Kay Douglas’ Post

Ruahinetanga is the Māori word for menopause. It comes from the word ‘ruahine’ which translates to mean a woman of wisdom and importance. How beautiful is that? Menopause and perimenopause can be a hugely challenging time for some of us. But it is also a time of growth. Some women need support as they step into this wise and important chapter of their life. Western medicine has much to offer in helping women on this journey - but we can also learn a lot from cultures that existed long before western medicine ever did. The recent International Menopause Society (IMS) conference lived up to its name and brought many different countries together to talk about menopause. There were presentations from almost all parts of the planet - including Southeast Asia, India, Africa, Europe, China and Latin America. It also gave me the chance to give a talk and tell the menopause world the word ‘Ruahinetanga’. I presented the findings from my NZ menopause survey last year and compared the experience for Māori and non-Māori women. Here’s a summary of what I found: ▶ Menopause is a unifying biological experience. For both Māori and non-Māori women, there were many similarities in terms of the common symptoms, their severity and their impact. ▶ The biggest differences are in the healthcare experience. Māori women were less likely to see their GP for advice, less likely to use HRT and more likely to be given no diagnosis whatsoever for their symptoms. The more supportive view of menopause within traditional Māori culture may help empower women to navigate this phase without feeling the need for medical support. This positive attitude towards women’s unique biology is something other cultures should aspire to. But we also must make sure that all women - regardless of culture - are getting the right information and access to modern approaches to menopause, including HRT. By combining the best of both these worlds, then we can truly give all women the choices and support they deserve. You can download a copy of my presentation from the conference below: https://lnkd.in/grhymqMd And to learn more about the Māori approach to menopause, please take a look at this event coming up in December: https://lnkd.in/gFmrvMq9

https://lnkd.in/eXTzJxJz 🌟 Understanding Menopause: Breaking the Silence 🌟 Experiencing menopause is a natural phase of life, yet it's crucial not to overlook the challenges it presents. The recent article from The Washington Post sheds light on this topic, emphasizing that while menopause is a normal process, enduring unnecessary suffering should never be normalized. Studies highlighted in the article reveal intriguing connections between menopause symptoms and certain lifestyle factors. Factors such as smoking and elevated BMI are linked to higher rates of hot flashes, underlining the importance of holistic health management during this transitional phase. Menopause isn't a linear journey; it's more akin to a complex tapestry, weaving together various aspects of health and well-being. Recognizing this complexity opens up opportunities for personalized support and intervention. If you find yourself struggling with menopause symptoms or if you're keen on offering support to your female cohort, remember that you're not alone. Seeking help, whether it's through professional guidance or peer support networks, can make a significant difference in navigating this transformative stage of life. Let's continue to break the silence surrounding menopause and create spaces where women feel empowered to prioritize their health and well-being. Together, we can foster understanding, support, and resilience during this important transition. #MenopauseAwareness #HealthAndWellness #SupportNetworks

As #menopauseawarenessmonth is coming to an end, let’s debunk some common myths. ❌Menopause always start in your 50s❌ Menopause can start much earlier for some. Though, the average age is 51 in the UK, perimenopausal symptoms can start as early as late 30s or early 40s. It’s also important to remember that there are conditions like primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) or premature menopause in those under the age of 40. These can be triggered by genetics, autoimmune diseases, or medical treatments like chemotherapy or surgery. ❌Menopause is the same for everyone regardless of race or ethnicity ❌ Menopause can manifest differently across racial and ethnic groups for a variety of reasons including genetics, lifestyle, socioeconomic factors, and healthcare disparities. Research shows that Black women, for instance, enter menopause at younger ages and tend to experience more severe menopausal symptoms which lasts longer and worsen in severity with time. Similarly, South Asian women also enter menopause at younger ages from other racial or ethnic backgrounds, sometimes as early as their early 40s increasing their risks of health issues like osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease due to the longer period without protection of the incredible hormone oestrogen. Much research is still needed in this area. Please partake in the Habari Research which seeks to better understand the taboos, practices and support in place to those experiencing the menopause. Please click the link here to partake and share with others too. https://lnkd.in/eFMHkpB2 ❌Menopause is the end of sexual desire and pleasure.❌ Whilst it’s true that the drop in oestrogen levels during menopause can cause genitourinary symptoms of menopause such as vaginal dryness and irritation, which can affect intimacy, it does not automatically mean an end to sexual desire or pleasure. For many women and those experiencing menopause, it can bring newfound sexual freedom, especially from past concerns of unplanned pregnancies, a sense of agency and excitement in their intimate lives. There are also treatment options that can help manage symptoms such as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), vaginal moisturers and more and should be offered and mustn’t be overlooked. What myths have you heard that you want to debunk? Let me know in the comments ♥️ #menopause #menopausestories #menopauseawareness Vikram Sinai Talaulikar Dr Yansie Rolston

