Primenopause and Menopause

Perimenopause and menopause

How yoga can help

Even though 13 million women in the UK are going through it, many people believe that menopause is something that only affects those in their fifties. In fact, hormonal changes can impact women for up to fifteen years, from late thirties to late sixties. There are also younger women who experience early menopause. Lack of information and open discussion mean that you may be experiencing this, without recognising that’s what’s going on for you.

The average age of menopause in the UK is 51, defined as the point when a woman hasn’t had a menstrual period for one year or longer. However, a lot goes on in the lead up to this, and afterwards too. Perimenopause is the time when hormonal changes begin, usually lasting several years, it can start up to eight to ten years before periods finally cease. It’s often the time women experience most symptoms.

Post menopause is the time after periods stop, but there are still hormonal adjustments taking place, which can affect a woman’s wellbeing. What happens… It’s a very personal and unique journey which every woman will experience differently. Some women have incredibly debilitating symptoms, and some virtually none.

Research studies now prove what the ancients knew: the benefits of yoga for mental and physical health. And yoga isn’t just about making shapes. It includes breathwork, meditation and self-reflection.

Having experienced the power of yoga during my own perimenopause, I am passionate about supporting women during this journey. In my teaching and coaching I share tools and practices so women can nourish themselves, and that can help with symptoms. My approach is on re-framing this transition as one of empowerment: vital when women getting older has such negative connotations in our society. This is not so in other cultures, which recognise the gifts of aging. Menopause is referred to as ‘Second Spring’ in Traditional Chinese Medicine for good reason! I focus on self-love and the opportunity to step into a place of strength and wisdom, which women often say is one of the most valuable aspects of working with me.

My classes are inclusive and welcoming of diversity, accessible to all bodies and backgrounds. You don’t need to be bendy, or have yoga experience, to take part. I also teach workshops and coach one-to-one.

Peri and menopause yoga classes are on Mondays 10.00 -11.15am at Bristol School of Yoga, Backfields Lane, BS2 8QW, face to face and on zoom.

written by Claudia Hope

Symptoms can include: • Hot flushes and/or night sweats • Achy joints • Mood swings: anger, rage or depression • Difficulty sleeping/insomnia • Changes in libido • Anxiety and overwhelm • Fatigue • Forgetfulness and brain fog • Headaches • Urinary problems • Dry skin, dry eyes, vaginal dryness • Irregular periods and changes in flow • Questioning direction in life

No small matters.

To find out more you can visit my website: https://claudiahope.co.uk/ yoga-classes-bristol/

If you’re interested in trying yoga, I would love to support you.