).
Instead , design excercises that increase strength and stamina while providing relaxation too such as yoga postures and strength training.
Get dressed up nicely to feel good about yourself.
Adapt to a comfortable sleep pattern and wear comfortable clothing while sleeping to manage hot flushes.
Design a balanced diet which is interesting too and can trigger your taste buds. Take well monitored cheat meals to stay sane during this journey. Cravings often indicate nutritional deficiencies , so get full-body check-up done.
During menopause , musculoskeletal system is severely affected. Fix any deficiencies with the help of your gynecologist and physician. Find ways to relax , pursue a forgotten hobby and talk to people who make you feel good .
Prioritize your mental health over house chores , kids and kitchen . Delegate household work among family members. This is a phase of self care. Be forgiving to yourself .
Take it as a second spring season of your life where you have got an opportunity to reassess and reset your health and life goals. Keep patience . View visible changes in your body as proud announcement to the world that you have lived a profound life looking after your work, yourself, family, kids and everyone around. Tackle one day at a time. Pat yourself daily for small victories. Eventually you will find yourself in a happy and healthy space again.
Enjoy The Second Spring Ladies!!!
