What is the difference between perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause?
Perimenopause is the first stage in the menopausal process. It can begin eight to ten years before menopause and is considered a transitional phase. This period of time is when the sex hormones fluctuate significantly, and we start to experience symptoms such as erratic menstrual cycles. Menopause itself lasts approximately seven years, though can last up to fourteen. Over the following, four to five years is the postmenopause stage, where symptoms gradually decline. After 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle, you are considered to be in the postmenopausal stage. Â
How do you avoid weight gain?
Eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein sources, legumes, nuts and seeds, and healthy fats. Reduce intake of ultra-processed foods, such as cakes, crisps and fizzy drinks, and save them for the occasional treat. Moving more throughout the day and sleeping more at night has also been associated with reduced risk of weight gain. Aim for 150 minutes of exercise spread throughout the week, including 2 sessions of strengthening exercise. For sleep, 7-9 hours per night helps our bodies rest and repair and reduces cravings throughout the day too.Â
Does the menopause magnet work?
Menopause magnets have been suggested to work by ‘rebalancing the autonomic nervous system (ANS)’, which becomes imbalanced during menopause. However, no research has been able to find an association between magnets and reduced menopause symptoms. Furthermore, while the ANS may play a role in menopause, no relationship has been found. Therefore, there is no evidence that menopause magnets work.Â
How do you get a good night’s sleep?
Working on good sleep hygiene is one of the best things you can do to improve your sleep quality in general, and throughout menopause. This includes going to bed and waking up at the same time on a daily basis to train your body to release waking and sleeping hormones at the same time each day. You could develop a relaxing bedtime routine, such as having a cup of herbal tea, taking a warm bath and reading a few pages of a book. Use a blue light filter or glasses on your devices after sunset to keep melatonin production stable, and keep your bedroom calm, dark and quiet. Finally, do your best to expose yourself to natural light throughout the day in order to maintain your circadian rhythm and cycle. Â
Try our Relax Gummies…