The term Hormones is derived from a Greek word, Hormo, which means to set in motion. Hormones stimulate, regulate and control the functions of various tissues and organs.
With approaching midlife hormones will alter. There have been various research studies which show an association between decreased levels of Estrogen (female hormone) and panic attacks. Many women develop symptoms of depression, anxiety and mood swings as estrogen levels start fluctuating during perimenopausal years and further decline during menopause.
Symptoms of Low Estrogen
- Foggy Mind
- Hot Flushes
- Depression
- Memory Lapses
- Headaches
- Vaginal Dryness
- Urine leakage
- Sleep problems
- Bone loss
- Irregular periods
Source : ( Integrative Psychiatry)
Midlife is a transition phase and changes will impact my daily life. Hormones will have a distinctive role to play in the same. So much so, that there will be days where I am at the peak of my excitement while at the very next moment it could also make feel unimportant & low. And I better be prepared for it. So, my first step in being prepared for this is being aware of it. Sounds pretty much like an emotional roller coaster ride.
I am a lot like my mother physically as well as in a manner I express my emotions. So, I think heredity factors will have a huge role to play when I hit my 40’s too.
She had a terrible perimenopausal and menopause experience. She was always irritable. I couldn’t comprehend the change in her behaviour and it affected our relationship. Now I do understand her situation which has brought me much closer to her than ever, but I do regret the fact that during the difficult transitional period she didn’t get support from me. Maybe it was my immaturity. Also, partly because I was myself going through many bodily changes during my teens.
The upheavals that were created in our life is the very reason I want to be better prepared for the hormonal changes that I will face in my midlife.
These changes are inevitable as nature will take its own course but I also truly believe that ‘The Mind Controls the Body’. And the body needs to be taken care of and nurtured.
For more tips read Discover 3 Essential Perimenopause Tips
Regular exercise, Yoga and Dance have helped me a lot to maintain my fitness levels. However, since past few months, I haven’t been regular with my Yoga practice. I aim to get back to it soon so as to equip my body before I reach menopause.
Below are few Yoga asanas performed by my Yoga Guru Ms Reema Vengurlekar which are beneficial during Menopause in various ways.
Ms Reema has 7 years of experience of being a yoga trainer and also an Ashtanga Practitioner. Her passion for healthy living has had a great impact on me too. The past two years of my association with her as her student has taught me a lot about the benefits of Yoga. It has tremendously helped me to be a more positive person and also built flexibility as well as core strength.
Padmasana
Padmasana activates the spine, the pelvis, the abdomen and the bladder. Menstrual issues can be addressed if this asana is practised regularly. Padmasana helps to relieve stress and anxiety. However, beginners need to be cautious while practising this asana. Avoid this asana if you have a knee or ankle injury.
Pachimattanasana
Menopause and menstrual discomfort can be combatted with this asana. The kidneys, liver, uterus and ovaries are activated by practising this asana. However, beginners must remember never to push themselves if not comfortable in a forward bend position.
Bhadrasana
Bhadrasana is an excellent posture for meditation. It helps calm the mind and reduce mental anxiety. Thus its beneficial to deal with menopausal issues.
These are few easy asanas but there are many more which can be beneficial to help regulate hormones. However, I would suggest taking the assistance of a certified yoga practitioner if you are a beginner before practising yoga.
Dealing with midlife is a process that needs to be enjoyed. It can be a source of happiness during midlife as well as after midlife. And Yoga can be a useful medium in the same. I hope the above-mentioned poses could help you and guide you.
For more tips on yoga, you can also visit Ms Reema’s Instagram page: ReemaVengurlekarYoga
Barry Sears says, “To control your hormones is to control your life.”
This is so true. I plan to take control on my life effectively to keep pace with the hormonal changes and maintain true balance in my life.
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Really informative article … couldn’t agree more – hormones can make or break our lives. And its essential to eat well and exercise for hormonal balance …
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Thanks Seema.
I am 30 right now and I do read many pieces online about midlife…yoga is really good for all…I am planning to start yoga practice.
It is a tough phase for any woman. I am glad you found a way through yoga and dance to ease into this phase.
