Who here takes HRT, and who doesn't? I'd genuinely love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Whether you take it, have chosen not to, are considering it, or are still trying to work out what feels right for you. As a coach specialising in the menopause transition, I'm a big believer in making an informed decision about HRT with the support of a GP or health professional who has a strong understanding of menopause. Unfortunately, not every health professional had had extensive training in this area, so finding someone who really understands menopause can make a huge difference. As we move through menopause and menopause, our sex hormones particularly estrogen fluctuate and eventually decline. Estrogen receptors are found everywhere throughout the body which is one of the reasons hormonal changes can affect so many different systems, including our brain, bones, muscle, cardiovascular, joints, skin and more. We're dealing with changing hormones at the same time as careers, ageing parents, young children, teenagers or adult kids still at home, relationships, running households and everything else life throws at us. It's a lot. Personally, I take HRT and have found it incredibly helpful. My sleep is better, my symptoms are minimal and I feel really healthy. But i also don't see HRT as the standalone solution to menopause, this would be like putting a bandage on a cut that needed stitches, the approach to menopause needs to be multi faceted. HRT can be an incredibly valuable tool for many women, but it works alongside the foundations that support our long term health, with movement, nutrition, emotional wellbeing and lifestyle. I'd love to hear where you sit with HRT and what your experience has been :)💗

Who's up for a face yoga/breathwork session at 7pm?

I 've been asked to put up some content about insulin resistance, so here is a run down on what it is and what is happening in menopause... As estrogen declines through peri to post menopause, our bodies become less efficient at managing glycose. Estrogen plays a role in insulin sensitivity, where glycose is stored and how our muscles use glycose for energy. Add less muscle, less strength training, poor sleep, chronic stress and a diet that isn't providing enough protein, fibre, good fats and complex carbs and we start moving towards insulin resistance. This can show up as energy crashes, cravings, increased hunger, more abdominal fat and an afternoon slump. Building and maintaining muscle through progressive strength training, moving after meals, eating enough of our macronutrients and supporting our overall metabolism will help our bodies become better at handling glycose. Menopause is definitely the time to become more intentional about how we support our metabolism.

What's everyone up to for the weekend? It's shaping up to be beautiful weather here in Canberra so it will be gardening for me again. Hope you all have a relaxing weekend.

I put up a poll sometime ago about what it is you would like to understand more in menopause. Here is some information on brain fog. Reach out if you have any additional questions x