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Menopause - don't put your life on pause

Written by Helen Morton, Nutritional Therapist DipION

October is Menopause Awareness Month - helping women deal with everything this life change throws at us is something that I am passionate about. Here, I share individual experiences from some of the Optibac team, along with holistic diet and lifestyle advice that has helped myself and the team.

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Enjoy the freedom

It's true that the years you spend transitioning through the menopause can be a struggle at times. Many women find that symptoms are varied and ever-changing, keeping you on your toes more than you might like.


Going through the menopause can (eventually) be a really positive experience - the freedom that comes when periods have stopped and PMS no longer rules your life feels liberating. But, as with any major change, there can be hurdles to overcome first.

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Experiences of real women

We carried out an anonymous survey amongst the women who work at Optibac, to understand people's experiences of and thoughts on the menopause which gave us a huge amount of real life insight.


According to the NHS, there are more than 30 recognised menopause symptoms, which can be debilitating and tough to deal with over a prolonged period of time.


Our team at Optibac have experienced a wide range of symptoms, with fatigue and mood changes being the most common. 

Menopause symptoms are unique to you

What our survey highlighted, and is something that I want to educate people on, is that each woman experiences menopause symptoms in a different way. Whilst hot flushes are commonly associated with menopause, we found that only 50% of women surveyed struggled with this symptom. Everyone in our survey had a different array of symptoms, which really highlights that each woman's experience is so individual.

We've captured below three profiles of real women and I've provided some top level advice on how to help manage the symptoms. I'm a qualified Nutritional Therapist and Personal Trainer, and have first-hand experience of going through the menopause.

My recommendations below are valid whether you choose to take HRT or not, but it's best to seek medical advice if symptoms become severe. 

Fatima's symptom profile

Fatima

This is Fatima, she suffers with frequent headaches, brain fog, anxiety, fatigue, and mood changes.


My advice for Fatima:

Prioritise mind/body exercise by taking daily walks outside - the fresh air can really help. I like to listen to audiobooks or podcasts as I walk sometimes too. Gentle exercise such as yoga is also a good option.


Supplements: Magnesium for relaxation and Vitamin B12 and Iron for energy, as well as a highly researched multi strain friendly bacteria supplement such as Optibac Every Day to support the gut-brain axis.

Lizzie's symptom profile

Lizzie's menopause journey

This is Lizzie, she suffers with hot flushes, body odour, digestive problems, weight gain and joint pain.


My advice for Lizzie:

Being mindful of alcohol and sugar intake can help with both hot flushes and weight gain. Choose low impact exercise that is gentle on joints - my personal favourite is swimming.


Supplements: Sage for hot flushes, Glucosamine for joint pain and stiffness, plus a high strength daily friendly bacteria supplement such as Optibac Every Day EXTRA to complement the body's natural gut bacteria.

Anita's symptom profile

Anita

This is Anita, she suffers with thinning hair, changes in libido, breast tenderness and vaginal dryness.


My advice for Anita:

Aim to eat some protein as part of every meal and snack to help with hair growth. I like to have a handful of almonds or some houmous and veg as a morning snack. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is also advised.

Cycling, Pilates and strength based exercises are good exercise options for Anita.


Supplements: A good quality multivitamin and mineral supplement to fill in any nutritional gaps and a friendly bacteria supplement specifically designed for the vaginal microbiome, like Optibac For Women.

GenM Collective

As of this year, Optibac has become a member of GenM, joining a growing collective of brands dedicated to improving the menopause experience for women. By raising awareness and increasing visibility, GenM aims to transform how menopause is experienced in everyday life, further empowering women during this important stage of their lives. Optibac is thrilled to be part of this movement. 

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