Menopause does bring on a whole new world of physical and emotional changes. I do think having healthy habits and things like yoga can have a positive impact during this time. Weekends In Maine
Now that I am in my forties, this is something I will be dealing with sooner or later. I’m glad to hear that yoga, which I love, helps!
Yes it does and you should try the asanas specifically beneficial during 40’s
I see only women readers leaving comments here. I think this is relevant to males as well…this post for instance, made me understand the behaviourial patterns of the women in my house. Thanks for sharing this.
Do drop by mine.
Cheers,
CRD
www(dot)scriptedinsanity(dot)blogspot(dot)com
Thanks a ton. It’s important men of the family understand the emotions of women during this transition
Very informative post. We all can relate to this sooner or later. Thanks for sharing such useful tips.
I am glad that part of my life is over. I wish I had known the benefits of yoga at the time. Thank you for sharing.
You can still try easy yoga poses Cheryl . Padmasana for instance will help a lot
We need to talk more often about the menopause and thanks for raising the issue with your post!
Thanks Disha
This is such an important topic and I am so glad that you have written about it. Womens bodies change a second time at menopause and it can be quite a testing time.. Great post!
Thanks Archana
Perimenopause refers to the years of hormonal upheaval that precede a woman’s final menstrual period. It isn’t a very well-understood stage; most assume that with the awkwardness of puberty behind us and menopause still far in the future, the in-between years should just be smooth sailing. However, the real truth is that the body’s hormone production begins to change somewhere between age 35 and 50, and you feel the effects. Hormones also start to fade or deregulate – your ovaries, thyroid and adrenals start to work against you, not for you. And, to confuse matters even further, the brain becomes less responsive to the hormones that your body does still produce. Put it all together and you are likely on a roller-coaster ride of surprising, erratic and downright confusing emotional and physical symptoms!
So true .. thanks a lot for sharing the information
Such a treasure trove of information! Great post, Aesha.
Kohl Eyed Me
Something’s Cooking
Thanks Shalini
I can so well relate to it. Having hyperthyroid I have my harmones all over the place. Need to follow your advice.. do yoga and meditation.
I am facing perimenopause, and prone to depression already. Interesting to read that it may be an increased issue. I already do yoga daily, but will check out the links provided. Thanks!
visiting from AtoZ (Doesn’t Speak Klingon)
Thanks for visiting. Yoga poses which are specifically beneficial for perimenopause should be tried .
Thanks for writing on hormones, a big factor in 40s. I am scared of this decade that i feel will take more from me than it will give. I am equipping my mind and body for it by exercising, and eating well.
Well written and a thought-provoking post. Thank you. My next a to z post is Hearing Loss and how we can deal with it or prevent it.
Oh yes! Going through it all at 45 and learning to deal with it, as calmly and bravely as I can. I do falter sometimes, but I don’t have any choice but to pick myself back up and shower myself with immense love!
A very informative post for women over 40! I am sure many will find it helpful!
This is indeed a very helpful post. I am going through perimenopause and know how terrible it is. I have low oestrogen and always feel irritable and depressed. A special thanks to you for the asanas.
https://trinalooksback.com/2018/04/09/halum-jhulum-the-tale-of-two-brothers/
Thanks Balaka. I might do a more detailed post on yoga asanas for Y . Let’s see.
Oh, that would be great Aesha
Excellent post. I was interested to find that midlife women have an increase in panic attacks because of declining oestrogen.
Oooops I tagged Meha in the comment – so sorry Aesha!! I saw her comment above mine and absent mindedly wrote her name – my bad!!!
No issues dear ! I edited it ! ?. Thanks for visiting. I hope the asanas help.
Wow I was most inntrigued by the yogasanas you mentioned here for the hormonal issues; I had no idea this could help! I shall try to incorporate this in my daily routine.
H is for Heidi #atozchallenge
Great.. ?to u. H is for Hormonal rage Hakuna Matata.. https://syncwithdeep.wordpress.com/2018/04/09/h-hormonal-rage-to-hakuna-matata-blogchattera2z-atozchallenge-atoz/
Useful tips to make the transition towards your forties smooth and lead healthy lives. Great post Aesha.