The figures are alarming with one in ten women who are menopausal or peri menopausal leaving work and having to turn away from an income which, can often, lead to women suffering financial pressures. It is worth mentioning that once out of the workplace environment it is twice as difficult to return which can often result in further unnecessary stress.
The government has instead suggested that all employers should have menopause policies integral to their business’ as the concern raised, in the government's rejection of this proposal was that “Menopause Leave” could, potentially, discriminate against men who suffer long term medical conditions.
Carolyn Harris MP, who chairs the All Party parliamentary group on Menopause, has been instrumental in banging the drum and successfully raising the subject in the political domain. Carolyn first came to our attention with her fight to improve accessibility for HRT and, as a result, ministers have agreed to look into reducing the costs of the treatment for women, a huge help to many who otherwise would be left to manage without this life changing medication.
Carolyn continues to raise awareness and push for more support. It is quite incredible to note that approximately 40% of medical schools do not have training for menopause. A common result of this which has come to light in recent years is that women have been prescribed antidepressants as GPs have failed to recognise the symptoms as being menopausal. Carolyn is supporting the idea that all doctor’s surgeries should have access to a nominated person for women to discuss their symptoms and identify their individual needs, providing support and valuable information which has long been overlooked or ignored in the past.
The fact that the subject of menopause is now being discussed in the corridors of power is testament to all those women over the past few years who have been campaigning and championing to help women negotiate this stage in their life. Women in politics are making female focus policies more mainstream and headline worthy which, in turn, brings the topic of menopause into day to day conversation something generations before had not been encouraged.
Thankyou to all those pioneers, they have all made, and continue to, make a positive impact for women.
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With much better information available today than in previous generations where men might have overlooked or simply ignored menopause, there is a move to face matters head on for better relations all round.
We should recognise that many symptoms associated with menopause also impact men, poor sleep patterns through night sweats can lead to fatigue, and a short fuse on both sides. Without good quality sleep men also suffer alongside their partners which affects even the best of a relationship when a lack of rest often means increased irritability and can cause anxiety and low self esteem.
Patience in the bedroom. No matter how strong a relationship might be, during menopause compromise is a must as the sharp drop in oestrogen levels can make sex uncomfortable for women while the reduced level of testosterone means a drop in libido which, understandably, can be difficult for men to accept. Finding ways to be supportive is essential and likewise women should appreciate the impact this also has on their partner. Communication at these times is a must.
In the work place men are being encouraged to support women in menopause through company policies and education. To help recognise symptoms of a colleague and be supportive is crucial as opposed to being critical of their performance. A negative response has led many women to leave the workplace believing themselves to be incompetent and unsuitable for the role.
Thanks to men such as James Timpson, CEO of the Timpson chain, who has published articles on the importance of keeping women in work through menopause and has highlighted the value and worth these women contribute to the workforce.
Fifty One Apparel encourages mens' understanding of menopause but equally acknowledges the impact on our male counterpart which is why we have encouraged men onto our team and this is what they had to say on the subject...
"As a young man, I had very little idea about menopause growing up. However, since working with Fifty One Apparel I am much more educated on the matter, which has enabled me to better understand my family and colleagues who are going through it. It is also great to see that greater dialogue on this subject has resulted in law changes & practical solutions to help those going through it." - Matt
"As a young man, managing the social media for Fifty One Apparel it has also been an educational role for me. Menopause, as a topic, is more spoken about now in 2022 than ever before, with content online adding huge value to all our understanding, with influencer culture in the sector providing a community where women can feel more supported. It's great to see." - Dan
"Working as the Fifty One Apparel designer has been both an education and a pleasure. Whilst I don’t understand first hand the symptoms menopause bring I have become well aware of the need to support women through products like Fifty One Apparel. As a designer my work is to understand different demographics and tailor product accordingly. I hope I have done this." - Callum
Thank you x
]]>In recent weeks there have been some interesting articles written in the UK broadsheets highlighting the growth in awareness of menopause in the workplace and the need for companies to have policies in place to recognise this as a serious matter, in much the same way that maternity leave was introduced in 1975 allowing women with children to continue with a career.
According to the ONS menopausal women are the fastest growing demographic in the workforce with the average age of women going through menopause at 51 and approximately 8 out of 10 of menopausal women are still working.
3 out of 4 women will experience symptoms and 1 in 4 could be suffering serious effects.
If you consider the statistic that one in three of the labour market will soon be over 50 and retirement for women extending to 67/68 it is clear that the workplace is becoming older with needs that should be addressed by employers.
Menopause has long been misunderstood or ignored but with companies such as Henpicked and Positive Pause developing programmes for employers and employees to tackle the numerous issues surrounding the subject there has been a significant shift in mindset.
No surprises then that the menopause is being cited for an increasing number of allegations against employers for sex discrimination or unfair dismissal.
When women are waking numerous times throughout the night, thanks to nightsweats, it is easy to understand the exhaustion and lack of focus which could result. Factor in the loss of confidence as performance levels drop it is understandable that women choose to leaving their positions than suffer in an environment where little or no support is available.
James Timpson CEO of Timpson @JamesTcobbler wrote that companies need to stop the menopause from hijacking women’s careers and consequently impacting their financial security.
