The Menopause Psychologist

18/04/2024

Yes… please… let’s talk.

We talk a lot about periods, but we don’t talk about this period. It can start as early as your 30s, and everyone who menstruates will experience it. Yet, 9...

11/04/2024

https://youtu.be/jjQXQnSUewI?si=fM6acQTrVNbcGO0g

Judith Lucy and Kaz Cooke may have had a rocky start to their friendship, but menopause has kept them together, and they told us why it can be a little bit f...

07/04/2024

“Within you, there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself.” — Hermann Hesse

18/01/2024

15/01/2024

These are the conversations we can have with ourselves as adults. “I had a hard time doing my emotions today”. “That’s emotions”. “Stop, breathe slow and make a smart choice.” “After awhile I am ok!” 😌🙂

15/01/2024

Did you know in a recent study of 953 women in the UK who reported menopausal symptoms, 75% agreed that they would be comfortable sharing their menopause experiences in a confidential group setting with others.

24/12/2023

🎄 Wrapping Up Our 25 Days of Christmas Countdown 🎁

As our 25 Days of Christmas Countdown comes to a close, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for the wonderful conversations, shared experiences, and support that we've enjoyed together. 🌟

While the countdown may be ending, our discussions and community support continue. If you have not joined our community, Join Us Now -https://www.facebook.com/groups/menopausecommunitygroup/. Our community is where the discussions are taking place.

In the spirit of self-care and mindfulness, we encourage you to consider a social media detox during the holiday season. Take this time to unwind, connect with loved ones, and focus on your well-being. Our community will also be winding down for the holidays, and we'll take a mindful break to cherish moments with our families.

We'll be back after the 8th of January to kickstart the next round of discussions, focusing on symptom management and holistic well-being. Until then, we wish you a joyful holiday season filled with peace, presence, and precious moments.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a new year filled with health, happiness, and wisdom. 🌷🎉

✨ & : Join our Christmas Campaign for Peri & Menopause Awareness! Make peri & menopause as talked-about as holiday lights! 🌟❤️

👥 Real Connections: .emma.harvey .rosfoster .emma.harvey

23/12/2023

🌸 Let's Talk Libido: Navigating Changes in Menopause 🌸

Today, I want to dive into a topic that's often discussed in hushed tones but deserves our attention – low libido during perimenopause and menopause. 🌼

Low libido, or a decreased interest in s*xual activity, can show up in various ways:

1️⃣ Reduced Desire: Feeling less interested in s*x or intimacy.
2️⃣ Physical Changes: Experiencing vaginal dryness, discomfort, or pain during s*x.
3️⃣ Emotional Impact: Feeling disconnected or less emotionally engaged in intimate relationships.
4️⃣ Hormonal Shifts: Changes in hormone levels can influence s*xual desire and responsiveness.

These shifts are a natural part of the menopausal journey and can be attributed to hormonal changes, stress, fatigue, or other factors. It's crucial to remember that experiencing low libido is common, and you're not alone in this.

✨ & : Join our Christmas Campaign for Peri & Menopause Awareness! Make peri & menopause as talked-about as holiday lights! 🌟❤️

👥 Real Connections: .emma.harvey .rosfoster .emma.harvey

23/12/2023

🌸 Menopause Symptom Awareness: Understanding Overwhelm 🌸

Today, let's explore a common but often challenging aspect of perimenopause and menopause – overwhelm. 🌪️

Overwhelm happens when you feel overcome or overpowered by your thoughts and emotions. It can manifest in various ways during this phase:

1️⃣ Emotional Turmoil: Feeling like your emotions are on a rollercoaster, making it tough to stay grounded.
2️⃣ Cognitive Fog: Experiencing mental confusion, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating. Overwhelm can be a barrier to strategic thinking and lead to confusion.
3️⃣ Fatigue: Feeling drained and exhausted, even after a full night's sleep.
4️⃣ Physical Symptoms: Developing tension in your body, such as headaches, muscle aches, or stomach discomfort.
5️⃣ Sleep Troubles: Struggling with sleep due to racing thoughts and anxiety.

Overwhelm may make you feel like you can't cope with life's challenges.

✨ & : Join our Christmas Campaign for Peri & Menopause Awareness! Make peri & menopause as talked-about as holiday lights! 🌟❤️

👥 Real Connections: .emma.harvey .rosfoster .emma.harvey

22/12/2023

👁️ Menopause Symptom Awareness: Unveiling Dry Eyes 👁️

Today, let's talk about a lesser-known but impactful aspect of perimenopause and menopause – dry eyes.

