Hey there, lovely ladies!

Are you feeling like stress and menopause are teaming up against you like two villains in a wrestling match? I hear you loud and clear! Menopause can be a tough time, and stress doesn’t make things any easier. It’s like trying to do a balancing act on a tightrope while juggling hot coals!

But did you know that stress can also make menopause worse? It’s like a vicious cycle of hormones and stress, and we’re stuck in the middle like a hamster on a wheel! It’s like, “Hello, can we catch a break here?”

So, what’s causing all this chaos? Let’s take a closer look at the culprits that are making menopause feel like a never-ending rollercoaster ride. Buckle up, ladies, it’s going to be a bumpy ride!

• Sedentary lifestyle: A lack of physical activity can increase stress levels and contribute to other health issues during menopause

• Poor diet: Consuming a diet high in sugar, processed foods, or unhealthy fats can negatively impact physical and emotional health, adding to stress levels.

• Sleep problems: Insomnia, difficulty falling or staying asleep, and other sleep disturbances can lead to fatigue, irritability, and other stress-related symptoms.

• Caregiver burden: The responsibility of caring for both children and aging parents simultaneously can be overwhelming and stressful for women in menopause.

• Work-life balance: Juggling work and family responsibilities can be challenging during menopause, leading to added stress and burnout.

• Neglecting self-care: Failing to prioritize self-care activities, such as exercise, relaxation, and socializing, can increase stress levels during menopause.

• Electromagnetic radiation exposure: Exposure to too many electromagnetic frequencies from sources such as electronic devices and Wi-Fi can contribute to stress and other health issues.

• Chronic infections: Ongoing infections, such as urinary tract infections or chronic sinusitis, can cause stress and exacerbate menopause symptoms.

• Chemical exposure: Exposure to chemicals in household products or in the workplace can cause stress and negatively impact overall health.

• Trauma history: Past traumatic experiences, such as abuse or violence, can contribute to stress during menopause.

• Relationship issues: Anxious or conflict-ridden relationship dynamics, including power struggles, divorce, or client demands, can create stress and emotional turmoil.

• Life admin: Managing day-to-day tasks, such as paying bills or running errands, can become overwhelming during menopause and contribute to stress levels.

• Future worries: Concerns about the future, such as financial stability or retirement planning, can lead to stress and anxiety.

• Self-imposed expectations: Unrealistic or overly demanding personal expectations can lead to stress and feelings of failure or inadequacy.

STRESS AND THE THYROID

Well, well, well, it turns out stress can be a real pain in the neck – or should I say, in the thyroid gland? This little guy is responsible for keeping our metabolism and other bodily functions in check, but chronic stress can throw things out of whack. It’s like our hormones are playing a twisted game of Jenga, and one wrong move can cause the whole tower to come crashing down. If the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone, it’s like trying to run a marathon on zero energy – cue the fatigue, weight gain, and depression.

STRESS AND BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS

Did you know that stress even messes with our blood sugar levels? That’s right, when stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline flood our system, they can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. And if that happens too often, it can lead to insulin resistance and even more problems down the road. So, if you want to keep your blood sugar in check, it’s time to kick stress to the curb with some exercise, meditation, or whatever helps you relax and unwind.

STRESS AND OUR GREY CELLS

Now, let’s talk about our precious brain. It’s the command center for all our bodily functions, and when stress hits, it can throw everything out of whack. That’s because stress triggers the release of cortisol and adrenaline through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which can make us perceive even small things as a threat. And when that happens, the whole cycle starts over again. It’s like a never-ending game of Whack-a-Mole, and we’re the ones getting whacked! But don’t worry, with some mindset shifts and coping mechanisms, we can take control of the HPA axis and show it who’s boss.

EVER HEARD OF PREGNENOLONE?

Finally, have you heard of “pregnenolone steal”? It’s like a bad magic trick, where stress steals away a hormone called pregnenolone and uses it to make cortisol instead of progesterone. And when our progesterone levels drop, it’s like a recipe for stress and menopause symptoms galore. But fear not! Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help keep those progesterone levels in check and promote relaxation. So, stress, take that – we’ve got a magic trick of our own!

“It’s not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it.”

Hans Selye

HOW CAN I LEARN TO COPE WITH STRESS?

Alright, folks, now that I’ve thoroughly terrified you with all the disastrous effects stress can have on your mind and body, let’s talk about some solutions to this mess!

• Learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga – Or simply cuddle your pet and boost your serotonin and dopamine levels. 

• Get used to practice regular exercise and physical activity – dance in your kitchen!

• Try to get adequate sleep and rest – replace your daily Netflix Thriller by a good book!
• Start engaging in hobbies and activities that bring joy – join the local pottery class.

• Seek social support from friends and family – never miss your weekly coffee with your best friend!

• Practice mindfulness and staying present in the moment – start journaling your thoughts.

• Manage your time and prioritize tasks to reduce overwhelm – Remember: Only 3 important “to-do`s” per day. The rest is “bonus”!

• Set realistic expectations for yourself and others – Life is not a race – enjoy the journey!

• Use your humor and find reasons to laugh – check out funny podcasts, there are many of them out there!

• Seek professional help when needed, such as therapy or counseling

Remember, menopause is just another chapter in your life story, and with the right mindset and tools, you can navigate through it with grace and strength. Don’t let stress hold you back from living your best life!

Take care

Tara