Fantastic midlife cheat sheet and although I can only speaking for myself, I believe it will be a welcoming feeling for all those going through menopause who read this essay. Here's to strength training, education, midlife connectivity and finding what works for each individual woman. We've come so far in just the past two year, I can't wait to see what the next ten hold in medical research and women sharing their personal experiences.
At some point I just decided that although a lot of this stuff is very personal, it's the kind of thing that would have made me feel much less alone when I was going through it. So if I can do that for another woman, that will make me very happy! And I agree- so eager to see science and research advance. Hopefully women's health will start to catch up in the funding department- it's shocking how little has been devoted over the years in terms of resources.
I wish I couldn't relate to this as much as I can, Dina. Like you, I feel the rage of knowing that a better menopause experience is possible but denied to so many women through lack of care and awareness from our medical professionals. And don't get me started on the flawed study. Irresponsible and damaging - to this day! Grateful for this share and the knowledge that things are changing. There is hope. And honestly, if rage helps us get there then I'm here for it!
This, this and so much this. ALL of this. Cheering you from this side of the pond for raising all of this, sharing all of us this, and nodding along with every line. (Including the TINNITUS - who knew?!) So much more to say, but most importantly, thank you SO much for this. Sharing!!! 🥰🤗
There was so much I didn’t know when it all started for me, and I want to share it all so others will know they are not crazy (as I often thought I was!), that there is community, and that there is relief! I’m so glad you enjoyed- appreciate you immensely!
Likewise, me too with the learning curve (🎢 !) - this resonates in so many ways I would be here for half an hour ticking boxes with you! And right back at you! 💗
Thank you so much for writing this and sharing your experiences Dina! I'm 41 and haven't had many symptoms as yet but I firmly believe in educating myself and forearming myself with information and a community, especially if the support and action isn't always there from health professionals! We've seen a definite positive menoposse movement over here in the UK too over the last few years, it was kind if spearheaded by a documentary by a TV presenter called Davina McCall (entitled Sex, Lies & Menopause) maybe you can catch it steaming somewhere?
Really glad you managed to get HRT and are seeing an improvement to how you're feeling. Thank you! Love Meera xx
Thank you for reading, Meera! Having some idea of what to expect and being prepared is half the battle! I’m trying to put out the kinds of articles that I wish I had when I started going through it- stuff that would have made me feel less alone and more educated and empowered! The UK has always been a little bit ahead of us- when I started researching for my original blog back around 2018 the majority of articles were coming from there. Fortunately things have changed over the past few years. I would love to see the Davina McCall doc- she comes up all the time in my menopause Google alerts. I will look for- thank you! xo
as a 45 year old, i am so appreciative for you sharing these resources! my symptoms thus far are mild, and mostly related to weight gain (not the end of the world, i know, but frustrating nonetheless!) - i am happy to have a place to refer back to as things inevitably change in the future.
i looked at your resource list (amazing!) and don't see anything relating to weight lifting guidance. how did you start? i have been exercising regularly for a long time, but like many, heavy weights are not a part of my repertoire and i am intimidated/unsure how to start, although i do have weights in my home collecting dust.
Thank you so much for this, Amy. It is genuinely my pleasure to share! My intent was to put together the kind of guide that I wish I had in my 40's to make it easier for women going through it. There's so much more information available now, but it can be hard to sort through. I'll keep updating as I continue to learn. I totally understand re the weight gain. It's frustrating. Dr. Haver's book The Galveston Diet is a great resource on the topic and is full of nutritional and lifestyle info, recipes, etc. As for the weight training, thank you for mentioning- I am going to do some research and add to the guide. As for me, I have always used weights- previously with a trainer at my gym and more recently in group classes, and I have just started to gradually increase the amount of weight I incorporate. If you have a gym membership, they usually offer some complimentary training sessions- that might be a good place to start. I would suggest following Dr. Vonda Wright, who provides excellent tips and information on her Instagram page. There's also a virtual menopause boot camp I recently learned about by Holly Rilinger who founded a studio called Lift. I am looking into taking it myself- I heard her speak last week and she was amazing!
Thank you for this, Skylar. It’s just so infuriating to think about how underfunded women’s health research has been across the board, and how we, like Dr. Thurston said, seem to have a high cultural tolerance for women’s suffering. I’m just so grateful the tide is turning, and for the amazing doctors and advocates who are leading the charge. And yes, I’m all for channeling that rage!