The good news is that MPs are now examining the lack of support for menopausal women and with Carolyn Harris Labour MP for Swansea East beating the drum with the creation of an all party parliamentary group on the Menopause, it looks like the menopausal voice is getting a lot louder and being taken seriously.
Is it possible to name the many employers who are now accredited Menopause Friendly Employers? I do love this video: https://menopausefriendly.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/HSBC-UK-first-direct-MS-Bank-Menopause-Friendly_social-2.mp4
Shows what employers are doing, and demonstrates the action they’re taking: https://menopausefriendly.co.uk/the-uks-first-accredited-menopause-friendly-employers/
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We have been fortunate to work with two wonderful women who fall into the above categories.
]]>In recent years there has been much more open discussion and media coverage of the perimenopause and POI with high profile names telling their stories and helping other women know they are not alone in their journey.
We have been fortunate to work with two wonderful women who fall into the above categories.
Michelle Heaton came to the attention of the public in the hit ITV1 show Pop Stars in 2001, the show that produced the Brit award-winning band Liberty X. The Big Reunion brought the band back together in 2013 and Michelle is still touring with Kelli and Jessica as a trio. This critically acclaimed TV show also earned Michelle her first Bafta nomination – her second came in the Constructed Reality and Factual category for her role in the Real Full Monty; Ladies Night. This was watched by an audience of 5 million and the awards kept coming, including an UK Emmy award for this show.
Around the same time as the show was being recorded, Michelle released her first book – Hot Flush; Motherhood the Menopause and Me. This was an incredibly tough and emotional write for her but a proud moment detailing Michelle’s journey into early menopause. This happened following preventative surgery made necessary due to the BRCA cancer gene and her family history. Determined not to let this define her, Michelle follows her own fitness regime that helps her keep positive, fit and healthy.
Michelle has been very supportive of Fifty One Apparel from the early days of our business and we will be forever grateful for the kindness and professionalism she showed working with us.
Hayley Cockman recently appeared on the Channel 4 Show Sex, Myths and the Menopause as the voice of a woman who suffered POI ( primary ovarian insufficiency), her story is inspiring as to how she came to terms with the onset of the menopause at the age of 14. At the age of 12 she started her periods, as is normal for a teenage girl, but after a year these stopped and she began to suffer from sweats and her general health began to suffer. Weeks later it was confirmed by a consultant that she had gone through her menopause.
Her story is made the more remarkable because that was the last time she saw her consultant and she is now 40. It is hard to imagine a teenager and her family having to manage this situation with neither help nor advice to navigate their way through this emotional journey. A girl so young being faced with so many obstacles physically and mentally is difficult to imagine.
Fortunately things are changing and there are networks out there who offer support, the Daisy Network addresses all items related to POI, but more importantly it is essential that we improve levels of education on this subject to help young women and their families cope and for us all to have an understanding of what POI means.
Hayley decided to open up and tell her story only 12 months ago and she is certainly making an impact. She has been a fantastic example of how a fighting spirit overcomes adversity.
For further help and support please check https://www.daisynetwork.org/
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Spruce Up Your Wardrobe
Fifty One Apparel, a British online retailer, has the perfect wardrobe items to provide comfort during your working day.
When you work from home, it’s easy to throw on sweatpants and a t-shirt every day rather than making the effort to dress up. While comfort is paramount in the work place, it is well documented that if we look as good as we feel our performance and overall sense of wellbeing is heightened.
Fifty One Apparel uses space certified technology, originally developed with NASA to help regulate the body’s temperature so, if you are prone to temperature swings or hot flushes, these clothes can help manage these surges, boosting confidence and ensuring comfort throughout the day. The range is designed to be flexible and look equally as good with a pair of jeans or under a tailored jacket, taking the hassle out of dressing for the home office and wardrobe dilemmas for those online meetings.
Focus on Fitness
If you’re sitting in front of your computer for most of the day, you need to block off some time to work out. Exercising will help you feel more productive and engaged in your work, and it’s highly beneficial for lessening symptoms of menopause. You could pause several times per day to do some simple stretches, or you could head outside for a run to get some fresh air. To stay committed to your fitness routine, put exercise on top of your daily to-do list.
Eat Healthy at Home
After a long day of working from home, do you ever feel tempted to put your feet up and order take-out rather than cooking? It’s understandable, but eating healthy can help you feel your best while working remotely. Set aside some time every weekend to meal prep to make your workweek easier — Cooking Light recommends investing in glass storage containers first!
Try to incorporate ingredients into your cooking that are proven to benefit your mental health, like sweet potatoes, legumes, leafy greens, and avocados. Aim to choose healthy snacks for your workday, too, like whole-grain crackers with peanut butter or pita bread with hummus.
Set Boundaries
When you work remotely, it can be hard to set boundaries around your workday. You might catch yourself working when you’re not on the clock or taking random breaks to chat with your family members when you do have responsibilities. To avoid this, designate an area as your home office where you can work by yourself, and be sure to clear and declutter your workspace so as to invite more positive energy throughout your workday. Consider also investing in a reliable headset that not only allows you to work hands-free, but that also sends a signal to others in your house that you’re busy. It’s equally important to set a time to unplug at the end of the workday so that you’re not tempted to keep answering emails when you could be relaxing.
