As the seasons of life change, so do the topics of conversation between friends. In our 20s, shoes, fashion and our hearts’ desires were front of mind. Later in life, conversations turned to nappy brands and child-care centres. When the kids start high school, hot flushes, sleepless nights and brain fog enter the conversation. The change before the change – perimenopause.
Local St Kilda woman Andrea Taliana was not unfamiliar with perimenopause. Through her work as a trainer, mainly for women, she had researched the topic to better help her clients achieve their desired results at the gym. She even took a short course to educate herself on how best to train women going through menopause.
Her education in perimenopause through her work, meant she quickly diagnosed herself when her periods became irregular. On the cusp of turning 40, Andrea noticed significant fluctuations in her periods after years of consistency.
“I started spotting before my period and other times, it was very light. I also had really heavy periods – which was a new experience.”
The trainer would find herself lost on the roads, wondering where she was going and sometimes realising, she was headed in the wrong direction after pulling out from the curb. She was late for work to train clients a few times, but working mainly with women, Andrea’s clients were understanding:
“On those days when I finally got to the gym late, my clients would just laugh and say: Welcome to perimenopause.”
In addition to brain fog and irregular periods, Andrea experienced hot flushes. An internal rush of heat would sweep over her body, leaving her hot and sweaty. Happening mostly in the evenings, she would fan herself trying to cool down:
“It felt like I was on fire – burning up from the inside out.”
Andrea’s moods also started changing – where previously she was very easy going, she was easily upset by things that normally wouldn’t affect her. She also had periods of feeling down.
Lifestyle changes have helped
Since her peri-symptoms began last year, she has made lifestyle changes which so far has helped. She altered her in diet to cut out heavily processed foods and began taking supplements to alleviate symptoms. She has also prioritised her sleep, working with her partner to ensure she get 7-8 hours unbroken sleep every night.
While her peri-symptoms have subsided for now, Andrea is mindful she is closer to the next season in life – and with a new season comes new challenges. Through her work as a trainer, she understands the importance of maintaining bone density and muscle development.
“I am more aware that I need to look after myself because of other health issues that can come with age”, she says.
With her background as a trainer, Andrea never consulted a GP. But for women who are struggling with symptoms there is help available.
Storyteller: Nanna Moeller is a Danish-born journalist who lives in Balaclava with her two kids. She enjoys talking to colourful people and writing about their lives.
Read more about the TWiSK Local Story Initiative
