Top 10 Menopause Questions I Get Frequently Asked

Last Updated on May 16, 2024 by coach@lashapebody.com

If you have mixed emotions about Menopause…

If you’re feeling nervous about getting older…

If you’re anxious about what you’re experiencing physically and emotionally…

… then this list of the TOP 10 MENOPAUSE QUESTIONS I GET FREQUENTLY ASKED can give you some clarity and understanding. 

#1 “Can I Get Pregnant If I’m In Perimenopause?”

Absolutely. When you’re still ovulating, whether that’s one every month or once every six months, you can get pregnant

(Read about Perimenopause Periods here). 

#2 “Is There Anything A Woman Can Do To Delay The Onset Of Perimenopause? My Mom And Sister Went Through Menopause In Their 40’s.”

How early or late you enter Perimenopause is only partially genetic. 

There’re many other factors that are in play, like:

• smoking, drinking alcohol 
• being more than 10 pounds underweight 
• oral contraceptives 
• physical activity 
• partial removal of ovaries (partial oophorectomy)
• cancer treatments (chemotherapy or abdominal radiation therapy)

#3 “How Can I Balance My Hormones Without Hormone Replacement Therapy?”

… by making certain dietary and lifestyle changes.

For example, I went through Menopause without HRT. 

A well-balanced diet and healthy habits were really helpful.

Here’s what you can do (I’ve been doing):

• Get enough protein. Proteins provide amino acids that your body cannot make on its own and are needed to produce peptide hormones. These hormones play a crucial role in energy metabolism, appetite, stress, and more. 
• Exercise regularly. It strongly influences your hormonal health. I made exercise part of my morning routine. I practice Yoga. Daily. Your exercise doesn’t need to be complicated. There’s no need to spend hours in the gym either. Choose an exercise that you like and truly enjoy, and stick to it.
• Take care of your gut. The gut and hormones are connected. Include fiber rich foods and fermented foods in your diet.
• Lower your sugar intake. It can help balance hormones and keep your gut happy 😃 On contrary eating added sugar (high fructose corn syrup is added sugar too) increases insulin resistance, disrupts the gut microbiome, ultimately leading to hormonal imbalances. 
• Reduce stress. Stress can significantly harm the body’s hormones in many ways. Stress taxes your Adrenal Glands which play a significant role in production of hormones during and after Menopause. Learn to manage your daily stress. 
• Get enough sleep. I know this can be tricky because sleep disturbances are so typical during Menopause. There are many dietary and herbal supplements and teas that can really help you sleep better. Here’s the thing. Sleep is one of the most important factors that can help your body to balance hormones. 
• Make sure your diet is well- balanced. 

#4 “What can I do to relieve hot flashes without drugs?”

There are a few things that have helped me with hot flashes:

• Primrose 
• Flaxseeds (ground, I add it on my breakfast yogurt bowl)
• Maca powder (I usually add it to my smoothies)
• Eliminate alcohol 
• Stress management 

#5 “Does Menopause cause moodiness and depression?”

Unfortunately mood swings, feeling sad and depressed are common during Menopause. 

Changes in hormone production in ovaries does affect the way you feel. 

Luckily there’s help.

First and foremost it’s important to know that there’s nothing wrong with you! 

So, please don’t feel bad or guilty about your emotions. That would just make things worse for you.

Instead try:

• Passion flower 
• St John’s Wort 
• Magnesium 
• Ginseng (especially if you’re feeling physically drained)

#6 “Does menopause affect sex drive?”

Low sex drive (libido) is also quite common during Menopause, especially if your Estrogen and Testosterone levels are at low end.

But, there’re ways to help yourself. 

Like:

• taking androgens, the best would be Ashwagandha
• Maca powder is also known for boosting libido
• also regular exercise (particularly resistance exercise) increases Testosterone levels (btw, we women do need Testosterone for libido)
• Fenugreek, Sage
• Korean Red Ginseng (allegedly energizes the libido and intensifies sexual experiences)
• Passion Flower
• learn stress management techniques (stress and inability to relax also cause low sexual desire)

#7 “Will I gain weight during Menopause?”

Not necessarily!

While many women gain weight during their transitional years, there are others who don’t. 

You can blame the hormones, changing metabolism and age related muscle loss for those unwanted pounds. 

Yes, they’re the factors that contribute to weight gain too. 

But ultimately it’s about calories in vs calories out.

#8 “I’m Perimenopausal and gained 10 lbs in the last 3 months. I’m so frustrated. How could I stop gaining and start losing weight?”

Perimenopause and Menopause weight loss needs a comprehensive approach.

Meaning you need to work with all contributing factors:

• hormones 
• metabolism
• age related muscle loss
• diet

How?

By creating and implementing a new lifestyle — a plan that has two parts:

• new way of eating (focusing on anti-inflammatory foods, foods that keep your gut healthy and control your food portions)
• regular exercise 

But you need to approach this with an attitude of a new lifestyle. 

You’re not “dieting”!!!

You’re not “crushing yourself” with excessive workouts because you want to lose weight!!!

This approach wouldn’t bring lasting results and on top of it, it would feel restrictive and punishing.

Instead, the new way of eating makes you feel good. Helps you experience vitality and energy. 

Also, you’re exercising because you are enjoying the way you feel afterwards.

This approach will lead to lasting results.

#9 “How long can I expect to be in Menopause?”

Generally what you mean by “in Menopause” is the time when you’re experiencing those uncomfortable symptoms. 

This time varies from woman to woman.

For some it can take a few months while for others more than a decade.

Let’s break it down.

When we talk about Menopause —  that includes all three phases:

• Perimenopause (which can last from a few months up to 8 years or more)
• Menopause (12 months without periods)
• Postmenopause (can last from 4 to 8 years)

Going through these phases you can expect to experience many different symptoms (some more intense than others) which vary from woman to woman.

#10 “What is the best support and natural treatment for Menopause symptoms?”

If you’re looking for natural ways — remedies and treatments for Menopause symptoms, then I would consider this approach:

• adjusting your diet — a new way of eating that focuses on anti-inflammatory and gut healing foods
• exercise regularly — the best is to choose exercises which could be part of your daily routine 
• learn stress management techniques 
• take quality multivitamins 
• take herbal supplements that can help you with specific symptoms 
• you can also join online communities and dedicated groups for further help —> if you’re interested in one which focuses on support, help and guidance, I invite you to join my private group 👇

Some would also consider bio-identical hormone replacement therapy to be a natural treatment, while others don’t.

It depends how you view it.

Personally I didn’t take medication, HRT or BHRT for treating my Menopause symptoms.

Your best bet would be to get knowledgeable about your options, talk to your GP or gynecologist and make educated decisions.

With all my ❤️

Anna Toth