Sponsored article. Looking after children is hard, but it can be even tougher
when you're going through menopause. Managing your own symptoms while dealing
with angsty teenagers or hyper toddlers can feel like a lot to handle all at
once. Based on personal experience here are some things I've learned to help
you get through it.
The Struggles Of Parenting With Menopause
When Parenting And Menopause Collide
With more of us having children a little later in life, we often find
ourselves facing the challenges of menopause at the very same time we’re
raising toddlers through to teenagers. It’s a bit of a perfect storm, and it
can be difficult for everyone in the family.
Take toddlers for instance. Their energy can be completely exhausting, both
physically and mentally. Having to run around with them, wake up at the
crack of dawn and keep them entertained can be tiring even on a good day.
But for me, when menopausal fatigue kicked in, it felt so much harder.
Feeling completely drained is a common
symptom of menopause, which can get worse thanks to things like insomnia, hot flashes and night
sweats. It’s a real energy drain and makes it tough to keep up. In my
experience, it can also crank up your irritation levels which might lead to
some yelling you later regret.
Then you have teenagers. While you’re coping with menopausal symptoms, your
teenager is likely dealing with puberty and all the emotional changes that
come with it. You might find you're clashing with each other and often feel
like you’re never on the same page. The thing is, you’re both going through
major changes at the same time, just at different life stages. [1] Both of
you may experience anxiety, mood swings, tears and even some anger. But the
key is to be patient with each other and to remember to give them space when
needed. It’s important to understand your children's behaviour to help
navigate these challenging years.
How To Make Menopause And Parenting Easier
While there is no secret recipe for balancing menopause and motherhood, there
are some simple changes you can make in your life to make things a little
easier.
Talk with Your Children About Menopause
Talking openly with your children about menopause can help them understand
what you're going through. Take the time to explain the symptoms you're
experiencing, how they affect you and what they can do to help. It can be a
two-way street, giving you a chance to understand how they might feel during
this period so you can provide better support for them as well.
Consider HRT
As we get older, our oestrogen levels naturally begin to drop which can
cause menopausal symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help
balance your hormones and improve those symptoms. If you're on the fence
about medicine, you can always
read more about HRT and decide if it is right for you. A great first step is finding out
what your current hormone levels are. This
guide to testing hormones can give you more information.
Look After Yourself
As a mother, it is easy to forget to eat, sleep or take a break while caring
for your children. However, neglecting your own health will only make your
symptoms worse and put a strain on your relationship with your children. To
prevent this, make yourself a priority. Eat healthy foods and get plenty of
exercise. If night sweats are keeping you up, a fan might help you sleep
better. Also, consider being proactive by taking recommended menopause supplements to help with your symptoms. And lastly, take time for yourself to
relax and de-stress. Studies show that stress is a big contributor to
menopause symptoms,[2] so whether you go on a weekend spa retreat or for a
walk outside, make sure you have some quality alone time.
Connect with Other Parents
You might feel isolated and alone when it seems like others are not
experiencing the same thing as you, but connecting with other mothers who
are facing similar challenges can provide a comforting sense of
understanding and make you feel less alone. If finding local parents is
difficult, you can always join online support groups, forums or other
virtual communities for a supportive network.
[1] Hoyt, L.T. and Falconi, A. (2015). Puberty and Perimenopause: Reproductive
Transitions and their Implications for Women’s Health. Social science &
medicine (1982), [online] 132, pp.103–112. doi:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2015.03.031.
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