Deborah Hutton: Why menopause is a time to celebrate
It’s time to rediscover and embrace your changing body
In the same way we celebrate birthdays and all manner of milestones – menopause too deserves a celebration.
Let it pass without pomp and ceremony if you wish, or here’s a thought… fill up the champagne glasses (and plenty of icy drinks to chill those hot flushes) and toast the beginning of a new era.
There is so much negativity around menopause, but so little about the new freedoms you are blessed with. Here are just a few of the perks.
Embrace your changing body
If you need some inspiration on how to manage menopause with sass and good humour, take a leaf out of author and comedian Kathy Lette’s book.
“The liberation of no longer menstruating, of no longer caring so much what people think of you because your testosterone has come up a bit, I’m finding that absolutely liberating and empowering,” Kathy says.
So surround yourself with girlfriends that lift you up, love, laugh and lean on the shoulders of those who have gone before you. It’s time to rediscover and embrace your changing body.
Count your blessings
American anthropologist Margaret Mead called it ‘menopausal zest’ — the rush of energy, both physical and psychological, that some women feel after menopause. This makes menopause a natural time for women to take stock of their lives.
Whether it’s personal, professional, physical or emotional — menopause is not the beginning of the end; it’s a chance for a fresh new start! Take stock of what you have achieved — and more importantly, what you truly want to achieve in the future.
Get rid of the baggage
Get your Marie Kondo on, say goodbye to clutter and give space for new belongings and experiences. If you haven’t worn, used or looked at it in the past 12 months (let alone the past 20 years), then it’s time to say goodbye and good riddance. Give yourself room to breathe and reinvigorate your life.
Up your skills
Now is the ideal time to pursue new interests or simply pick up where you left off years ago. There are endless opportunities for further learning available, so why not invest in yourself, master a new language or take a short course just for fun?
Prioritise your health
Now is the time to make your health and physical wellbeing an absolute priority. A good tip is to use your birthday as an annual reminder to give the gift of health to yourself.
Check in with your trusted medical practitioner and get into the routine of scheduling regular check ups. Your doctor will guide you through what needs to be monitored, but always remember that prevention is better than the cure.
Here are a few ways you can prioritise your health:
Get a cervical cancer screening test (previously known as a Pap test)
Go for a mammogram (just do it)
Have a bone density test
Keep your cholesterol and blood pressure in check
Look after your eyes by visiting an optometrist
Have an annual blood test
Make an appointment with a dermatologist for any signs of skin cancer
Check in with a nutritionist to ensure you’re getting the nutrients your body needs
Then when the test results are in, raise a glass, sit back and celebrate!
You’ve got the rest of your life ahead of you and now is your chance to live your best life.
Ladies, the party starts now!
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Deborah Hutton
Deborah Hutton
Deborah Hutton is a television presenter, former magazine editor, entrepreneur, author, speaker and Australian media personality. Facing 50 and the shock of being diagnosed with a serious skin cancer, Deborah spent more than a year assessing and redefining herself and realised along the way, women not only needed support but also wanted to connect and talk. As a result, she launched her digital media community ‘Balance by Deborah Hutton’ in 2011.
For more from Deborah Hutton, check out The Check Up’s dedicated section.