Just the word “Menopause” makes most of us active women cringe. Right? We associate it with lower performance or the lack of desire even to go out and exercise. But the less we exercise, the less our body produces dopamine levels in the brain, which makes us feel good after exercising. So I’ll share the facts and myths of what to do when Menopause strikes you.

Know about the facts and myths that are associated with treatments in Menopause and what you can do to feel healthy and fit. Then, you too can take your training further by learning about my three habits in Menopause that will change how you think.

Reduced energy, mood changes, and increased cravings are some of the symptoms we experience; no wonder we turn to food more and exercise a lot less.

I did not know what to do because I had not even thought about it when Menopause struck me.

Did you know?

There are 34 menopausal side effects, and we experience each side effect differently from other women. However, the most common symptoms are hot flashes, night sweats, and fatigue.

I was training for my first Ultra Marathon when I experienced the first signs of Menopause. Unfortunately, nobody could tell me whether it was Menopause because I had my thyroid removed six months before the start of it, and it could be just that my body did not receive the correct dose of medication.

In any event, I experienced heavy bleeding, and my OBGYN recommended hormone therapy to stop it. That diminished the bleeding, but I felt awful! I had hot flashes, and night sweats, gained a lot of weight, and was always on edge – my training suffered.

Everyone I talked to just gave me a friendly smile with the understanding that that’s just what Menopause is going to be like, including my doctor. However, I wanted to learn about the facts and myths about Menopause and not only guess what I was experiencing.

Diving into the wealth of information online did not provide solutions that would help fit women in Menopause like me. That is when I took matters into my own hands. I relied on my knowledge as a personal trainer and running and sports nutrition coach. As a result, I can now share with you how to train strong and feel energized during Menopause. You want to know about the facts and fiction about menopause treatments and how you can feel strong and energized.

Menopause Facts vs. Myths: Your Essential Guide!

So where do you start? Facts And Myths When Menopause Strikes!

Know your symptoms

You need to know which ones you have, not only the common ones. There may be an underlying medical condition that you need to know about. Otherwise, it might be easy to mistake a symptom as just over-training.

Get a blood test

You want to rule out thyroid imbalances that could be causing havoc with your health. Unfortunately, thyroid problems are not uncommon, and not knowing that this could be the problem is half the battle.

Talk to your doctor

Get medical advice and clarity on your symptoms by talking to your doctor about your needs as an active woman. Find another one if your doctor does not seem empathetic to your lifestyle.

HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) vs. Holistic Treatments

The opinions vary considerably here, and so do the results. Get more information on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and what is available to you. Not every woman needs HRT, nor is it necessarily suitable for every woman. On the holistic front, some women swear by acupuncture or black cohosh as some of the solutions.

I have been a trainer and coach for over thirty years and have seen it all.

Changes in your lifestyle, like eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and increasing your exercise level, will help manage some side effects.

All you need to do is start with these easy-to-follow habits today to start feeling energized.

Facts And Myths When Menopause Strikes And What You Can Do To Help Yourself

Habit #1 – Hydrate

If you experience hot flashes and night sweats and are actively training (more so in a warm climate), you may underestimate the amount of water you need. As an active woman, you need at least 05 – 1 oz per pound of body weight.

Habit #2– Curb the sugar cravings

It is essential to balance your blood sugar, which will impact some of your side effects and give your body what it needs to reach peak performance. Eat a healthy and nutritious snack every 3 hours by combining complex carbohydrates and protein. For instance, hummus, carrots, or an apple with peanut butter are great combinations and easy to bring to work.

Stay away from processed carbohydrates, like chips (they are often very tempting right next to the checkout counter at the deli), and they will do nothing for your training.

Keep tabs on your sports nutrition as well; you may take in more than you need for your training. For example, you will need those simple carbohydrates during a long bike ride or run to sustain your energy level, but not in excess.

Changes in your lifestyle, like eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and increasing your exercise level, will help manage some side effects.

All you need to do is start with these easy-to-follow habits today, and you will feel focused and more energized.

Habit #3 – Reduce Stress

The symptoms of Menopause are very stressful for many of us and so hard to deal with every day. It almost feels like an out-of-body experience, and we no longer recognize ourselves. Stress affects your relationships, your work, and your performance.

Exercise is the perfect way to reduce your stress levels. Running, for instance, has proven to do just that. It does not have to be a hard run, but it can be an easy jog around a park near you. You can let your emotions go, start breathing deeply, and burn off some calories.

So what do you think?

You don’t have to start with all three habits all at once. Pick one you think you can manage comfortably for the next seven days. It does not have to be perfect, but I want you to start today.

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