Make Time for Self-Care
Finally, it’s important to focus on self-care. Make sure that you grant yourself time to do nothing but unwind. Maybe you could read a good book, take a soothing bubble bath, watch an episode of your favorite TV show, practice a daily meditation, or write in a journal. Just choose an activity you enjoy. When you work remotely, it’s easy to push self-care to the back burner, but by making self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine, you’ll see an improvement in your mental and physical health. For those of us dealing with the complexities of menopause, taking time to de-stress is crucial!
When you began working remotely, your lifestyle likely changed significantly. And sometimes, it can be hard to stay on top of healthy habits when the line between your professional and personal life becomes blurred. Enduring the symptoms of perimenopause or menopause only compounds the difficulties. However, with these tips, you’ll be able to stay healthy and feel your best while working from home.
]]>Thank you to Movement for Modern Life who has kindly written a blog for Fifty One Apparel on the benefits of yoga during the menopause.
How can yoga support you through menopause?
Many of the symptoms we face during menopause can be connected to our lifestyle choices and to chemical balances/imbalances in our own body. By paying more attention and taking care of our physical and mental health, we can support our endocrine system and make the journey through menopause more easeful.
From age 40 onwards, our bodies and our needs are changing. There is a growing amount of advice and research out there about ways you can support your body’s changes through nutritional choices and important vitamins and minerals.
But another important factor to address is stress and lifestyle management; choosing the right kind of exercise can help us stay positive and balanced (mentally and physically) in our menopausal years.
Why is moderate exercise important in menopause?
We know that Bone Mineral Density (BMD) declines as we age and go through menopause. Because of this, including a mixture of cardiovascular and weight bearing exercise can help you to maintain your muscle mass, bone density and heart health.
As with everything, this needs to be proportional to your body’s energy levels and capacity as pushing and powering through, with an already fatigued menopausal body, can cause more mental and physical stress.
A suggestion is to combine different forms of exercise and movement, so you have different options to turn to depending on your energy levels. Exercise options could include cardiovascular exercise, weights, somatic movement, swimming, or yoga.
6 ways yoga can improve your menopause symptoms:
“Yoga is a fantastic exercise for the entire body. It can improve some of the symptoms of the menopause, including sleep disturbance, fatigue, low mood, and anxiety. Some women find it helps to reduce hot flushes too.” Dr Louise Newson.
Yoga can improve some of the physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms that we face with menopause. But it is important to choose and practice a style that best supports your needs at any given time.
Oestrogen levels decline with the onset of menopause and continues as we get older, causing a rapid bone density loss. According to research, about 10% of a woman’s bone mass is lost in the first 5 years of menopause. By practicing hatha yoga with longer holds and standing balances, we can maintain flexibility, our overall strength and improve our balance. All this is vital for preventing falls and bone fractures as we age. A review found that yoga is as “effective or better than other forms of exercise at improving muscle strength and flexibility.”
Yoga and breath work can be calming and cooling, lowering the body temperature and helping you surrender to the natural process of change associated with the perimenopause and menopause. Tension and stress exacerbate heat and can become triggers for hot flushes. By calming our mind with yoga and breath work, we can work to ease hot flushes. We recommend yoga techniques such as cooling breath or slow meditative practices like hatha yoga.
Meditation and mindfulness practices in yoga can help to bring us into the present moment and therefore help relieve stress and anxiety. You can find the more meditative and mindful practices by doing a yin yoga or restorative yoga class. Doing these practices before bed can also improve your sleep quality.
Core strengthening exercises such as boat pose or yogi bicycles, often found in stronger vinyasa practices, can improve pelvic floor muscle strength.
Yoga can be a full body workout, strengthening your muscles, improving your flexibility and mobility. When you move your whole body mindfully, you lubricate your fascia and create more space in your joints. This can help ease aches and pains associated with menopause.
Pranayama (breathing) techniques practiced in yoga can help to lift negative feelings and thoughts. By doing less and moving at the pace your nervous system can tolerate, soothing and calming practices allow pleasure and ease back into your system. Alternate nostril breathing is very soothing for the nervous system, as is a yoga nidra practice before bed.
How to know what to practice and when
You can learn to recognise your symptoms and connect to your physical and psychological needs accordingly. For example avoiding a hot yoga class when you are having a bout of hot flushes, or avoiding ashtanga if you are physically exhausted. It’s also about understanding your needs will change as you transition through the menopause. Through your yoga practice you can start to develop a deeper communication with yourself, and this is the most empowering practice of all.
On the Menopause for Modern Life course, you have the opportunity to try out several different styles of yoga and movement (including dynamic vinyasa yoga, nidra and restorative yoga, meditation, somatic movement, qigong and Menopause Yoga) and you can figure out what works best for you on different days.
FREE CLASS:
https://movementformodernlife.com/yoga-for-hot-flushes
A simple visualisation exercise to help to manage hot flushes often associated with the menopause. This short yoga class is one simple pose, breathing deeply whilst lying in a constructive rest position. You can do this any time when experiencing uncomfortable feelings of heat. If you practice this daily to reduce stress, you will also develop the simple skills for managing hot flushes, as you learn to allow the heat to flow calmly through you, rather than resisting it.
