Claire Hattrick founder of The Executive Menopause Coach explains her unusual and debilitating symptom of the menopause.
Menopause is a natural phase of a woman's life, typically occurring in her 40s or 50s. While most women are aware of common symptoms like hot flushes, mood swings, and night sweats, there are rare menopause symptoms that often go unnoticed or undiscussed. For me, the following symptom left me feeling like I was not only going in circles physically but emotionally too.
As I entered my early 40s, I wasn’t prepared for menopause in any way, shape or form, or even have it on my radar. I had read about the dreaded hot flushes and night sweats but I really knew nothing else about it and we certainly weren’t taught anything about menopause at school all those years ago.
Menopause joint pain
Unbeknown to me, I suffered for many years with menopause joint pain. Leaving me unable to stand, sit and walk, without a doubt that was the worst physical menopause symptom for me and why do the menopause work I do today.
The Rare Menopause Symptom
What I also wasn't prepared for was the strange sensation of feeling like I was constantly spinning. Kylie Minogue eat your heart out! At first, it was subtle—a momentary feeling of dizziness when I stood up too quickly or turned my head too suddenly. I brushed it off as nothing serious, thinking it might be due to fatigue. But as the weeks went by, the dizziness became more frequent and intense. I started to feel like I was on a never-ending merry-go-round. They happened in the shower, walking downstairs, sometimes just raising my head! There was one occasion when I was shopping in Sainsbury’s and I started to feel a little dizzy, my instinct was to reach out and steady myself, instead I grabbed the arm and body of a rather nice-looking young man! I decided after this.. enough was enough, and it was time to consult my doctor! After a thorough examination and some tests, I was surprised to learn that my dizziness was, in fact, related to menopause. Of course, it was!! My doctor explained that hormonal fluctuations during menopause can affect the inner ear's balance mechanisms, leading to dizziness and vertigo-like symptoms. Once I had a diagnosis, my doctor and I discussed strategies for managing this rare menopause symptom. Here are some of the steps I took to regain my balance:
1. Hormone Therapy: In some cases, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help stabilize hormonal levels and alleviate dizziness. 2. Diet and Hydration: Maintaining a balanced diet and staying hydrated can minimize the severity of dizziness. 3. Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity can improve circulation and reduce dizziness. 4. Stress Reduction: Stress can exacerbate menopause symptoms, so I incorporated relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation into my daily routine. 5. Medication: In severe cases, doctors may prescribe medication to manage dizziness and vertigo. Living with this strange menopause symptom has been a unique challenge, but it's also been a valuable lesson in embracing the changes that come with this life stage. Menopause is a time of transformation, and while some symptoms may take us by surprise, they are a reminder of the resilience of the human body. Menopause is a journey filled with both common and rare symptoms. My experience with dizziness and feeling like I was in a constant spin served as a reminder that menopause affects each woman differently. Sometimes making a few necessary lifestyle adjustments, can really help navigate the menopause with a bit more ease, especially when it’s one that has you in a spin...literally! Please check out our free menopause website at theexecutivemenopausecoach.com
and my book ‘Menopause Help- before, during, after’ which was written for men/businesses as well as informing women at a young age. If you are struggling with your menopause journey please contact me at info@theexecutivemenopausecoach.com and book a Menopause Coaching session in with me today.
Alternatively, if you are a business or organisation looking for ‘Menopause Support in the Workplace’, please do contact me here.
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Please visit our Midlife Library resources page which has a collection of useful links from 3rd party websites and content.
Also to learn more about the menopause why not listen to the two Two Women Chatting episodes on the Menopause and our chat with Dr Nighat Arif.
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