Why I’m so passionate about menopause health
Around the time I became post-menopausal, a friend of mine gave me a past life reading. Now, I have to say I’m not sure if I believe in past lives, so bear with me if you don’t, and there is no judgement if you do!
In this reading, she told me that I was once the wise old man in a village, but I was considered the town weirdo and was largely left alone. One day, a massive fire broke out in the village, and all the residents helped each other get to safety. But no one helped the wise old man (me), and he was left to die.
Heavy, right?
Well, not to be dramatic, but that’s a bit how menopause felt to me, especially in the early years.
My menopause was quite traumatic as it was the result of surgery that removed my ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and cervix to relieve the intense pain I had experienced from endometriosis. When I had the surgery, everyone was crossing their fingers that the surgeon could save my last remaining ovary so that I wouldn’t go into menopause. But when I woke up from the surgery, I was told it was too damaged and had to be removed. My surgeon gave me a script for MHT patches. At 43, I was post-menopausal, and that was it. That’s all I knew about menopause.
No one my age was going through menopause. No one was talking about it. Nothing was explained to me. It was a less dramatic version of being the town weirdo left to burn alive… but at times, it felt just as isolating. (And funnily enough, I ended up with a hyperthyroid which often made me feel like I was burning up – much like a hot flush!)
If I knew then what I know now about menopause health, I would have managed my own a little bit differently. I would have put more focus on my fitness, added more fibre, reduced saturated fats in my diet, and done everything I could to manage stress. I would have asked more questions of my GP about hormone replacement therapy and other medications to manage heart health. And I would have started working on my brain health earlier.
Now that I have done some specialty training in menopause health coaching and have more people in my life who are going through the menopause transition, I am passionate about sharing what I know with others and helping them have a less isolated menopause experience than I had.
If you’re navigating the challenging journey of menopause, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re seeking advice on managing symptoms, looking for ways to stay fit and healthy, or just need a supportive community, I’m here to help. Reach out, share your story, and let’s walk this path together towards a more vibrant and empowered life.
Vitality 30 Menopause Fitness
hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the worst of your menopause symptoms might not be hot flushes and sleeplessness.
It’s the things you can’t see or feel (until it’s too late)
Osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
The drop in oestrogen encourages bone and muscle loss. This means you are much more likely to fall, and to break a bone.
Unfortunately the same number of people die from complications from hip fractures as breast cancer!!!
And a drop in oestrogen is responsible for a hike in cholesterol which can increase the chance of heart attack and stroke.
Do you know what helps with both of these things?
Exercise! Strength training & cardio.
That’s why I’ve created a new 30 minute exercise class that combines *gentle* cardio with *gentle* strength training.
Because we’ve got to start somewhere!
Class starts next Friday 18th October at 7am.
All the details are at emmapolette.com/classes
Yoga
Most of my yoga classes are sold out for term 4 but there are still spots in my Wednesday class starting on the 23rd October.
This class in term 4 is so beautiful because there is an amazing view of the harbour and Albany as the sun sets.
You can book your spot at emmapolette.com/classes
Pause - one day yoga retreat
Excited to say I’ve got one more one-day retreat in the diary for 2024. This one is dedicated to anyone going through the menopause transition.
People who are worried about what perimenopause may bring
People suffering from symptoms like hot flushes and brain fog
People who are post-menopausal and want to learn to take care of themselves in this new phase of life
This retreat will include yoga, meditation and some mini-workshops about managing menopause. Lunch & afternoon tea is supplied.
When: Sunday 1st December 10 - 4
Where: King River Hall
Tickets: 6 spots - $185