Health Center - Perimenopause
Not sure why you're waking in a sweat? Never sure when or if your period will occur or why you bleed so much when it does? You may not think you're old enough for menopause, but perimenopause—the transitional time leading up to menopause—can last several years. Let us help you manage this stage of your life.
Menopause and Your Changing Body
Unfortunately, many women are at risk for greater weight gain during the perimenopause and this excess fat usually is deposited deep inside the tummy, under the abdominal muscle wall. I call this Toxic Weight since this fat is unique in its ability to increase a woman's risk for diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
A woman notices that she is fighting the tendency to shape shift from a pear to an apple. Along the way, she is may be experiencing mental frustration about the weight shifts and gains.
By menopause, most women have a rich and fulfilling life history making them prouder and wiser. However, it's tough to focus on self-acceptance and emotional well being when your body feels like it has a life of its own and is gaining weight and getting harder to manage.
A growing number of women feel less attractive as they reach menopause. Recent American Society of Plastic and Reconstruction Surgeons statistics show cosmetic surgery has risen 47 percent for 51 to 64 year old women over the past five years. The media tells mature women to focus on "slowing down the ravages of time", and "reducing telltale signs of aging". These messages can affect our ideas about ourselves. The older a woman gets the harder it is to live up to the beauty standards set by an 18 year old supermodel.
So what's the answer? Stop listening and agreeing with the media hype about negativity in the menopausal years. Reject these negative messages now. Women today have many options as they undergo natural, physical changes due to menopause. You can promote peace between your mind and body during this complex life transition.
Here are some tips to help you get started.
Physical activity has been scientifically proven to increase body confidence and sense of pleasure in life. It is also the key predictor of healthy weight maintenance.
