How Yoga can help in dealing with symptoms of Menopause
Menopause Yoga (MY) is a holistic approach to guiding women through Menopause that feels nourishing and nurturing to mind, body and soul.
MY offers a toolkit of techniques to help alleviate some of the main symptoms and a positive approach that reframes the menopause as Second Spring – an empowering and re-energising stage of a woman’s life.
Menopause Yoga
As a certified Menopause Yoga teacher, I provide workshops and personalized sessions to help women manage the symptoms and challenges of menopause. I understand that every woman’s experience is unique and deserves personalized attention. That’s why I offer a toolkit of yoga techniques that empower women to embrace this phase of their lives and improve their quality of life.
My Menopause Yoga (MY) sessions create a safe space where women can come together and share their experiences, knowing that they are not alone. MY uses specific yoga sequences with the help of props, meditation, breathing techniques, and exercises for the pelvic floor muscles. I also provide guidance on natural remedies, nutrition, Indian Ayurveda, and essential oils to help women manage their symptoms.
I explain the benefits and potential risks of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to empower women to make informed decisions about their health. MY also focuses on post-menopause practices such as nutrition and exercise.
Menopause Yoga has many benefits. Calming the nervous system with breathing techniques, gentle sequences, and restorative poses can reduce stress and relieve symptoms such as hot flushes, anxiety, and promote better sleep. The fluid movement of yoga asanas increases flexibility in the joints and helps with muscle aches.
The combination of guided movement and breath restores energy levels that can be reduced by insomnia and fatigue. It also boosts and invigorates slow metabolism, fights depression, and improves heart health. Weight-bearing positions strengthen muscles and build bone density.
Menopause Symptoms
Menopause is a natural stage of women’s life and happens when a woman stops having menstrual cycles, marking the end of fertility. Like other events that mark women’s physiological life, natural does not mean necessary smooth, uncomplicated and harmonious. It occurs between 45 and 55, with the average age in the UK being 51, but in some cases it can happen much earlier.
The Symptoms
Menopause and perimenopause symptoms can have a big impact on a woman’s life, including relationships and work.
The most common symptoms are psychological, such as mood disturbances, anxiety, depression, memory loss, panic attacks, loss of confidence and reduced concentration. These are reported by two-thirds (67%).
However, the prevalence of psychological symptoms is very closely followed by physical symptoms, such as hot flushes (66%) and cold flushes and muscle and joint problems (64%) as well as sleep disturbance (66%) and weight gain (58%).
Menopause Awareness in the work place
Did you know that every year, in the UK over 14 million workdays are lost because of the menopause?
The majority of women say that Menopause have a negative impact on their role at work. The worst symptoms are: brain fog, tiredness, loss of confidence, sleep disturbances. All these can make a real difference to a women trying to fulfil her role.
Other not at all uncommon symptoms such as hot flushes, aches and pains in the joints, migraines, genital urinary infections and heavy periods can lead women to hide them due to embarrassment and also the fear that they may lose their job.
Many women feel unsupported in their workplace and by their line manager. Many end up taking sick leave due to menopausal symptoms and we know that one in 10 women will end up leaving their job because of the menopause.
Many more will reduce the hours or fail to go for promotion.
That means that many workplaces lose the most experienced members of the team unnecessarily because of this change in life .
What could the employer do about this?
All organisations are different, however proactively addressing the menopause can have significant benefits for employees as well as for the company. Doing things such as:
- hosting presentations about Menopause awareness in the workplace
- having a Menopause policy in place
- sign-posting your employees to evidence-based help
- appointing a menopause champion
can be extremely helpful in changing the culture related to Menopause and starting conversations that reduce taboos and stigma around this time in life.
Cooperation with Dr Susanna Unsworth Menopause specialist
Hosting a presentation on Menopause Awareness in the workplace
It can be an incredibly compassionate and supportive gesture for the employees.
By shedding light on menopause and its impact on women in the workplace, companies and organisations are fostering an environment of understanding and empathy. Employees going through menopause may often feel isolated or embarrassed by their symptoms With these types of organised events it is possible to break down barriers and create a safe space for open conversation.
Furthermore, when employees feel supported and valued, they’re more likely to feel motivated and engaged in their work. Plus, by providing practical tips and resources for managing menopausal symptoms, you’re equipping your team with the tools they need to navigate this stage of life with confidence.
Hosting a menopause awareness presentation demonstrates the company’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and gender equality. It sends a powerful message that women’s health matters and that the organization is dedicated to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected and understood.
By addressing menopause openly and proactively, the employer can mitigate any potential negative impacts on productivity and absenteeism. When employees are supported and understood, they’re less likely to experience disruptions in their work or need to take extended leave due to health issues related to menopause.
Creating a workplace environment where menopause is understood and supported can also help attract and retain top talent. Potential employees are increasingly seeking out companies that prioritise employee well-being and offer comprehensive support programs. By showcasing their commitment to addressing menopause in the workplace, employers are positioning their company as an employer of choice that values their workforce as their main asset.