October is World Menopause Month and with the increase in online searches for menopause symptoms and signs, it is evident that women are looking for answers to better manage this stage in their lives.
At a recent menopause event, Actress and Comedian Sally Philips highlighted the power women have in changing things during this transitional phase. Lorna Driver-Davies, Head of Nutrition at Wild Nutrition, has supported numerous women through perimenopause and menopause and has compiled ten lesser-known facts to empower women during this phase.
One of the most important facts is that 40% of women’s lives are spent in perimenopause or postmenopause. Perimenopause is the period leading up to menopause, which can last for 6 months to 10 years on average. This phase is characterized by hormonal fluctuations and changes in the menstrual cycle, which can lead to physical and mental symptoms.
However, despite the prevalence of perimenopause, only one-third of women can name three symptoms of menopause, when in fact there are 48 signs in total. The “Future of Perimenopause Report” is a valuable resource that provides insights from experts in menopause.
It is estimated that one billion women will go through menopause by 2025, and many of them are finding comfort in peer support and shared experiences. A lack of menopause training among clinicians is a major issue, with 75% of them not receiving regular training, and only 118 menopause clinics recognized by the British Menopause Society. As a result, it is not uncommon for women to visit their GP multiple times before receiving a diagnosis.
There is also a lack of understanding about perimenopause, with 46% of women unaware of what it is and 34% not knowing the difference between perimenopause and menopause. However, there is a growing awareness and acceptance of the need for holistic approaches to health, communication, and technology to support women during this transition.
It is not a simple decision to opt for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or not, as it is an individual choice. According to a recent survey, 32% of women are looking for natural alternatives to HRT, while others swear by it. The most crucial factor is finding what works for each individual’s body and hormone profile.
Nutrition can also play a significant role in easing the symptoms of perimenopause. Calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids are some of the most transformative natural ingredients for this phase. A diet rich in vegetables, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and good quality fish and meat is a good foundation for managing perimenopause.
Despite the growing awareness and acceptance of menopause, there is still a significant lack of knowledge about its emotional and mental effects. 42% of women know little or nothing about these effects, highlighting the importance of community support and education in achieving healthcare equality and reform.
Lorna advises that small daily habits can have the most significant impact on our health during perimenopause and menopause. A 15-minute nutritional therapy consultation can provide valuable insights on how to support oneself naturally through nutrition during this phase.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.