I am way over 40 – I love it, embrace it, and feel fit, sexy, and healthy. In other words, I truly feel like my best self at 60. The key to thriving at any age is simply becoming the best version of yourself. That said, I would like to talk about embracing body changes for women 40+.
First, as a health and fitness blogger, I enjoy this platform to share my life experiences and how they might resonate with other women. It’s also a great place to start conversations about important topics like this one. So here we go on this journey together!
Body Changes: The Real Talk
My 40s were great but I did experience some hormonal challenges.
Honestly, I didn’t think about peri or post-menopause in my 20s and 30s. But now I think about it all the time as a woman in post-menopause. So many changes can occur including irregular periods, constipation, headaches, reduced libido, anxiety, hot flashes, night sweats, and the worst of all – vaginal dryness.
Other changes that some gals may experience are difficulty losing weight, and the dreaded “menopot”. You know the thickness that suddenly appears around the hips and lands in the lower belly. It can be frustrating.
Do Your Research
I began researching everything about hormone changes in my 40s. I was looking for the best way to navigate through the symptoms of perimenopause. Also, I wanted a good knowledge base as I transitioned to post-menopausal.
The largest struggles for me included extreme night sweats, hot flashes, disturbed sleep, irregular bleeding, and decreased libido.
The Not-So-Fun Stuff
Most days I feel vibrant and youthful, but sometimes my body reminds me of my hormonal truth – my body is changing. Things that can feel like a challenge during the blah days include:
- Night Sweats: We’re talking soaking-the-sheets level. It’s just ridiculous!
- Irregular Bleeding: Is this normal? Can I even leave the house this week? Seriously, tampons feel useless sometimes.
- Migraines: Those pounding headaches that make you want to curl up in a ball. Cold cloths and a bucket nearby are essential.
- Anxiety: Little things suddenly feel overwhelming. It’s like, “What’s going on?”
- Hot Flashes: One minute you’re freezing, the next you’re burning up from the inside. Nighttime? One leg under the covers, one leg out—it’s a balancing act!
- Vaginal Dryness: This is a tough one. Suddenly, everything feels different. Is intimacy even an option?
Stay Proactive!
Here’s the deal: embracing body changes for women 40+ means being proactive about your health. This advice is recommended at any age but is especially important during this stage of life.
Set a goal to be the best version of yourself at every moment, even as you transition through peri and post-menopause. This is a normal part of life, and it’s time to break the taboo around these conversations.
Instead of ignoring the changes that come with hormone shifts, let’s tackle them head-on! Here are a few things that have worked for me:
- Bioidentical Hormones
- Prescribed Vaginal Estrogen
- Vaginal Lubricants (I love V-Magic!)
- Astroglide for intimacy
- Vaginal Suppositories (like vitamin E and coconut oil) at night or before intimacy
- Staying Positive and accepting my body’s changes
- Talking About It!
The Bottom Line
Every woman experiences hormonal shifts and menopause symptoms differently. That said, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The most important thing is to embrace these changes and not feel ashamed about them. Let’s accept our bodies and find ways to be our best selves through this journey.
Talking with your gynecologist or hormone specialist about your symptoms is also a good idea. I sought out two opinions along with my research. As a result, I have come up with a manageable plan that works best for my body in post-menopause.
As a personal trainer and coach for over 30 years, I share videos and posts specific to the importance of aging well through proper fitness and nutrition on my Instagram page. I look forward to having you as a follower.
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