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Nature's best is a trusted and expert voice on the menopause attracting thousands of visitors to the Menopause Hub each month and offering a wide range of supplements that many women find helpful during this time. Expert Nutrition Advisors are available for free, confidential advice on any products in the range and help women, just like you, find the right regime for their particular needs.
Fifty One Apparel has been developed from a belief that there is a need for a clothing range that caters to women suffering from hot flushes and night sweats. Hot flushes can make women feel uncomfortable, self conscious and embarrassed while night sweats can cause disrupted sleep leading to lack of concentration, lower energy levels and motivation. These symptoms can ultimately result in low self esteem, confidence and mood swings.
Fifty One Apparel has set out to create a range of simple and classic styles using space certified technology to regulate the body's temperature helping women to look good and feel great 24/7 no matter what the season.
There certainly isn't a one size fits all approach to managing the menopause. Both Nature's Best and Fifty One Apparel believe an holistic plan can help ease the menopause. Armed with knowledge, dietary and lifestyle guidance, intelligent clothing and a bespoke supplement regime is a great way to direct women through this journey.
Together, Nature's Best and Fifty One Apparel aim to build awareness of the issues faced by women with frank,study-based articles which answer all the questions that women are searching for. You'll be able to find all relevant information on diet, lifestyle, clothing and much more at www.fiftyoneapparel.com and Nature's Best .
]]>Do we want to stop eating chocolates? Do we want to work out 3 times a week ? Do we want to keep the gin secure in the fridge? Realistically the majority of us would tick NO. Surely there must be a better and more enjoyable way to get the va va voom into the New Year. There is another option and far simpler, cheaper and much more pleasurable. We all have access to it and we all can share it. No more important than ever.
Laughter. It can only be seen as a good thing. Scientists tell us that laughter, humour and joy are an important part of life. Laughing lowers our blood pressure, reduces stress hormones, and increases muscle flexion. It increases the circulation of infection-fighting antibodies in the blood stream and makes us more resistant to infection and disease. As laughter triggers the release of endorphins, which are the body's natural feel-good chemicals, these will promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
Laughter can stimulate many organs as it enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain and also activates and relieves your response to stress.
A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, as it helps relax the body leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes afterwards.
When you're angry, upset or stressed, your blood pressure goes up, and stress can lead to other physical problems. So, if you can laugh things off, it can be beneficial to your health and your longevity. Different studies have been done and most of them have very similar results. Laughter helps your overall health and extend your life as it is seen to boost your immune system.
So as part of any fitness/wellness plan for the months ahead, and while comedy clubs remain closed sit back and indulge in what tickles your fancy !! We all need it.
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But the emphasis must only be on contentment.
To be happy must be the goal for us all to aim and achieve. For many it is not always so easy to recognise what happiness actually means and hence such an ambition remains unchallenged. In having a structure to one’s lifestyle and a recognition of the key elements to a healthy and fulfilled life is the first step.
There is enough information spoken about the benefits of a good diet and expert advice comes in so many formats. The advice can be somewhat overwhelming at times but we like to keep things simple.
It shouldn’t be a chore, remember the more you put into these disciplines the more you will get out and boost our mental well being.
We are lucky to have teamed up with Emily Fawell who is a Nutritional Therapist specialising in women’s health and she has offered her advice on nutrition for the menopause.
“What you eat can have a significant impact on how you experience the various (perhaps multitudinous!) symptoms of the menopause.
To minimise your symptoms and give your body the best chance of balancing the shifts in hormones that are creating the symptoms you are experiencing, here are my top 3 tips:
While the foundation is spiritual and holistic many see it more as part of their exercise regime and an opportunity to keep weight under control and tone. Regular yoga practice will undoubtedly help compose the mind and body, and has been recommended during the menopause as a way of managing some of the symptoms associated with this transition.
It’s thought that blood pressure may increase after menopause due to hormonal changes. With practice, yoga can improve the circulation and oxygenation of blood to naturally bring blood pressure levels down.
Arthritis does not affect all women in the menopause, but as it is a condition associated with age, yoga is fantastic for the strengthening of joints and improving overall flexibility.
Fatigue is a complaint often raised by women who may be impacted by interrupted sleep due to night sweats and once again yoga can bring renewed energy and vigour with a consistent yoga regime.
Hot flashes are a symptom most readily associated with the menopause, where the heat from the body needs to escape. Focussing your yoga practice on slow and weight-bearing movements can be an effective way to release the “fire".
As flexibility improves and the body strengthens, the aches and pains often suffered in menopause and perimenopause can be alleviated.
With improved knowledge, it is clear to see the benefits of yoga and its accessibility for all. Yoga makes it the ideal choice for those with limited time to spare. Once the poses and postures have been mastered, a ten-minute daily practice can make a huge difference to your general wellbeing and can bring a degree of calm, essential to those who struggle with anxiety.
There is plenty of information out there to help https://www.menopause-yoga.com/ guides you through poses to help minimise the impact of perimenopause and menopause.
So take a slow deep breath, slip into your Ali leggings and Nikki vest, and step onto the mat.
You can shop our full menopause clothing range here. If you’re looking for more tips and tricks on how to manage the menopause, be sure to check out the articles on our blog.
