What can be done at a business and societal level to better understand and support those going through these stages?
On a business level, treat this involuntary life stage as you would other health issues. Encourage all employees to be aware of it as it affects the workplace. Provide resources to employees who may not want to talk about it but need help. On a societal level, storytelling breaks barriers and creates community. Sharing your story with a friend, neighbor or colleague can give them the confidence to access the help they need to feel better.
You are an advocate for resetting, taking control, and embracing menopause. Why did you think this approach and language was important or necessary?
Women don’t have to suffer like their mothers. Menopausal symptoms can be managed and more education is needed to ensure every woman understands this. It doesn’t have to be a negative experience, but it is usually described as such.
Many women don’t know when or how to ask for help, (but) they can take control if they know what’s going on. Knowledge is power. Understanding the changes that occur in the body gives a person a sense of empowerment to accept change and choose a symptom management technique that works for them.
Would approaching perimenopause and menopause from a nutritional perspective lead to huge lifestyle changes? For example, sacrificing certain vices or indulgences?
Alcohol presents many health risk factors for (and contributes to) a woman’s waistline during midlife. Drink consciously, knowing what it can do to your health and body confidence. Vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes, heart palpitations and night sweats can also be exacerbated by alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods, so it is recommended to consume these foods and drinks in moderation.
