Wellbeing at menopause
The menopause transition or perimenopause occurs from the beginning of menstrual changes to one year after the final period and results in hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, headaches, poor concentration and memory, mood, and sleep disturbances. Typically, peri-menopause begins in the forties and the average age for women in the UK to reach menopause is 51. Symptoms on average last four years after the final period but can last 12. These symptoms can impact many parts of life including at work.
Menopause can start earlier for medical or other reasons. For many, menopause coincides with challenges at work, children leaving home, care or death of parents, endings of relationships, and other health issues (including long covid), all of which may compound menopausal symptoms or be harder to manage because of menopause.
Menopause, midlife and beyond are a complex time of change. Cultural attitudes to menopause, access to supportive health care, life events and adjusting to real or perceived consequences of aging can all impact how menopause is experience
Coaching for wellbeing at perimenopause and menopause
There is evidence that menopause transition is also a time of gains, increased freedom and transformation. Many women make changes to their careers, lifestyles and more in midlife and beyond.
Coaching is one method of supporting the management of menopausal symptoms and midlife challenges and then supports exploring paths for growth and transformation. Coaching also provides a safe space to explore the most taboo or stigmatised parts of the menopausal experience.
I have my own lived experience of menopause and midlife. Additionally, as part of my MSC research, I conducted a small scale study of the experiences of women receiving coaching at menopause. Results highlighted that coaching enabled time to focus on own needs, improved self-efficacy, changed mindsets, and enhanced wellbeing.
Whilst perimenopause and menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, one in a hundred women experience premature menopause. Non-binary, intersex and trans people can also experience menopausal symptoms. All experiencing menopausal symptoms or midlife challenges are welcomed.
Coaching offer
Individual (1:1) coaching
Menopause and midlife are a complex time and experienced differently by individuals . This experience can vary as a result of cultural attitudes to menopause, life events, adjusting to the real or perceived consequences of aging.
Coaching can provide personalised support, a safe space and thinking time to review priorities, manage challenges, build on strengths, let go of what is no longer helpful builds a positive sense of self at a time of great change. My research showed that putting into place some small changes could make a big difference.
4-6 sessions of coaching are recommended.
Group coaching
There can be relief in sharing experiences and so group coaching provides an opportunity to connect with and learn from and with others . The role of the coach will be to ensure the group is a safe place to be and to support the discussions and learning by noticing, questioning and occasionally challenging.
4-6 sessions of group coaching are recommended and the focus of group coaching sessions can be tailored to meet the needs of the group and the context.
Group coaching would be suitable for a workplace, a health setting, a book group or other groups of people experiencing menopausal symptoms and midlife challenges.
An online group coaching programme is offered. More information can be found on group coaching page.
Disclaimers
I am not medically trained and will not provide health or other advice during coaching. In providing educational input I will make use of reputable sources of information and the expertise gained through the research I undertook as part of my MSc in Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology and through working in partnership with Wellsbourne Health Centre CIC. I will signpost to other sources of help and support if an when needed.
Weight gain is a common change that occurs in menopause and midlife and this could be for a range of reasons including disturbed sleep, stress and hormonal changes. Some people argue that it is also a natural and protective part of the transition. Together we can explore strategies for managing disturbed sleep and or stress, and methods for coping with a changing body. However, I do not believe that diets work, in fact I think diet culture is harmful and creates and profits from us hating our bodies and subsequent dieting and disordered eating. Whilst I would respect an individual’s choice to restrict their diet I may not be the best coach for you if a key planned outcome for the coaching was weight loss.