The term “hot flush” is well known as a feeling of intense heat which isn’t caused by an external heat source and can come on quickly and without warning. They are a result of changes in the body’s hormonal balance. There are some simple measures that can be taken to lessen the effects of the Hot Flush and Nightsweats.
Reduction of caffeine and alcohol can certainly affect the frequency of the hot flush. The intake of hot drinks can raise the body’s internal temperature which, in turn, encourages the body's cooling mechanism to switch on and cause the body to sweat. While caffeine stimulates the sweat glands, alcohol widens the blood vessels — both of these are a catalyst for hot flushes and night sweats.
Stop smoking! While easier said than done, it’s thought that smoking may interfere with hormones, neurotransmitters that are linked to hot flushes. For example, higher androgen levels (testosterone) have been observed in smokers compared to non-smokers. Though estrogen levels are similar in smokers and non-smokers, the higher androgen (sometimes known as the male hormone) levels from smoking will raise the androgen to estrogen ratio, and this can be associated to the hot flushes.
A simple remedy available to all is turning down the thermostat, opening the windows, or using an air conditioner or fan. By keeping an indoor temperature below 21 degrees Celsius / 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 18 degrees Celsius / 65 Fahrenheit at night, the body’s temperature will feel more comfortable.
These can provide instant relief from hot flushes and night sweats. These sprays can help draw heat away from the skin, quickly and effectively reducing skin temperature and redness. An easy solution to have reassurance on hand and one we can recommend is Physicool U.K.
The fabric’s technology interprets the body’s heat and begins to store it until such time the body cools down and the heat is transferred back to the body. This ensures a constant temperature, no matter what the time or place. Comfort guaranteed!
You can shop our full range of menopause clothing here.
Be sure to check out the rest of our blog for more articles on menopause help and tips, and to keep up to date with what we are getting up to.
It is fair to say that the menopause brings with it a number of negative symptoms. For many, the symptoms creep up without recognition that the high emotions in one previously a calm and collected individual might just be a result of the menopause.
Symptoms such as irritability, aggression, weepiness, panic attacks and forgetfulness are often associated with the menopause, and these have often led to women mistakenly being treated for depression or believing that the issue was all in the head. If the body is experiencing stress, high levels of cortisol are released to offset the tension and that impacts on the level of hormones produced. An unhealthy diet means the body does not have the basic ingredients to produce the right amount of hormones.
With that in mind, many women are turning to a vegan diet to reduce any impact and aid symptom-free menopausal years. A high alkaline diet is very good for bodies going through hormonal changes and a natural diet made up of foods from shells, skin or peel is going to work hard for the body.
A high alkaline, vegan diet could help you manage symptoms such as brain fog, insomnia and hot flushes. A vegan diet could also help to retain good bone health. Red and white meats and dairy all produce acid in our blood when they are digested, which has to be neutralised. This is done by leaching calcium from our bones. A wholegrain varied diet is the most protective diet for bone health that we can have.
It is important to recognise that post-menopausal women have higher rates of heart disease, partly due to the lack of oestrogen produced. A diet high in animal fats can mean the liver produces ‘bad’ cholesterol whereas a vegan diet can promote the creation of antioxidants which helps reduce such a risk.
It may be worth checking out whether you can make the switch to a vegan or vegetarian diet, or even just pay more attention to how food can impact your menopause symptoms. For more advice on the menopause, why not have a look at our menopause help and advice hub.
In the UK alone over 55,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and one in eight women in the UK will develop breast cancer at some point in their lifetime. A little known fact is that 350 men are diagnosed with cancer every year in the UK.
There are many factors responsible for the development of breast cancer and in some cases the disease may be genetic but one of the most common causes attributed to this illness is the ageing process whereby at least 4 out of 5 breast cancers occur in women over 50.
The fact that a high percentage of women over 50 develop breast cancer means that links are made to the menopause, not only that but some breast cancer treatment such as hormone therapies tamoxifen, anastrozole, letrozole and exemestane can often lead women to experience menopausal symptoms.
Ovarian suppression is the process of stopping the ovaries from making oestrogen either temporarily or permanently as part of some cancer treatments which can also result in the menopause being triggered. There are instances where women have already been through the menopause naturally only to go through it again. The natural menopause is a gradual process whereas ovarian suppression can bring on menopausal symptoms very quickly and therefore may be more intense than someone entering the menopause naturally. While some women find the symptoms to be manageable many find it difficult to cope and their quality of life is impacted.
Patients who have not been through their natural menopause and are exposed to Chemotherapy might see their periods stopping as the ovaries producing oestrogen are affected by the treatment. It is possible that women’s periods can return but this could take several months or years after the Chemotherapy has finished.
Cancer sufferers can sometimes find that they become forgetful and lose concentration sometimes referred to as ”brain fog”, in similar ways many women who are menopausal suffer similar symptoms finding it harder to remember and recall things as well as they did in their youth as the reduction in oestrogen during menopause does impact on the effectiveness and efficiency of the brain.
More women than ever are surviving breast cancer thanks to better awareness, better screening and better treatments. Around five out of six women diagnosed in the UK today will be alive in five years’ time, compared to three out of six women 40 years ago. However, nearly 1,000 women still die of breast cancer every month in the UK. Women aged 50 and over are entitled to free breast screening and first appointments should be made between the age of 50 and 53 with regular follow up visits every 3 years up to the age of 70.
