e2: Maybe she’s losing it…maybe it’s menopause!
We're honored to host global menopause champion badass, Lauren Chiren, of Women of a Certain Stage! Everyone talks about night sweats and hot flashes, but what about the anxiety or the sometimes crippling brain fog? In this episode, we'll talk about the tragedy of mistaking hormonal shifts for mental decline and why menopause is actually a "power upgrade" once you get through the transition.
Lauren is the founder and CEO of Women of a Certain Stage- the global authority on menopause certification, training, and enterprise workplace strategy. She’s educated over 350,000 people through free workshops, trained and certified 1,750+ professionals to become Menopause Coaches and Champions in 36 countries, and advised 400+ of the world’s top employers.
Episode Overview and Summary:
Menopause is a significant life change that affects many women, yet it remains surrounded by stigma and misunderstanding. In this blog post, we explore insights from Lauren Chiren, a leading expert on menopause in the workplace, as she shares her journey through menopause and the mental health challenges that accompany it. This discussion provides valuable perspectives for those experiencing similar transitions, aiming to normalize the conversation around menopause and support mental health.
Many women associate menopause with physical symptoms such as hot flashes, but the emotional and mental effects can be just as debilitating. Lauren describes her own experience with anxiety, loss of confidence, and feelings of helplessness during her transition. She emphasizes that these changes are often overlooked or dismissed, leaving women feeling isolated in their struggles.
Lauren shares how she experienced sudden anxiety and a lack of confidence that made her question her abilities. "I genuinely believed I had early onset dementia," she recalls, highlighting that many women might misinterpret their symptoms as cognitive decline rather than hormonal changes. This misunderstanding can lead to feelings of despair and confusion.
The societal expectation for women to remain composed and strong can make it difficult to speak openly about menopause. Lauren urges women to share their experiences and seek support, stating, "I didn't want to be seen as weak or vulnerable." By breaking the silence, women can find community and understanding during this challenging time.
The hormonal fluctuations that occur during menopause can significantly impact mental health. Lauren explains how decreasing estrogen levels can lead to increased anxiety and mood swings. Understanding this connection is crucial for women to recognize that their emotional state is not solely a personal failing but a physiological response to hormonal changes.
Lauren advocates for proactive strategies to manage emotional health during menopause. Here are a few tips she shares:
- **Seek Professional Support:** Engaging with mental health professionals can provide the necessary tools to navigate emotional challenges.
- **Educate Yourself:** Understanding menopause and its effects can empower women to advocate for themselves.
- **Build a Support Network:** Connecting with others going through similar experiences can alleviate feelings of isolation.
Menopause is not just a physical transition; it encompasses profound mental and emotional changes.
- **Acknowledge Your Feelings:** Recognizing that changes in mood and anxiety are valid and common experiences during menopause.
- **Educate and Advocate:** Knowledge is power. Understanding the hormonal changes can help women better navigate their experiences.
- **Community is Key:** Sharing experiences with others can foster support and understanding.
CONCLUSION
Menopause presents a unique set of challenges that are often not discussed openly. By sharing insights from experts like Lauren Cheeren, we can begin to normalize the conversation around menopause and its impact on mental health. If you or someone you know is navigating this transition, remember that you are not alone. Seek support, educate yourself, and embrace the journey. Menopause and perimenopause are often only thought of with regards to physical symptoms, but mental health is also heavily influenced by hormone fluctuation (Just ask any PMSing woman and she’ll tell you that!).
TAGS:
#menopause #womenempowerment #hormonalchanges #menopause coaching #womenshealth #Lauren Chiren #perimenopause #MenopauseAwareness #WomenSupportingWomen #MentalHealthMatters
REFERENCED LINKS:
https://www.womenofacertainstage.com/about-me for all about Lauren and Women of a Certain Stage
https://store.usana.com/ux/cart/en-US/tag/302 for Lauren's vitamins