Dry eyes can manifest in various ways. The biological changes during menopause can play a significant role in developing dry eyes.

During menopause, your body changes, like a drop in a hormone called androgen. This change affects special glands in your eyelids, which make oil and fluid for your eyes. When these glands don't work properly, your eyelids can get swollen, and your eyes might not produce enough good-quality tears. This can make your eyes feel dry. 💧

Here's how dry eyes might show up:

1️⃣ Irritation: You may notice a persistent feeling of grittiness or irritation in your eyes.
2️⃣ Redness: Your eyes might appear red or bloodshot.
3️⃣ Blurry Vision: You could experience intermittent blurry vision.
4️⃣ Light Sensitivity: Bright lights may become bothersome, causing discomfort.
5️⃣ Watery Eyes: Paradoxically, dry eyes can sometimes lead to excessive tearing as your eyes try to compensate.

✨ & : Join our Christmas Campaign for Peri & Menopause Awareness! Make peri & menopause as talked-about as holiday lights! 🌟❤️

👥 Real Connections: .emma.harvey .rosfoster .emma.harvey

21/12/2023

🌸 Understanding Vaginal Dryness 🌸

Vaginal dryness can manifest in various ways:

1️⃣ Discomfort and Itching: You might experience itching or discomfort in the vaginal area due to decreased natural lubrication.

2️⃣ Pain During In*******se: Vaginal dryness can make intimacy uncomfortable or even painful, affecting your overall well-being.

3️⃣ Increased Risk of UTIs: Dryness can increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

4️⃣ Mild to Severe Dryness: Symptoms can vary from mild dryness to severe discomfort.

5️⃣ Impact on Relationships: These symptoms can affect your s*xual relationship and emotional well-being.

It's essential to remember that you're not alone in this journey. Sharing our experiences and supporting one another can make a significant difference. If you've faced or are currently dealing with vaginal dryness during perimenopause or menopause, please feel free to share your thoughts and insights. Together, we can navigate this path with compassion and understanding. 💖

✨ & : Join our Christmas Campaign for Peri & Menopause Awareness! Make peri & menopause as talked-about as holiday lights! 🌟❤️

👥 Real Connections: .emma.harvey .rosfoster .emma.harvey

20/12/2023

🌼 Exploring Menopause: Understanding Depression 🌼

Today, let's dive into a significant topic that affects many of us during perimenopause and menopause – depression. 🌧️

Depression during this phase can manifest in various ways, such as:

1️⃣ Lingering Sadness: Feeling down or sad more often, even without an apparent reason.
2️⃣ Loss of Interest: Finding yourself less interested in activities you once enjoyed.
3️⃣ Fatigue: Experiencing unexplained tiredness and low energy levels.
4️⃣ Sleep Disturbances: Struggling with sleep patterns, either oversleeping or insomnia.
5️⃣ Irritability: Feeling easily annoyed or frustrated.
6️⃣ Changes in Appetite: Significant shifts in appetite, leading to weight changes.

I will share more about managing this symptom in the coming months.

✨ & : Join our Christmas Campaign for Peri & Menopause Awareness! Make peri & menopause as talked-about as holiday lights! 🌟❤️

👥 Real Connections: .emma.harvey .rosfoster .emma.harvey

19/12/2023

🌸 Understanding Urinary Issues in Perimenopause and Menopause 🌸

Today, let's explore a topic some of us may have encountered during perimenopause and menopause: urinary problems. These issues can be quite common, and it's essential to shed light on them.

Unveiling Urinary Challenges 🌟

1️⃣ Hormonal Shifts: During perimenopause and menopause, hormonal changes can affect the bladder and urethra, leading to symptoms like urinary urgency, frequency, and leakage.

2️⃣ Pelvic Changes: As we age, there can be changes in the pelvic floor muscles and tissues, which may impact bladder control and result in urinary problems.

3️⃣ Infections: Reduced estrogen levels can also make the urinary tract more susceptible to infections, which can be uncomfortable and disruptive.

✨ & : Join our Christmas Campaign for Peri & Menopause Awareness! Make peri & menopause as talked-about as holiday lights! 🌟❤️

👥 Real Connections: .emma.harvey .rosfoster .emma.harvey

18/12/2023

🌸 Fatigue in Perimenopause and Menopause 🌸

Today, let's delve into a topic that many of us can relate to: fatigue during perimenopause and menopause. It's a real and common experience that can affect our daily lives, and it's important to shed light on it.