Most breast cancers are found by women noticing unusual changes in their bodies and our message is not just for today or this month but to ALWAYS be breast aware and take the initiative and visit the doctor. A healthy regime can also help combat this disease and information is extensive on this subject drinking less alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight all help to reduce the risks.
Stressful situations can cause hot flushes — when our bodies are under stress our nervous systems are on heightened alert and increased levels of our stress hormone, cortisol, are released from our adrenal glands.
During menopause, our adrenal glands also try and produce oestrogen when our ovaries are failing, so adrenal fatigue is very common with women who are stressed and going through menopause. This decrease in oestrogen is the underlying cause of hot flushes and many other symptoms.
Let’s look at what happens to our body under stress and work backwards to find a solution:
When the body has a hot flush, the heart rate increases, the capillaries dilate, skin becomes hot and mood can be affected, sweating occurs, and some women feel very panicky when having a flush (some even have a panic attack).
Women who suffer from hot flushes might have emotional responses make the physical response more intense—the increased heart rate can cause the blood to travel to the skin, making the capillaries dilate. Sweating then occurs to try and cool the body down.
When we exercise, our body reacts in a similar way: our body is put under a type of “stress”—but good stress.
It is also good to remember that when we exercise, we have “feel good” hormones released such as serotonin and dopamine, and these have an immediate and long-term effect on the body and mood. Regular exercise will therefore put the mind and body in a more positive state.
We know that when the body is under stress, one part of our nervous system prepares the body for physical activity by increasing heart rate, blood pressure and respiration. During exercise, the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine stimulate receptors in the heart. This causes the heart rate to increase as the body moves and makes the capillaries dilate to regulate heat.
The CNS (central nervous system) can be considered the integrative centre for all behaviour. It receives and interprets sensory information from both the external world and the internal environment such as negative thought processes.
When a woman has a hot flush, it is similar to the body’s response to a workout. If the body is used to this physical response then the psychological response will be easier to manage during other stressful situations such as a hot flush. Regularly becoming breathless and sweaty in a controlled environment prepares the body when it is put in a stressful situation that could trigger or actually be a hot flush.
We have looked at ways of helping our physical body—now let’s look at how we can improve our mental wellbeing.
Every part of our body is linked—our brain and nervous system work very closely together. If we can look at ways of calming down our nervous system during that stressful situation it will help minimise hot flushes.
For example, if you can identify “triggers” (for example, having a hot flush at work and thinking that everyone is looking at you) which makes your body more stressed and go into “fight or flight” mode, mindfulness can help you look at that situation in a different way. Rather than thinking that everyone is looking, perhaps change the thought process to, “nobody is watching and nobody really cares.” The mind is a powerful organ that can regulate our moods and actions.
Practising daily meditation such as simple breathing for just ten minutes per day can help calm the brain and nervous system so the mind becomes used to listening to breathing and being able to manage our body and mind. This helps with calming down the nervous system and managing a stressful situation that is a trigger.
This simple technique can be performed anywhere and on a daily basis. It can be performed if a woman feels a hot flush coming on:
This might not be possible during every flush, however, if practised daily the body will respond differently when your mind is put under stress. Think of it as having an accumulative effect over time—the more mindfulness and mediation is practised, the better we will cope in a stressful situation.
There are plenty of free apps around to start someone off on mindfulness. These are some really easy ones to start with on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdUm9U9w9W0
As with physical activity though, what’s good for one person isn’t necessarily good for another—some people like to cycle, walk, run, swim, or go to the gym. Remember that finding something that is right for the mind is an individual choice.
There is a study on helping hot flushes through CBT by Dr Myra Hunter at Kings College:
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/ioppn/news/records/2012/feb/cbt-menopause
Taking the above into consideration, undergoing regular physical activity and practising mindfulness is a winning situation. Looking at ways to increase our heart rate on a regular basis and learning how to calm down the nervous system will be beneficial not only for hot flushes but also for anxiety and sleep.
You can find more articles on menopause help and advice on our blog. If you want to shop our full range of cooling clothing, check them out here
Author: Jane Dowling is a clinical exercise specialist and has over twenty years’ experience in the health and fitness arena. She is a public speaker and blogger, and runs a successful fitness 1-2-1 private studio in London Bridge. Inspired by her own menopause experiences she founded MENO&ME which offers evidence-based exercise, diet and lifestyle advice to women on how to find their fabulous again through menopause and beyond! Jane has extensive experience in dealing with a variety of clients, including older adults suffering from heart disease and osteoporosis. This has ignited a passion to help educate younger women on how to take preventative measures towards improving their overall health
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https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/doctors-halt-the-menopause-for-20-years-3p6jvkjkd
This pioneering operation has the potential to allow women to delay the menopause for up to 20 years by deceiving the body clock into thinking they are younger than their years. For many, this would be a real life-changer as medical advancement such as this could mean that women who enter the early menopause and forego their chance of children could now have the opportunity of childbirth. This procedure would be welcomed by those who, perhaps, have other medical conditions which would offer a much needed mental or physical breathing space.