Fantastic midlife cheat sheet and although I can only speaking for myself, I believe it will be a welcoming feeling for all those going through menopause who read this essay. Here's to strength training, education, midlife connectivity and finding what works for each individual woman. We've come so far in just the past two year, I can't wait to see what the next ten hold in medical research and women sharing their personal experiences.
At some point I just decided that although a lot of this stuff is very personal, it's the kind of thing that would have made me feel much less alone when I was going through it. So if I can do that for another woman, that will make me very happy! And I agree- so eager to see science and research advance. Hopefully women's health will start to catch up in the funding department- it's shocking how little has been devoted over the years in terms of resources.
"A menoposse" - yes! Love this term!
So good, right?! Not sure who came up with it, but I love it too!
I wish I couldn't relate to this as much as I can, Dina. Like you, I feel the rage of knowing that a better menopause experience is possible but denied to so many women through lack of care and awareness from our medical professionals. And don't get me started on the flawed study. Irresponsible and damaging - to this day! Grateful for this share and the knowledge that things are changing. There is hope. And honestly, if rage helps us get there then I'm here for it!
This, this and so much this. ALL of this. Cheering you from this side of the pond for raising all of this, sharing all of us this, and nodding along with every line. (Including the TINNITUS - who knew?!) So much more to say, but most importantly, thank you SO much for this. Sharing!!! 🥰🤗
There was so much I didn’t know when it all started for me, and I want to share it all so others will know they are not crazy (as I often thought I was!), that there is community, and that there is relief! I’m so glad you enjoyed- appreciate you immensely!
Likewise, me too with the learning curve (🎢 !) - this resonates in so many ways I would be here for half an hour ticking boxes with you! And right back at you! 💗
Thank you so much for writing this and sharing your experiences Dina! I'm 41 and haven't had many symptoms as yet but I firmly believe in educating myself and forearming myself with information and a community, especially if the support and action isn't always there from health professionals! We've seen a definite positive menoposse movement over here in the UK too over the last few years, it was kind if spearheaded by a documentary by a TV presenter called Davina McCall (entitled Sex, Lies & Menopause) maybe you can catch it steaming somewhere?
Really glad you managed to get HRT and are seeing an improvement to how you're feeling. Thank you! Love Meera xx
Thank you for reading, Meera! Having some idea of what to expect and being prepared is half the battle! I’m trying to put out the kinds of articles that I wish I had when I started going through it- stuff that would have made me feel less alone and more educated and empowered! The UK has always been a little bit ahead of us- when I started researching for my original blog back around 2018 the majority of articles were coming from there. Fortunately things have changed over the past few years. I would love to see the Davina McCall doc- she comes up all the time in my menopause Google alerts. I will look for- thank you! xo
as a 45 year old, i am so appreciative for you sharing these resources! my symptoms thus far are mild, and mostly related to weight gain (not the end of the world, i know, but frustrating nonetheless!) - i am happy to have a place to refer back to as things inevitably change in the future.
i looked at your resource list (amazing!) and don't see anything relating to weight lifting guidance. how did you start? i have been exercising regularly for a long time, but like many, heavy weights are not a part of my repertoire and i am intimidated/unsure how to start, although i do have weights in my home collecting dust.
Thank you so much for this, Amy. It is genuinely my pleasure to share! My intent was to put together the kind of guide that I wish I had in my 40's to make it easier for women going through it. There's so much more information available now, but it can be hard to sort through. I'll keep updating as I continue to learn. I totally understand re the weight gain. It's frustrating. Dr. Haver's book The Galveston Diet is a great resource on the topic and is full of nutritional and lifestyle info, recipes, etc. As for the weight training, thank you for mentioning- I am going to do some research and add to the guide. As for me, I have always used weights- previously with a trainer at my gym and more recently in group classes, and I have just started to gradually increase the amount of weight I incorporate. If you have a gym membership, they usually offer some complimentary training sessions- that might be a good place to start. I would suggest following Dr. Vonda Wright, who provides excellent tips and information on her Instagram page. There's also a virtual menopause boot camp I recently learned about by Holly Rilinger who founded a studio called Lift. I am looking into taking it myself- I heard her speak last week and she was amazing!
Thank you for this, Skylar. It’s just so infuriating to think about how underfunded women’s health research has been across the board, and how we, like Dr. Thurston said, seem to have a high cultural tolerance for women’s suffering. I’m just so grateful the tide is turning, and for the amazing doctors and advocates who are leading the charge. And yes, I’m all for channeling that rage!