Understanding Fatigue 🌟

1️⃣ Hormonal Changes: As our bodies go through significant hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause, it can impact our energy levels. Fluctuating hormones can lead to feelings of tiredness and fatigue.

2️⃣ Sleep Disturbances: Many women in this phase of life encounter sleep disturbances like night sweats and insomnia. These disruptions can result in poor-quality sleep, leaving us feeling fatigued during the day.

3️⃣ Emotional and Mental Drain: Dealing with the various physical and emotional changes that come with perimenopause and menopause can be mentally exhausting. The emotional rollercoaster and stress can contribute to feelings of fatigue.

✨ & : Join our Christmas Campaign for Peri & Menopause Awareness! Make peri & menopause as talked-about as holiday lights! 🌟❤️

👥 Real Connections: .emma.harvey .rosfoster .emma.harvey

17/12/2023

🌸 Navigating Gut Issues in Perimenopause and Menopause 🌸

Hello, wonderful community,

Today, let's shine a light on a topic that might not always get the attention it deserves: gut issues during perimenopause and menopause. It's a common experience that many women go through, and understanding it is crucial for our overall well-being.

Exploring Gut Issues 🌿

1️⃣ Hormonal Changes: Our bodies are undergoing significant hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause. These changes can affect the gut-brain connection, leading to digestive discomfort and irregularities.

2️⃣ Estrogen's Role: Estrogen, a hormone closely linked to menopause, plays a role in maintaining gut health. As estrogen levels fluctuate, it can impact the balance of gut bacteria and contribute to digestive issues.

3️⃣ Stress and Mood: The emotional rollercoaster that often accompanies this phase of life can influence gut function. Stress, anxiety, and mood swings can disrupt the digestive process.

If you've dealt with gut problems, know that you're not alone. Let's continue to empower each other on this beautiful yet complex path of menopause.

✨ & : Join our Christmas Campaign for Peri & Menopause Awareness! Make peri & menopause as talked-about as holiday lights! 🌟❤️

👥 Real Connections: .emma.harvey .rosfoster .emma.harvey

15/12/2023

🌸 Breathing Issues in Perimenopause and Menopause: Let's Talk About It 🌸

Today, let's delve into an important topic that affects many women during perimenopause and menopause: breathing issues. It's something that might surprise you but can be linked to the changes happening within your body.

Understanding Breathing Issues 🌬️

1️⃣ Hormonal Shifts: As your hormone levels fluctuate, particularly estrogen, it can influence your respiratory system. This hormonal rollercoaster can lead to changes in breathing patterns for some women.

2️⃣ Weight Changes: Shifts in metabolism and weight gain, which are common during menopause, can also impact how you breathe. Extra weight, especially around the abdomen, can put pressure on the diaphragm and affect lung capacity.

3️⃣ Anxiety and Stress: Emotional and psychological factors, such as anxiety and stress, are frequent companions during this phase of life. These emotions can lead to shallow breathing or hyperventilation.

If you've encountered breathing problems or have insights and tips to offer, please join the conversation. Sharing your journey can be incredibly reassuring and helpful for others who might be going through similar challenges.

✨ & : Join our Christmas Campaign for Peri & Menopause Awareness! Make peri & menopause as talked-about as holiday lights! 🌟❤️

👥 Real Connections: .emma.harvey .rosfoster .emma.harvey

14/12/2023

🌸 Crawling Skin Sensations: Exploring Perimenopause and Menopause Symptoms

Understanding Crawling Skin Sensations 🙆‍♀️

1️⃣ Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, especially estrogen, can affect the nervous system, leading to unusual sensations like tingling or crawling on the skin.

2️⃣ Nerve Sensitivity: Changes in nerve sensitivity can make you more aware of normal bodily sensations, resulting in the feeling of something crawling on your skin when nothing is there.

3️⃣ Anxiety and Stress: Heightened stress levels and anxiety, common during this life phase, can contribute to physical sensations like crawling skin.

Sharing Experiences and Support 🌟

If you've encountered crawling skin sensations or have insights to share, please feel free to join the conversation.

✨ & : Join our Christmas Campaign for Peri & Menopause Awareness! Make peri & menopause as talked-about as holiday lights! 🌟❤️

👥 Real Connections: .emma.harvey .rosfoster .emma.harvey