Menopausal Hotties

The hottest topic in town: Hottie’s Menopause Manual

The Emma Heaven magazine is proud to present the Hottie’s Menopause Manual..

Did you know that there are - brace yourselves - 34 reported symptoms associated with the menopausal journey?

Ohhh yes hotties you read that right! Not 3 to 4 but a goddamn 34 of the cheeky little blighters. You may want to make a cuppa or pour yourself a large glass, and sit comfortably as it’s a looooong list.

Do not fear though warrior hotties, as we are going to take them in our stride and steadily work our way through them.

Hopefully this will arm you with the knowledge, power and humour required in order to deal with the emotional and physical minefield that is the menopause.

We continue with…

16. Dizzy Spells

This month we have the ear worm of Vic Reeves’ song ‘Dizzy’ - “I’m so dizzy, my head is spinning”. And with ANOTHER peri/menopause symptom to tackle, it’s no bloody wonder! Only this time it’s not somebody we’re attracted to that is making our heads spin, it's those pesky hormones again!

Boy oh boy do these fluctuating hormones know how to create havoc AND, to give them their credit that they’re due, they do it soooo well! Maximum disruption to the point that we hotties sometimes don’t know what the hell our bodies are doing, or whether we’re coming or going…

This never-ending saga of symptoms seems to be competing with Britain's longest-running soap opera, and giving it a serious run for its money in the drama stakes!

So get ready for your curtain call, step forward, and take a bow:

Dizzy Spells & Episodes of Vertigo

It’s not uncommon for us hotties to experience feelings of unsteadiness and a loss of balance, as if the room is spinning even whilst we are still. This can be both disorienting and worrying - dizziness typically subsides once we enter postmenopause but if it doesn’t, then get in touch with your GP/health professionals to rule out any other health conditions.

Other symptoms that go hand in hand with dizziness include feeling:

faint
weak
nauseous
fatigued
a loss of balance
light-headed

These symptoms can range from lasting just a few seconds to longer extended episodes.

During peri/menopause the levels of estrogen and progesterone fluctuate and eventually they decrease. These changing levels cause most of our menopause symptoms. Thank you (again) Mother Nature!

Our blood sugar levels can also become unbalanced with our bodies responding differently to insulin. Add in fatigue, hot flushes and dehydration, et voila - one dizzy spell coming right up!

Other triggers for a touch of the ‘dizzys’ can include irregular blood pressure, some medications, dehydration, as well as excess quantities of alcohol or tobacco; so fellow hotties, if you don’t want to be dramatically fainting, then it’s time to ditch** (or at least cut back on) the booze and fags, and embrace water and well being! **And just think of the money you’ll save too, to spend on treating yourself

More practical ‘remedies’ to help keep dizzy spells at bay, and how we can best help ourselves include:

Staying hydrated - we cannot stress the importance of this. Water is the elixir of life. Without water, life on this planet is impossible, and without water our bodies cannot and will not function.

Keep blood sugar levels stable by eating healthy foods, reducing sugar and refined carbs. Blood sugar spikes occur when our blood sugar rises and falls sharply after we eat, causing lethargy and hunger (and our bodies to lay down (extra) fat). So eating a proper balanced diet is of great importance for our physical and mental health.

Stand up slowly after sitting or lying down. Not that us hotties can leap up, especially with the smorgasbord of menopause symptoms we are simultaneously juggling, such as joint issues, muscle tension, headaches, pins and needles, blah blah blah….

And last but by no means least:

Keep your stress levels in check, as hormones released during times of tension can and will exacerbate dizziness. We know this is easier said than done, but do try hotties, please do try.

How to keep calm?

Go for a walk and take in the beauty of nature. Maybe a stroll through the park, the countryside, the woods, along the beach. Inhale the wonderful scents and appreciate the scenery of nature's greatest gifts. Don’t just take our word for it! Multiple (scientific) studies repeatedly confirm the benefits of spending time outdoors and in nature.
Try yoga/pilates. Both are very therapeutic and calming. A gentle introduction to exercise and wellbeing.
Create a calm space - a room or corner in the house where you can go recline or lie down, maybe meditate, read/listen to a great book or podcast. Or create your own blissed out bathroom zone for a while to listen to your chill out playlist; and if you don’t have one, then you are more than welcome to be inspired by ours.

Let the big chill begin…

A Different Beat - Boyzone
Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me - George Michael & Elton John
Eternal Flame - The Bangles
Everytime - Britney Spears
Footprints in the Sand - Leona Lewis
Gave It All Away - Boyzone
Give Me Back My Heart - Dollar
I Dreamed a Dream - Les Miserables - Original London Cast
Immortality - The Bee Gees & Celine Dion
The Impossible Dream - Rhydian Roberts
Little Me - Little Mix
A Moment Like This - Leona Lewis
Perfect Moment - Martine McCutcheon
The Power of Love - Frankie Goes to Hollywood
Rule The World - Take That
Show Me Heaven (From Days Of Thunder Soundtrack) - Maria McKee
Somewhere Only We Know - Lily Allen
Time To Say Goodbye - Sarah Brightman & Andrea Bocelli
Vienna - Ultravox
Viva Forever - Spice Girls