Menopause and Love: Navigating the Changes With Compassion

LOVE YOURSELF THROUGH MENOPAUSE—BODY, MIND, AND SOUL.

Menopause is a natural part of life—a transition that every woman will navigate at some point. Yet, despite its universality, menopause has long been misunderstood, over-medicalised, and under-treated. Sharon Cassar Galea, a Functional Medicine Practitioner, Functional Nutritionist, and Holistic Health Coach, is on a mission to shift the narrative around menopause. With over 15 years of experience as a professional health coach for Diabetes Victoria and a master's in health sciences, Sharon has spent her career educating and empowering women.

Menopause is a transition, not a destination—embrace the journey.

UNDERSTANDING THE SYMPTOMS

• Mood Swings & Anxiety: Hormonal changes during menopause can lead to emotional ups and downs, leaving you feeling irritable, anxious, or even depressed.

• Low Libido: Changes in hormone levels often reduce sexual desire, which can affect intimacy and self-confidence.

• Itchy Skin: The decline in oestrogen impacts skin hydration, causing dryness and itchiness.

• Insomnia: Many women experience disrupted sleep due to hot flushes, night sweats, or restlessness.

• Gut Issues: Hormonal fluctuations can also lead to bloating, indigestion, or changes in bowel habits.

SOLUTIONS TO RECLAIM LOVE FOR YOURSELF AND OTHERS

For decades, menopause has been viewed through the lens of deficiency, with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) being the standard solution.

While HRT has its place, Sharon highlights the risks associated with it, such as heart disease and stroke, as shown in the Women’s Health Initiative Trial in 2002.

Today, many women seek natural alternatives to manage symptoms and maintain overall health.

Loving yourself starts with understanding what your body needs.

With the right tools, menopause can become a time of renewal and empowerment for every woman.

REDISCOVER INTIMACY AND CONFIDENCE DURING THE CHANGE OF LIFE.

1. Prioritise Self-Love

Menopause is a reminder to prioritise self-care. Take time to reconnect with your body by listening to its needs. Gentle exercises like yoga or walking can reduce stress and support mood balance. Practise mindfulness or meditation to help calm the mind during emotional moments.

2. Address Hormonal Imbalances

Functional medicine focuses on getting to the root cause of symptoms. A personalised approach, including hormone testing, can help identify imbalances. Treatments like bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), herbal supplements, or dietary adjustments may help alleviate symptoms.

3. Nourish Your Skin

Combat itchy skin by keeping it hydrated with a quality moisturiser. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like salmon and walnuts, can also improve skin health.

4. Improve Sleep Quality

Support restful sleep with a consistent bedtime routine. Natural supplements like magnesium or valerian root can promote relaxation, while limiting caffeine and alcohol before bed helps reduce disruptions.

5. Heal Your Gut

A balanced diet rich in fibre, probiotics, and whole foods can support gut health. Include fermented foods like yoghurt, sauerkraut, and kombucha in your meals. Reducing sugar and processed foods can also reduce bloating and discomfort.

6. Reignite Intimacy

If low libido is affecting your relationship, open communication with your partner is essential. Consider natural remedies, lubricants, or consulting a professional for tailored advice. Restoring intimacy starts with feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin.

EMBRACING ALL FORMS OF LOVE

Menopause is a time of transformation, and with the right tools and support, it can be a time to rediscover self-love, strengthen your relationships, and approach life with newfound confidence.

Remember, you’re not alone—lean into your community, like Yeah The Girls 40+, to share experiences, find resources, and celebrate the journey together.

Let’s embrace this chapter as an opportunity to show ourselves and others the love we deserve.

Strength grows in the moments you think you can't go on, yet you keep going.