With all attention-grabbing headlines sometimes it’s important to look beyond the bold typeface and read the small print. The most immediate and obvious drawback is the money involved, with a procedure costing between £3-£7000 for the removal and storage of the ovarian tissue which is then transplanted or grafted for a further fee of £4000. As more and more women are living longer and the time in the menopause can sometimes last longer than their fertile years this must be seen as an attractive option, aside from the cost.
With the average age of the menopause at 51 there has also been debate this week as to how women see their lives in their 50s. While some would see this time as a depressing one when children leave home, the ageing parents are in need of constant monitoring and care, and the work environment may be sapping too much of the remaining energy levels there may be little to celebrate.
However, many see this era as an opportunity to regain the years spent on a treadmill of household duties, work commitments, family and financial pressures and strip off all those layers that have weighed heavily on those shoulders. Time to start making plans and ticking off their to-do list....wish list.
For those who just want to get the menopause over and done with or who sail through without noticing a major change, it is welcome news that all women will have the chance to make the most of all their years. Let’s hope that very soon this treatment will become available to all and not just to those with a heavy wallet.
]]>Ovarian cancer develops when abnormal cells in the ovary begin to grow and divide in an uncontrolled way, and eventually form a growth. If the disease is not caught early enough the cancer cells gradually grow and spread to other areas of the body.
The problem with this particular type of cancer is that most cases are diagnosed too late when the options for treatment are reduced. From a personal perspective I have witnessed my own sister suffer the impact of a misdiagnosis before being advised her life expectancy was weeks not months from the moment the cancer was detected. As you can imagine this was devastating for all concerned.
Whilst it seems this drug will be a tremendous boost for progress in this field it is of great importance to raise awareness of some of the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer.
Many signs are overlooked as they can appear or considered to be relatively minor or can be confused with less serious conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or pre menstrual syndrome (PMS).
Ovarian cancer mainly affects women who have been through the menopause usually over the age of 50, although it can affect women of a younger age. The exact cause of ovarian cancer is unknown but the risks are increased if you have a family history of either ovarian or breast cancer, have endometriosis, or are overweight or smoke. The earlier ovarian cancer can be diagnosed and treated, the better the chance of survival.
BBC launched their week-long schedule “ Wake Up to the Menopause.” Information jammed programmes focusing on all aspects of the Menopause be it onset of early Menopause to Menopause in the workplace.
Meanwhile Mental Health Awareness Week 13-19th May was a welcomed initiative to bring some normality to an otherwise ‘awkward’ subject and to hear the Duke of Cambridge, footballer Peter Crouch, spin doctor Alastair Campbell all discussing openly their issues with mental health and the challenges that this presented for them and those around them. As high profile individuals they are constantly in the limelight, seemingly ‘having it all’ and appearing to be in complete control. Only now are we hearing about the issues that they had to face by themselves for fear of opening up, being misunderstood and perceived as weak.
With these two high profile initiatives coming into the media it did focus the attention of the perfect storm brewing for women and the pressures they have during the menopause which could lead to mental instability and insecurity in some capacity.
For those that have worked all their life or returned from time away from the workplace, there are examples of women who, despite being top of their game have suffered a major crisis of confidence resulting in poor or no decision making.
The demise in performance has for many years in a working environment been attributed to perhaps the best years having passed by or harshly, a previously valued colleague seemingly no longer a fit for the company. Imagine the scenario when your job is a struggle, a job which until recently was well within your capabilities and expertise. Now, thanks to better education we now know and understand it’s not you failing, it’s the menopause.
Children leaving home and the empty nest syndrome kicks in. The lack of focus, the feeling of redundancy and self-worth all can contribute to low self-esteem as the children, quite rightly, make their own way in life. Exciting futures for them to discover with not so much as a by your leave as the front door closes on the creature comforts you have created. They no longer need you as much, what is your role? You have always been something a worker, a mother, now what? The pressure to find a new position in the family can be overwhelming.
Then there is the mother of the teenage children. The pushing of the boundaries, the concoction of hormones and the incessant push of social media makes the home a truly fearsome and highly flammable environment. The management of such a high octane cocktail requires skill, thick skin and resilience. The strength needed is a big ask when confidence levels are reduced, tiredness takes hold and the normal stresses of trying to preserve family life and your own sanity present themselves.
Thank goodness things are on the move in the right direction and as we cast our mind back to our own childhood it is perhaps with sadness that we realise the lack of empathy our mothers were shown as they must have tried to understand their own irrational behaviour. If only they had had the support and information now available to recognise that “I’m not going mad”. It’s perfectly normal, I am normal.
In 2011, Jacqueline launched the Twitter campaign #WOW (Women On Wednesday) an award directed at Women in Business. The campaign runs every week with over 200 hopeful entries. Winners are selected for having a strong brand value with a potential for growth and success in the marketplace. There needs to be evidence that the business concept targets the needs of the consumer and demonstrates quality, professionalism along with a good brand image and vision. We are delighted that these attributes were recognised at Fifty One Apparel.
The concept for the #WOW award is to champion and celebrate the efforts women are making in the workplace and to encourage the entrepreneurial spirit. More and more women in the UK are joining the ranks to start up their own businesses. In creating this award, a community has been created whereby the winners can support one another in their quest for success. We will make full use of this community and offer our own experiences and contacts.
