April 30th, 2024
Menopause is when your MENstrual cycle PAUSEs—for good. It is not a disease to be treated, but rather a normal stage of life. Menopause “officially” starts 12-months after your last menstrual period. That happens, on average, in the area around our early 50s.
This change doesn’t happen overnight, though. There are usually a few years of the menopausal transition, sometimes called “perimenopause.” Perimenopause often starts in the early- to mid-40s. This is when you may start feeling symptoms such as, but not limited to:
● Weight gain, especially around the midsection
● Hot flashes
● Night sweats
● Difficulty sleeping
● Vaginal dryness
● Painful intercourse
● Moodiness
Once perimenopause ends and menopause officially begins, the risks for heart disease and osteoporosis rise.
So why does this even happen? Some of the reasons behind all these changes include the changing hormones, metabolism, stress levels, and lifestyle factors.
With all the changes that the body goes through, its nutritional needs also change. Below are some expert tips to help you not just survive, but thrive during the transition into and through menopause. Even if you are not dealing with menopausal changes, your hormones are constantly changing. These tips still apply.
But before I go any further, I want you to know that if you are experiencing any of the menopausal symptoms, you are not alone. There is nothing “wrong” with you or your body. This is a normal process and you don’t need to suffer in silence. Too often, women going through this transition tend to isolate due to embarrassment or fear. I want to encourage you to pray and identify a trusted friend to support you through this season. Seek professional support, such as from a Health Coach, to personalize a plan tailored to your specific needs.
Now, have you ever wondered if willpower and self-control are the ultimate solutions to combat low energy and stubborn weight gain? Maybe there's more to the story, especially when we consider the powerful influence of hormones - not just the ones associated with sex, but those that play a pivotal role in blood sugar, metabolism, and appetite. These factors are key determinants of both energy levels and weight management, and the connections between them might be stronger than you think.
The focus on maintaining healthy and happy hormones is gaining momentum. There's a good reason behind it – hormones are an integral part of God's master control system for our bodies. These compounds act as messengers, communicating vital information between different parts of our body. For instance, insulin, produced in the pancreas, signals our cells to absorb excess sugar from the blood, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
Hormones not only regulate blood sugar but also influence metabolism and appetite, forming the foundation for optimal energy and weight. So, how can hormonal imbalances disrupt this delicate equilibrium and impact your well-being?
Ideally, in perfect health, hormones work seamlessly to provide ample energy and maintain a healthy weight. However, issues may arise when there's an imbalance, such as too much or too little hormone being released. This can lead to hypo- or hyper- conditions, like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
Another challenge is hormone resistance, where even the right amount of hormone is released, but the cells become unresponsive. This resistance, such as insulin resistance, can significantly affect blood sugar, metabolism, and appetite, ultimately impacting energy levels and weight.
Your metabolism plays a crucial role in controlling energy levels, with thyroid hormones being key players. These hormones influence the metabolism of every cell in your body. If your thyroid is underactive (hypothyroid), you might experience feelings of coldness, hunger, and fatigue. Conversely, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroid) can lead to sensations of heat, jitteriness, and weight loss. Achieving an ideal metabolism, energy use, temperature, and weight requires a delicate balance of thyroid hormones.
Believe it or not, your weight is intricately connected to hormones. Insulin, for example, regulates blood sugar and determines whether excess sugar is stored as fat. Hormones like ghrelin and leptin control your appetite, influencing feelings of hunger and fullness. When these hormones are imbalanced, cravings for sugary foods may arise, leading to overeating.
Additionally, the stress hormone cortisol, when elevated for extended periods, signals the body to store fat, particularly in the abdominal area.
Understanding that your body is a complex creation with hormones governing numerous functions, consider implementing these "hormone-stabilizing" tips to enhance your energy and manage your weight:
1. Engage in regular exercise to utilize excess blood sugar before it is stored as fat.
2. Incorporate stress-relieving activities such as deep breathing, meditation, or prayer to reduce cortisol levels.
3. Support your thyroid through iodine-containing foods like fish, legumes, or eggs.
4. Balance blood sugar with fiber-rich foods like raspberries, avocados, or flax seeds.
5. Replace sugary beverages with fruit-infused water to reduce blood sugar spikes.
6. Get tested for hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and food intolerances.
If you want additional support on your journey to optimal energy levels and weight management, consider reaching out to me, a Certified Health Coach, for a FREE consultation session. Together, we can explore how I can help guide you towards lasting wellness.
Remember, achieving hormonal harmony is not just about willpower and self-control; it's about understanding and supporting the intricate dance of hormones within your body. By implementing these tips and seeking support when needed, you can unlock the power of balanced hormones for vibrant energy and sustainable weight management.
Jennifer is a Christ-follower, Certified Health Coach, Fitness Instructor, and Nutrition Advisor at Pure Lifestyle Wellness, where FAITH, FITNESS, and NUTRTION collide to bring WHOLENESS in the Lord.