🌸 The Evolution of Menopause Care: From Traditional Approaches to Next-Gen Solutions 🌸 Menopause care is evolving, and it's time to embrace innovative solutions that prioritize comprehensive support for all. In our latest blog, we explore how traditional methods have paved the way for next-gen solutions, including Stork Club’s personalized approach to menopause care. Whether it's symptom management, hormonal treatments, or emotional support, we're redefining what's possible for women’s health during this critical life stage. Discover how Stork Club is leading the way in empowering employers to provide enhanced care for their teams. Read more about the future of menopause care here! ⬇️ https://ow.ly/zBh650TTuJw #MenopauseCare #WomensHealth #NextGenSolutions #WorkplaceBenefits #HealthcareInnovation

Late-onset menopause is a topic that's not always talked about, but it happens more often than you might think. Women can experience menopause later in life for various reasons, including thyroid disorders or simply having higher estrogen levels throughout their lives. It’s important to remember that there’s no "right" age for menopause; it can begin anywhere from the mid-40s to well into the 50s. I recently came across an article discussing how late-onset menopause can even have some health benefits, like delaying the onset of osteoporosis. However, it also brings its challenges, such as potential increased risks for certain cancers. Regular check-ups become crucial during this time, so staying in touch with your healthcare provider is key. If you've experienced or are experiencing late-onset menopause, know that you’re not alone. Every woman’s journey is unique, and it’s worth sharing experiences and advice. This stage of life is just another chapter, and there’s so much we can learn from one another. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone experiencing late-onset menopause? 💬 #MenopauseAwareness #WomensHealth #EmpowerWomen #MenopauseJourney #SupportEachOther https://lnkd.in/gQu786wK

Recently, The Lancet published a report on Menopause and how it was being ‘over medicalised’. I’m finding it increasingly frustrating that when women start to manage their health and make their own choices that articles like this are released. Taking medication for symptoms that can be absolutely debilitating is not ‘over medicalising’. It’s treatment! When women come to see me with awful symptoms that are taking over their lives, telling them to see their GPs is the first step in managing these symptoms. Everyone knows that lifestyle choices have a huge impact on health outcomes. Yet sometimes, women feel so bad that without starting medication, they can’t even begin to think straight, let alone think about exercising or eating more healthily. Each woman is different and should be treated as such. If boiling hot flushes are stopping you from presenting at work for example, therefore impacting your ability to work then they need to be sorted out. Medication is handed out for all sorts of reasons. I’ve seen anti depressants be prescribed for anxiety and low mood when it’s clear it’s a hormonal issue. Women are offered steroids for itchy skin, when lacking estrogen has caused it. In my humble opinion we are already over medicalised! Why is it now an issue because we are talking about female health? Seeing so much more awareness around menopause is amazing. Back when I first started sharing workshops, it wasn’t, so we are moving in the right direction. However, I don’t find reports like this helpful at all. Seeing high profile medical professionals arguing about whether HRT is right or wrong is also unhelpful. Do we really know the long term effects of any medication? We know what we know right now. If HRT enables women to continue their lives and jobs well then it’s a treatment that works, COMBINED with a healthy lifestyle. It’s not just a ‘take a pill and all is well’ situation. Its states that there is no clear evidence that mental health is affected during menopause but that’s certainly not what I am seeing with clients, family and friends. I’ve seen an improvement in my symptoms with HRT but I also keep a close eye on my lifestyle too. Who is to say what is better? Choosing to be healthier means different things to different people. What I don’t like is using the word ‘menopause’ to promote products like skincare, haircare, supplements that have no research and things like ‘Menopause Chocolate’ 🙄🙄 yes this is a thing! Women are extremely powerful in midlife with loads to offer and marketing products like this is just insulting. What do you think?? https://lnkd.in/ekbyS7Qx https://lnkd.in/ekbyS7Qx

Today is #worldmenopauseday Founded by the International Menopause Society, 18th October is World Menopause Day. This year's theme is Menopause and Menopause Hormone Therapy. Though menopause and menopause hormone therapy are well-understood in some parts of the world, they still receive little attention or remain controversial in others. This is the reason why the official theme of this year's World Menopause Day was chosen. The goal is to ensure that you are empowered with evidence-based resources to make fully informed choices. As a Registered Nurse with enhanced training in Menopause through the British Menopause Society, Society, an accredited Menopause Wellness Practitioner and Licensed Menopause Champion with Menopause Experts Group Limited, I can help, support and empower you to manage your menopause wellness with confidence. Are you experiencing significant menopausal symptoms that affect your daily life? Do you want to make lifestyle changes to support hormone health and long-term well-being during and after menopause? Do you feel overwhelmed or confused about how to manage your menopause? Do you want to reduce your risk of post-menopausal health conditions like osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease? Menopause Health and Wellness Coaching could be for you. Please contact me to chat through how I can help. #coaching #menopausecoaching #MEG #Menopauseexperts #menopauseexpertsgroup #perimenopause #menopause #health #wellness #womenshealth

