Vikki Hobson – Juicy Menopause
October is Menopause Awareness Month, with World Menopause Day landing on the 18th. For years, this time has been about acknowledging a life stage that often feels like a secret club we never wanted to join. But I say, enough with the silent suffering! It’s time to reframe our menopause journey. This October, let’s make a pact to be kind to ourselves, to embrace the changes, and to find the “juiciness” in this next chapter.
Menopause isn’t a single event; it’s a journey. And while it can throw some curveballs, it doesn’t have to be a drag. Forget the doom and gloom—let’s talk about taking control and finding our inner sparkle again.
The Menopause Mixer: More than Just a Hot Flush!
We often hear about hot flushes, but the truth is, menopause is a whole cocktail of symptoms, some of which are a little… unexpected. You might be experiencing a whole range of things, and it’s important to know you’re not alone and you’re not imagining it!
💜 Brain Fog: Ever walked into a room and forgotten why you’re there? Or lost your train of thought mid-sentence? It’s not just you. Menopausal brain fog is a real thing, and it can be frustratingly funny at times!
💜 Musculoskeletal Mayhem: Hello, unexpected aches and pains! You might feel a bit creaky and stiff, like a rusty Tin Man. Joint pain, muscle aches, and even the start of osteoporosis can be part of the package. It’s your body reminding you to give it a little more love and attention.
💜 Mood Swings: One minute you’re laughing, the next you’re ready to cry over a spilt cuppa. Hormone fluctuations can make us feel like we’re on a rollercoaster.
💜 That’s not all! There’s also fatigue, insomnia, and those “Oh, that’s why I feel like this!” moments.
Your Holistic Toolkit for a Juicier Menopause
The good news? You have the power to take charge. A holistic approach, looking at your mind, body, and spirit, can make a huge difference.
💚 Get Your Body Moving (and Grooving!): Exercise isn’t about punishment; it’s about celebration! Finding a form of movement you love—whether it’s dancing around the kitchen, a brisk walk in the park, or some gentle yoga—can help with everything from mood swings to those achy joints. It’s about staying supple and strong.
💚 Fuel Your Inner Fire with Nourishing Foods: What we eat matters! Think of your body as a high-performance vehicle—it needs the right fuel. A focus on good nutrition can help manage symptoms and support your long-term health.
💚 Bone Builders: With the increased risk of osteoporosis, it’s crucial to prioritise calcium and Vitamin D. Think dairy products like milk and Greek yoghurt, and fortified plant milks. You can also find calcium in leafy greens and canned fish with bones (like sardines!).
💚 Happy Hormones: A diet rich in foods with phytoestrogens, like soya beans, flaxseeds, and chickpeas, may help some women manage symptoms like hot flushes by mildly mimicking oestrogen. It’s not a magic bullet, but it’s a juicy addition to your plate!
💚 Omega-3 Goodness: Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, and nuts and seeds, are packed with Omega-3s. These can support your mood and brain function, which is great for combating brain fog and mood swings.
💚 Mindful Choices: Some foods can be triggers. For many, caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods can make hot flushes worse. It’s all about listening to your body and finding what works for you.
💚 Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! Staying well-watered is surprisingly effective. As oestrogen levels drop, our skin can lose its plumpness and we might feel more dehydrated. Hot flushes and night sweats also cause fluid loss, so it’s a double whammy!
💚 Plump Up Your Skin: Drinking plenty of water helps to keep your skin hydrated and can even help with those aches and pains in your joints.
💚 Banish Brain Fog: Dehydration can make brain fog and headaches so much worse. A glass of water can be a quick and simple pick-me-up for your mind.
💚 Keep Things Flowing: Water is key for keeping your digestive system happy and preventing bloating or constipation. Aim for around 1.5 to 2 litres of fluids a day, but listen to your body and have more on days when you feel hot or are exercising.
💚 Be Your Own Best Friend: This is perhaps the most important part. Menopause can feel isolating, so practising self-compassion is key. Find moments of calm. Meditate. Take a long, bubbly bath. Read that book you’ve been meaning to get to. Whatever brings you peace and joy, make time for it.
Ready to Find Your Juice? Let’s Talk!
This October, let’s step out of the shadows and into the light. Your menopause journey is unique to you, and you deserve personalised support. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, lost, or simply want a friendly guide on this new path, that’s where I come in.
As a specialist menopause coach at Juicy Menopause®, I work with women just like you on a 1-2-1 basis. I’m here to listen, to empower, and to help you create a bespoke plan that covers everything from nutrition and exercise to managing those tricky symptoms. We’ll work together to help you regain control, boost your confidence, and find the joy in this transformative life stage.
Don’t just survive menopause—make it juicy! Let’s chat and start your journey towards feeling fabulous again.
Vikki Hobson – Juicy Menopause