Blogs By Request: Menopause
Let’s talk about menopause, ladies. This blog is coming to you by request. I know it is probably a little strange to have a 27-year-old woman write about this topic, but it is an important topic that no one else is talking about!
If you are still reading, I will assume this matter applies to you. Allow me to encourage you before I really get going. I sit down with literally hundreds of students just like you. I would go as far to say that the number 1 thing I hear when I sit down with a woman in a success session is that they hit menopause and all of a sudden life changed- FAST! Weight gain, mood swings, exhaustion, etc. All of these things make them self-conscious, depressed, stressed, anxious, mad…you name it. The cool part is that they came to us to make a change. So here is a little education and how training and nutrition play a critical role in how you cope.
Menopause is part of life, right? There is absolutely no dodging it, ladies. Whether you a pre-menopausal, in the fire or almost at the end let’s talk about what happens...
Estrogen. It is an important hormone for many reasons, but one reason you may not think about until it drops is that it helps regulate metabolism. With menopause comes an estrogen dive, which means what? If you were used to eating anything and everything and living a sedentary life with a comfortable weight, you can kiss that life goodbye. Or maybe you have the training piece in your toolbox already, but you have not fully committed to that other important part (nutrition!) – now would be the time to hop on board!
You can beat menopause to the punch and start making better life choices now both in the gym and in the kitchen. If you are pre-menopausal, then you will want to be ahead of the game. If you are in the fire already, then don’t worry – you can still catch up! It will take effort on your part, but if you don’t like what is happening to you (or are uneasy about what could happen to you in the years to come), then let’s do something about it now. You are NOT alone.
You know what else estrogen does? It helps prevent bone loss and works together with calcium, vitamin D and other hormones and minerals to build bones. Thus, after menopause, your body breaks down more bone than it rebuilds. In the years immediately after menopause, women may lose as much as 20% of their bone mass. With that being said, don’t ya think a smart training program and proper nutrition can help you? Hello- osteoporosis?
There are a lot of nasty side effects associated with menopause- hot flashes, fatigue, mood swings, disrupted sleep and so much more. You’re not crazy and some of it IS out of your control, but not everything.
Do not be a victim of menopause weight gain- there are LITERALLY well over 100 women training at Get Fit NH RIGHT NOW going through this with you. You absolutely do not have to go through this alone. You’ve heard of battle buddies? Let’s make menopause mates a thing!
I am here for you!
Coach Meagan