We have previously written of inspirational women and Jacqueline Gold was high on our list for her endeavours and achievements, even in the face of adversity at various stages of her personal and professional life. Her career has been extraordinary when at a young age she tore up the rule book and entered the male dominated sex industry. A drive of determination and self-belief convinced investors of her potential and gave her the support she looked for.
It is fair to say that as more women take leading roles in business, more are also giving their time, energy, commitment and resources in a desire to give back to society. In these roles, women often want to do more than simply offer money but want to be involved in the causes they support. Jacqueline Gold is testament to this and makes a point of keeping in touch with her winners of her weekly award.
In years to come, we hope that we could use our own success to inspire those with an entrepreneurial spirit as Jacqueline has to so many. There can be nothing more rewarding than to use your own success to help elevate others up their career ladder and to help individuals realise their goals. #WOW.
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There is increased media coverage of the menopause in our society and the taboos surrounding it are reducing and the focus is now for encouraging and informing women to take action to prevent health problems in later life.
Approximately one third of a woman’s life will be after the menopause where the age of the natural menopause in developed countries is 51 and in less developed countries the menopause occurs in the late 40s.
The decade following the onset of the menopause is critical to women who can be vulnerable to chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, cognitive decline (e.g. Alzheimer’s disease) and cancer; so the early postmenopausal years provide the opportunity for women to take preventative action in their lifestyle choice to ensure a healthy future.
There is an abundance of advice out there for us to digest but the overwhelming counsel is to exercise, exercise and do more exercise. A sedentary lifestyle is disastrous for both mental and physical well being. A strong physical routine combined with a well balanced and focused diet is definitely a winning formula.
Water: 8 glasses of water a day can help maintain good clear skin and offset dryness. Hormonal changes can often cause a bloated sensation which water helps alleviate.
Calcium: The menopause can cause a loss of oestrogen which can impact on bone density so Calcium rich food such as non fat yoghurts, cheese, seeds and sardines are vital. Calcium supplements are often recommended too.
Vitamin D: There is a good excuse to pack the bags and head for the sun, the source of Vitamin D and critical in the protection of our bones. During the Winter months it may be prudent to take a supplement if a trip to The Bahamas is not in the budget !!
Fruit and Vegetables: The metabolism begins to slow down as we get older and as energy levels diminish the chance of weight gain increases. By increasing the daily amount of fruit and vegetables this can help maintain a healthy waistline.
Whole grains: These can help boost energy and the digestive system which in turn can help to manage stress levels at a time when mood swings are prevalent. Folic acid and fibre found in whole grains help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Iron: Iron levels tend to reduce during the menopause and so the focus should be on lean meats, eggs high iron cereals and grains as women going through menopause often experience fatigue, and this could be due to an iron deficiency.
Flaxseed: This contains Omega-3 fatty acids which is easily added to meals as the fibre can keep arteries healthy by lowering cholesterol levels. Flaxseeds have powerful antioxidant and oestrogen properties which may help to prevent breast and other cancers.
Alcohol, sugar, caffeine and spicy foods all can contribute to the dreaded hot flush, urinary incontinence, mood swings and deterioration of the bones. While we may not want to make these sacrifices a modification to their intake may be prudent
Embrace the Menopause Time to Make the Change
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PaCzbe_gsU
When you have worked in retail and the textiles industry all your life it is easy to forget the origins of the clothing we wear today. This spectacular exhibition came as a great reminder. The messages are plenty as the title suggests, how fashion has used nature for inspiration be it in the design: interpretation of flowers, animal and insects of exquisite embroideries and laces through to the natural raw materials of flax, wool and cotton used in centuries past to deliver garments for the rich, poor, the city dweller and country folk.
All well documented in the exhibits is the amazing speed at which the industrial revolution took hold and how the landscape of Europe’s social economy changed. James Hargreave’s invention and patent of the Spinning Jenny in 1770 sparked the change for the Textile Industry in Great Britain and this was the springboard for a series of new concepts propelling fashion into new realms.
Mistakes have undoubtedly been made along the way as with all industries, at the cost of earth’s health and it is now that we have to make amends and recognise the importance of sustainability in our industry.
We have to be mindful of what “throw away” fashion creates. In research it shows that the average garment is worn only 4 times! How much carbon is created to make one item of clothing? How many trees are cut down? How much oil is used? How much fuel to fly your garments to the stores? The list is extensive even before the clothes hit the High Street. We need to care.
On the 5th October 2018, Radio 5, hosted by Rachel Burden, echoed the message that we all need to be more responsible in our environment of fast fashion where the market rushes to emulate the latest trends and celebrity’s lifestyle.
Fifty One Apparel are looking into ways to minimise the harm done to our planet. We use mills, which are efficient in their use of water and support local initiatives to enhance the environment. We are thoughtful about how much packaging we use and where it is used we want it to have a second use. We design our garments with multi use in mind nightwear, daywear, loungewear – take your pick the use is fluid. The classic styling means longevity with the end result of fewer clothes in the wardrobe less impact on the environment but not less impact on your style.
Help keep our environment clean. Recycle where possible and be mindful of what goes into you clothing before you buy and dispose.