Hi there! I’m Lesley, and I’m a Practice Nurse and a Clinical Coordinator in West Lancashire.
One of my many passions is menopause – not least of all because I sit here typing this with numerous black squares on my bottom from HRT patches long gone; it’s impossible to get rid of them! My extensive bottom looks like a patchwork quilt. NO fancy thongs for me, it’s Bridget Jones’ all the way! But then with all that vaginal dryness going on, who wants to wear thongs anyway? But to be fair, Corrie and a hot brew with my PJ’s on suits the bill these days.
It’s hard to navigate the menopausal years, and attempting to understand what symptoms are down to the menopause is a minefield. I often have ladies come to see me quite simply because they feel they have lost themselves and aren’t sure why or how to get themselves back. They’re tired, sad, anxious, tearful, depressed, frustrated, fed up and if that wasn’t enough – sweaty!
They look at friends and colleagues who have perfect skin, perfect lifestyles and gorgeous bouncy hair; we forget that the perfect skin probably took an hour that morning to achieve with Clinique’s finest, and the bouncy hair meant an hour less sleep!
This menopause malarky is totally unbiased about who it affects. Sometimes, it’s about perception, sometimes, it’s about finding coping strategies, sometimes, it’s about acceptance, and sometimes, it’s absolutely about HRT! (hormone replacement therapy) It’s not a one size fits all. What works for one doesn’t work for a work for all. But one thing it’s most definitely about is SELF-CARE.
Reiki, massages, meditation, fresh air, reading books, taking naps, bubble baths, binge-watching your favourite series – they’re not rocket science, but are you doing them? Are you taking time for yourself?
Modern-day living means women are juggling many plates – Mum, Daughter, Friend, Businesswoman, Homemaker, PA, accountant, holiday rep, days out planner, school PTA, cleaner, cook and everything in between! All this is when our body is failing to provide us with the hormones that we’ve had for the past 45+ years.
A fantastic site that I direct all my patients to is www.menopausematters.co.uk – An absolute plethora of information is available here. It’s written by clinicians in the know. Having said that, I absolutely adore the ‘old wife’s’ remedies and cures, and if it works for you, do it!
If you were hoping to read this and find definitive answers to menopause, then I’m so sorry – I don’t have the knowledge or the skills to do that. However, understanding what’s happening to our bodies, feeling less alone, and self-education is key. Visit your GP and read menopause matters. Talk to your friends, your sisters, your neighbours. Talk to your partners and be honest about how you’re feeling.
Start right now by asking yourself this question – Do I want to carry on feeling the way you do? If the answer is no, then know that you’ve got this! You don’t have to feel this way – Seek help, advice or support from whatever avenue you feel works for you.
Lastly – YOU ARE NOT GOING MAD!
Much love,
Lesley x
Some ideas for complementary therapies can be found here: www.womens-health-concern.org
FREE Health Checks Available by Appointment in West Lancashire – Call 0000 000 000 or email: lesley.wilson30@nhs.net