October, is Menopause Awareness Month and the theme for 2023 is cardiovascular disease. The goal is to raise awareness of the Menopause and the support options available for improving health and wellbeing.
Cardiovascular disease is a general term for conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, usually considered to mostly impact overweight, stressed, middle-aged men with poor self care practices.
In fact, cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death and disability in postmenopausal women.
There is evidence to suggest that oestrogen may have a significant protective role when it comes to cardiovascular disease prevention.
The role of oestrogen for heart health..
Oestrogen is a powerful hormone that helps reduce a women's risk of cardiovascular events prior to menopause. However, as oestrogen levels decline through menopause, women are less protected and can see an increase in their cholesterol levels. This can lead to fatty deposits building up inside the large blood vessels, and narrowing of the arteries which increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
An awareness of the impact of hormonal changes on our bodies as we get older, can empower women to put the right strategies in place to protect their long term health.
The good news!
There are many simple strategies and lifestyle choices available to protect our hearts and support long term health and wellbeing.
Go on, give your heart some love..
Lifestyle choices that not only support cardiovascular health, but our ability to ride the waves of modern life.
Stopping smoking..
Reducing stress..
Healthy diet..
Exercise..
Reducing alcohol..
Maintaining a healthy weight..
How can Yoga help?
The benefits of a regular Yoga practice, are provable, sustainable, and longterm.
Modern lifestyle stresses have been shown to be a major contributory factor to many diseases including CVD.
One of Yoga’s clearest benefits to the heart is its ability to relax the body and mind. Emotional stress can trigger a cascade of physical effects, including the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Not only does this exacerbate all menopausal symptoms but it can contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Other benefits include..
Mind/body awareness. Learning how to listen to you body AND then really 'hear' and act in it's best interest.
Improved resilience. Our ability to remain calm in times of stress.
Become stronger. More dynamic forms of yoga will improve overall fitness and all forms of yoga improve muscle strength, flexibility, and balance. These features, which are often overlooked in other forms of exercise and are vital for overall physical fitness and well-being.
Feel happier. With regular practice Yoga can transform our outlook to an even greater degree. It can give us a different perspective on meaning, purpose and our goals. Becoming less materialistic and more charitable, with a more positive out look on life.
Community. Being in the company of other people, listening to each other and sharing our experiences helping us to feel less alone.
Can HRT help?
According to a growing body of research, taking HRT can help protect the health of your heart by replacing the oestrogen that the ovaries no longer produce.
This is of particular importance for those who experience early menopause ( before the age 45).
It is important to talk to your doctor or a menopause specialist to see if HRT is right for you.
Finally..
Please don't put off your annual health check, it is SO important to monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels as you transition through the menopause.
The Menopause offers a unique opportunity to take stock and to do everything you can to make changes to your lifestyle that will impact your future health and wellbeing.
The changes we put in place to support ourselves through perimenopause to post- menopause can have a direct and lasting impact on our long term health and wellbeing.
You can join me every Wednesday evening at Tessa Clemson Yoga, Great Harwood
7.45- 9.00pm for Menopause Yoga...it's a wonderful class.
You don't have to be in any specific stage of menopause to benefit from these classes, nor do you need to have any Yoga experience, all women and all levels of fitness are welcome.
Hello, I'm Jo..
I've been practicing and teaching Yoga for many years and I'm passionate about the transformational power of Yoga particularly in terms of womens health.
I have experienced first hand just how effective Menopause Yoga can be in managing menopausal symptoms.
My intention is to share some really helpful and hopeful information to support you on your menopause journey.