This year, it is going to be even better than before! I started with running survey's in the group - and I found our speakers based on what the members needed the most help with! Firstly, you wanted to hear from a medical doctor, who knows about menopause and is working in the field in Canada! There's so much to learn and so much conflicting information out there. I was able to secure the highly sought out Doctor Shafeena Premji! She is delightful, intelligent and she wants to answer your questions. Each speaker will do about a half an hour talk, on the subjects that we discussed in our intake interview, and that should address most of your concerns. Then they will take questions. The chat will be open in the Zoom meeting. The meeting will be recorded - your camera and mic will be off though so no one can see that you are in the lecture. This doctor is so down to earth and full of hope for us! Next you wanted a Naturopath - what the heck do they do with us and what can we expect from our visits while looking for peri and post menopause care? Dr. Tanya McEachearn will cover all of that, what she does and why. She also takes patients across Canada, so if you like her (and I know you will) you can work with her from anywhere! I personally selected a pelvic health physiotherapist, Trish Gipson of the Cheerful pelvis in BC, because gosh, the amount of problems we have is just ridiculous! It's almost always treatable but every week I talk to someone new in our group who has NO idea - don't put up with bladder leaks, sexual pain, even bowel problems can be treated. Then there's me, your host and Yoga Therapist - I will be running polls in the group to dial in what topics and cover the concerns that are presented to me with my usual down to earth style as well as my emphasis on overall health and wellbeing for us. I'm asking you to secure your ticket and to share this email with any women you know who may be suffering through peri and post menopause! There's too little time to waste a bunch of it, combing through online sources and trying to find out what is the truth of how to approach this. The symposium will fill in those gaps and my goal is that everyone have a much clearer idea of what they want to tackle first so they can get back to living well! All the details are up on the website if you'd like to share the convenient link. You can pay me directly through e-transfer ($99 to ovationstudio.ca@gmail.com) OR use the credit card link: https://lnkd.in/gRy-VQZy https://lnkd.in/gQ-DbGMJ As always, I hope that helps! #menopause #perimenopause

Happy International Women’s Day! Today seems an especially fitting day to talk about menopause. I recently came across a fascinating article on STAT News discussing the latest developments in menopause treatment, particularly the use of testosterone. This caught my attention, not just as a woman but as someone deeply interested in health and wellness. Menopause often comes with a host of challenging symptoms, from hot flashes to mood swings. Historically, treatment options have been limited, and conversations around menopause were even more so. But as the medical conversation becomes more open and understanding around women's health issues, new doors are opening. Emerging research and treatments for menopause are now focusing on hormonal therapies, including testosterone, which was traditionally associated only with male health. (Though, as the article notes, there is more testosterone than estrogen in a premenopausal woman’s body.) Testosterone is vitally important to the female body, and plays an important role in bone density, energy levels, wound healing, and even mental health. This development underscores the importance of continuous research and innovation in healthcare, especially in areas that were once overlooked or misunderstood. We need more open discussions about women's health issues like this, as topics like menopause should not be taboo or silently suffered through... and normal hormones like testosterone and estrogen that exist in all bodies should not be gendered. As someone who believes in holistic health and the power of informed choices, I find this advancement encouraging. It's a reminder of how far we've come and the potential paths forward in enhancing our quality of life at every stage. I'm curious to hear your thoughts on this topic. How do you see the evolving landscape of women's health, particularly in areas like menopause treatment? Full article in the comments below. To your vitality,  Lizanne

Menopause and perimenopause are societal concerns. Womens’ health matters for a functioning society. Thankfully, this is being realised and action being taken. As Kate Muir writes in Saturday’s Guardian, “In the UK we are starting to care properly for women facing this life shift and empowering them to prioritise their health”. This must build and progress Menopause and perimenopause are the lived experiences of women in their own unique way. Whilst there are common symptoms, each woman will have their own experiences in their lived worlds. Each story unique. Each woman’s needs unique to them. That is where we must meet them. Through caring conversations helping the woman understand their dynamic experiences, clarify what they need and want, and then offer practical ways forward. What matters to them right now? * a lack of sleep * pain * mood * emotions * concentration and memory * fatigue What is the priority for them? What is their picture of success? What are the options to help? There are many, including HRT. Coming through the whole person lens, a collaboration, and compassionate consideration of the woman’s ever-changing needs requires support, guidance and encouragement. This is the same approach to the one that should be the norm for chronic pain. Truly individualised care is both possible and practical. And available for all, wherever they are in the world. Read The Guardian menopause supplement here: https://lnkd.in/eB7dkK_X — Post on menopause and pain coming soon — I see more women than men who are suffering chronic pain. Why are there aches and pains that persist in menopause? Some ease with HRT, some do not. Understanding pain helps understand why this happens and importantly, creates a way forward. — 🕸️ richmondstace.com 📖 Understand and overcome your chronic pain, the book. Out now: https://lnkd.in/ecP8YyAm #thepaincoach #paincoaching #chronicpain #physiotherapy #painmanagement #painmedicine #menopause #wellbeingatwork Zoe Schaedel Olivia Hum Claire Phipps Aimee Spector Nigel Denby RD Specialist Menopause Dietitian Dr Shahzadi Harper Louise Newson Naomi Potter Jo Stace