Episode 27: AM I IN MENOPAUSE?
*HFCT2020- promo code for free subscription to menopauseacademy.org*
Many women around the world are asking this question. They also wonder: What are the symptoms of menopause? Why can’t I sleep? Why do I have anxiety? Why have I gained weight? Why do I have brain fog? Are mood swings a part of menopause?
The list goes on and on. In this episode, we talk to Dee Gardner, an Advanced Psychotherapist & Human Behaviorist and the Founder of the world’s largest Menopause Experts Group. She recognized that this topic had not been one often talked about. Certainly not one taught in schools as a compulsory subject (though action is being taken there slowly) even though it forms a huge part of a women’s biology. Dee decided to educate herself and as many women in the world that she could reach.
Dee created Menopause Experts, Menopause Retreats, Menopause Chef, and now the Menopause Academy.
RETREATS:
We start the conversation with a discussion on the Menopause Retreats. Dee explained that there were over 600 retreats planned for 2020 until the Coronavirus pandemic. At these retreats, a smaller group of women (10-30 maximum number of women) spend the day learning and sharing the peri/menopause journey.
Many are anxious when they arrive at the Retreat so the program starts out with a mindfulness discussion: perhaps yoga and/or meditation. Then there is a break for some herbal tea. Women go to meet with a nurse to discuss their symptoms, their options and get questions answered so that when they go to their doctor, they are educated on menopause.
Did we mention there is a Menopause Chef that makes a delicious vegetarian or vegan meal? It is at this point that the women are educated on the benefits of nutrition and a diet rich in phytoestrogens. No one has ever complained about the meal, it is delicious and healthy.
There is a group discussion on mental wellness. Many women do not realize that anxiety, mood swings, depression, brain fog, low libido and rage are often symptoms of menopause. The group learns that they are not going crazy, that there are options for relief and those include natural and medical.
The final and perhaps sweetest part of the day is a discussion on the benefits of dark chocolate: that’s right, we said CHOCOLATE! Guests learn the benefits of dark chocolate while enjoying a taste test. By the end, women are hesitant to leave. The response has been incredibly positive for the retreats.
ONLINE ACADEMY:
We move the discussion on to Dee’s newest project, the Menopause Academy. It is the world’s foremost interactive online program. Dee has generously offered 500 FREE memberships to the academy for our listeners by using the promo code “HFCT2020” on menopauseacademy.org.
The online program is divided into Four Pillars:
- Meno-Medics: In the first of 4 ‘Pillars’ they cover the Biological and Medical topics that will help you through Perimenopause and Menopause. Everything from the biology behind what is happening to your body and the importance of Hormones, to Hot Flashes, Weight Gain, Mood Swings, Brain Fog, Loss of Libido and the Pros & Cons of HRT.
- Meno-Nutrition: The second ‘Pillar’ will show you how Food, Diet, and Nutrition play a key role in symptom management, as well as bone and heart health. Learn how to maintain a healthy midlife weight, and how you can use food as first-line medicine. Also, enjoy Recipes and Menu Plans.
- Meno- Mind: Positive mental health is vital, because anxiety and mood swings can become worse during menopause. Brain Fog and Sleep Disorders are also very common, as are Relationship Issues. Discover the many ways of alleviating these challenges, to leave you more in control.
- Meno- Wellness:The benefits of movement and exercise do not just impact positively on our muscles, joints and cardio-vascular health, they also lead to better mental wellbeing. They can also prevent many other conditions we are more susceptible to: Osteoporosis for example. Mindfulness, Meditation & Complementary Therapies are also covered in this ‘Pillar’.
Dee built an excellent team around her, and women from all walks of life, backgrounds, and skillsets. She began retreats throughout the UK & Ireland. The growth of the business has been unprecedented, and the feedback to date has been so rewarding. Menopause Experts Group of companies continues to go from ‘strength to strength’ as it embarks on its worldwide expansion. The next year you will see it throughout Australia, New Zealand, Canada & the USA.
Useful Resources:
*HFCT2020 – promo code for a free subscription to the menopauseacademy.org