Navigating the seas of change: a dive into menopause with Sam Beau Patrick
Night sweats, mood swings, weight gain, lethargy… all symptoms of menopause, but what’s normal, and what’s not? When should you see a specialist? What treatment options are available? To answer all this and more, we interviewed best selling author, naturopath and nurse Sam Beau Patrick – and here’s the wisdom she shared.
First.. what is menopause?
Menopause is a significant but natural transition of life, marked by the cessation of menstrual cycles. During this period, as hormones are fluctuating and adjusting to the new status quo; upto 80% of Australian women will experience a variety of symptoms – ranging from uncomfortable to unbearable. It’s a challenging time that needs to be recognised by us as individuals, and our health care professionals alike.
What are the normal symptoms of menopause?
- End of menstrual cycles
- Mild flushing
- Mild mood fluctuations
- Repeated night time waking
When should we seek out professional support?
If any of the symptoms above becomes unbearable, extreme or disruptive to normal life – or if you’re experiencing signs which indicate hormonal imbalance, such as belly fat gain and chronic exhaustion.
How can we reduce symptoms naturally?
Diet:
- load up on green veggies
- reduce caffeine, red wine and spicy foods
Exercise:
- opt for low intensity exercise like yoga or walking, which can help restore hormonal balance – more so than vigorous HIIT workouts
Three Top tips for those going through menopause?
That ‘You Are Not Broken: Experiencing menopause is a natural process – not a sign of being ‘broken.’
Prioritize Self-Care: Managing stress and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential – and get support to do so
To know if you’re ‘normal’, get your saliva tested: it’s the most effective way to measure menopausal hormones.
For more information on Sam and her support options for those undergoing menopause, visit www.sambeaupatrick.com and follow @hormoneswithsam
For the full article grab the February/March 2024 issue of Women’s Fitness Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
