Navigating the Menopausal Maze

So, what's the deal with menopause? Well, it's basically the point where your periods say, "See ya later!" for good. You know you've hit menopause when you've gone a whole year without a period.

Now, about those symptoms – ever heard of hot flushes? They're like your body's way of saying, "Let's turn up the heat!" And don't forget about those lovely night sweats and mood swings.

So, where does the weight gain come in? Blame it on ageing and those pesky hormonal changes. As you get older, your muscle mass starts to shrink, slowing down your metabolism and potentially leading to some extra kilos, especially around the waist. Plus, with oestrogen levels dropping, your body starts storing fat differently and messing with your hunger signals, making you crave more food.

But here's the kicker – that belly fat isn't just a nuisance. It can actually up your risk of serious stuff like heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer. Yikes!

But fear not! There are things you can do to navigate this menopausal maze. First off, watch what you eat. Try to keep your calories in check or even go for a deficit if you're feeling ambitious.

And let's not forget about pumping some iron! Resistance training is your bestie here. It helps keep your muscles strong, which in turn keeps your metabolism revved up and burning those calories.

Oh, and don't underestimate the power of getting moving. Whether it's taking the stairs instead of the elevator or hitting the gym, every little bit helps.

Now, about that nightly glass of wine – it might be time to rethink that habit. Alcohol can sneakily pack on the calories, making it harder to stick to your calorie goals.

And hey, if things are getting really rough, there's always MHT – Menopausal Hormone Therapy. It's like a superhero cape for your hormones, helping to tame those wild symptoms and get you back to feeling like yourself again.

So there you have it – menopause decoded. Although it won't always be a walk in the park, the right tools and mindset can help you manage!