You've Got the Power! Making Informed Health Choices on Your Menopause Journey

Let me tell you a story....... six years ago, I was made keenly aware that I was in perimenopause when I passed out at a local restaurant. You see, I thought this was the case, heck I had even been to the doctor about my hot flashes, heavy periods and heart palpitations. And he told me the only solution was antidepressants!

Girl, I felt so ill-prepared and frustrated. I didn't even know what questions to ask or what my other options might be, so I left, feeling discouraged; feeling like dripping sweat and bleeding like a gunshot victim was my life from that point on. 

But a few days later,  I pulled myself together, I thought HELL NO! There has to be a better way... and I became a Menopause Nerd! I have spent the last six years learning as much as I could about Menopause, because well..... KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!
 And I've made it my mission to help US  be in a position of power, making informed decisions about our health. Let's start with your options.

First, find Healthcare Providers that supports you and begin to build your team. It's critical that your provider understands your menopause vision (how you want to feel, what is important to you).  You want someone who listens and has options for you, including you in conversations along the way. This is not a dictatorship.... You are in control of your journey and your experience. Heck, I broke up with my GP and found other support than just my Gynecologist. So who should you include on your team?

• gynecologist
• functional medicine specialist ( I highly recommend if you want a someone to look at the whole picture, finding the root cause of your symptoms and treating you holistically)
• general practice physician
• physio/physical therapist (preferably one with pelvic floor experience)
• massage therapist
• yoga teacher
• fitness coach (who understand women over 40)
• nutritionist
• Menopause Doula(That's Me!)

Second, know your options. Nutrition, lifestyle, and your hormones all are key players when it comes to the symptoms and challenges you are experiencing on your journey. Your healthcare team should offer a variety of ideas; from changing your diet and your supplements to your movement practices and hormone replacement therapy. AND Menopause Hormone Therapy should always be an option that is on the table. If not, then I say find a new  provider. (whether you want to go that route or not)
Remember, small changes can have big results. Who knew eating brazil nuts could help with my energy and thyroid function! Do your research and arm yourself with knowledge. 

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And lastly, be prepared when you are visiting your Healthcare Team.  Have a list of questions (go download my list under Freebies). Also, keep a list of your symptoms and star the ones that are most concerning to you and take that list with you on your visit. I also suggest writing a quick note about what you ate, your sleep and stress level when that symptoms occurred. It will help keep your focused on what is most important for you.

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YOU'VE GOT THIS, GIRL! YOU HAVE THE POWER TO TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR MENOPAUSE JOURNEY!