Thea O'Connor’s Post

YOU ARE NOT ALONE and YOU ARE NOT GOING CRAZY! Yesterday, I had the privilege of hosting a free 1-hour workshop for professional women keen on mastering the emotional ups and downs during menopause. A heartfelt thank you to all the attendees for your openness and willingness to share. This session reinforced the vital need for connection and support during such transitions. There’s a pressing need for more dialogue about menopause. Too often, symptoms are misdiagnosed as burnout or treated with antidepressants, leaving many women feeling isolated and misunderstood. Menopause is a natural life phase that affects half the world’s population, and it deserves attention and proper training from well-informed and supportive healthcare professionals. Symptoms like brain fog and heightened emotional expression for women going through perimenopause and beyond can be normal and should not be dismissed as signs of instability or "craziness". Empowering women with knowledge about what is happening in their bodies during this time can lead to impactful, positive lifestyle changes. Our goal isn’t just to ‘survive’ this phase, but to ‘thrive’ and make it the most enriching period of our lives. During the session, besides understanding the role of hormones on our moods and emotions, we explored breathing exercises, somatic expression, self compassion and mindfulness as powerful tools to stay centered during what can be an emotional rollercoaster during this transition. In my ongoing mission to guide high-achieving women from overwhelm, life transitions, and imposter syndrome to a state of self-mastery, confidence, and empowered balance, I am excited to continue offering my support as you reclaim your mental, physical, and emotional health. Stay tuned for more online sessions coming soon. For a deeper dive into navigating this transition with grace and power, consider joining the Menopause Mastery Retreat this November in Portugal at Quinta Marugo. Details at www.maryannvoli.com. #Perimenopause #Menopause #WomensHealth #Empowerment #Support #Awareness #Retreat

Think menopause is just about hot flashes? It's time to rethink everything you know. Menopause is more than just a physical transition; it’s an emotional and mental journey that can profoundly impact your sense of self. Here are some hidden secrets about how menopause impacts your identity and what you can do about it: 1. Mood Swings and Mental Health: Hormonal changes can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and even depression. It's crucial to recognize these feelings and seek support. 2. Self-Perception: Many women experience changes in how they view themselves. Developing a positive self-image can be empowering. 3. Relationship Dynamics: The emotional upheaval of menopause can strain relationships. Open communication with loved ones can help navigate these changes. 4. Identity Shift: As roles at home and work evolve, many women grapple with their identity. Embracing new hobbies or career opportunities can foster a renewed sense of purpose. 5. Seeking Support: Counseling, support groups, and educational resources can provide much-needed guidance and community. Navigating menopause can be challenging, but you're not alone. I'm here to help you reclaim your mental well-being and find balance during this life transition. You deserve to feel empowered and mentally strong. Let’s work together to restore your sense of self and well-being during menopause. Follow my page! #MentalWellBeing #EmpowerThroughMenopause #MentalHealthMatters #WomenOver40 #MidlifeWomen #PerimenopauseJourney #MenopauseTherapist #MenopauseSupport #MidlifeMentalHealth

Turning Hot Flashes Into Business Plans: Menopause Through an Entrepreneur's Lens  Have you reached the point in life where you or your business or personal partner are starting to experience menopause-related symptoms? Things like brain fog or hot flashes? And you and/or your partner are starting to feel the impact, not just on work tasks, but also on relationships and self-confidence?   Menopause and its various associated symptoms can have a huge impact on women and their careers. And for Tracy Minnoch-Nuku, that impact was the trigger for changing the direction of her business.   Tracy Minnoch-Nuku is an educator, speaker, facilitator and coach. And she is an educated and experienced advocate for women's health and fitness.    With over 30 years in the fitness industry, Tracy began her career as a Group Fitness Teacher and Personal Trainer where she transformed bodies and lives through fitness and nutrition.    She spent 20 years developing teams and fitness training programs in Asia – live, online and through fitness apps.    And Tracy has a deep interest in something that I think we don’t talk about enough and that is the effect that menopause has on the women going through it and the people in their lives.   In this episode we talk about how that menopause effect can seriously impact our physical and mental health, our relationships and our careers.    We also talk about:   The importance of understanding and empathy from partners during menopause. The need for education and open discussion about menopause, both at home and in the workplace. Encouraging male involvement in understanding menopause to support women effectively. How building a business focused on menopause helped Tracy personally and professionally. Some of the differences in how menopause is experienced and managed in various cultures. Tracy's journey in developing a comprehensive menopause app. Insights into the transformative aspects of menopause and how it shapes one's identity and values. Ageism in the Workplace   If you’re a woman solopreneur or small business owner that’s beginning to experience menopause symptoms … or you work with women who are entering menopause, I encourage you to have a listen.

I never thought I’d be discussing menopause on LinkedIn or in my early 40s. But I believe it’s a vital topic that deserves more attention—especially as it impacts many women in the workforce. Recent statistics indicate that nearly 1 in 4 women in the UK feel they have to choose between their career and managing their menopause symptoms, according to a study by the Fawcett Society. Perimenopause can start as early as your mid-30s, and combined with the challenges of family life, it can be overwhelming. I’ve seen firsthand how this affects working mothers, especially those juggling the demands of young children. Six months ago, I struggled mentally and physically with symptoms like: • Mood swings • Anxiety • Brain fog • Persistent fatigue • Joint pain • Forgetfulness I started researching, and I began to suspect perimenopause was affecting my life. After consulting a menopause specialist, I learned that women with hormonal issues, such as PCOS, can be particularly sensitive to these changes. I started HRT, and the improvement in my energy levels was life-changing. It’s crucial to recognise the link between family sleep and perimenopause support for mothers. Sleep deprivation can exacerbate the symptoms of perimenopause, leading to a cycle of fatigue and stress. By addressing sleep issues alongside hormonal health, we can better support mothers in managing their overall well-being and maintaining their careers. If you’re a mother or know someone who is, and they’re struggling with exhaustion or similar symptoms, it might be worth exploring the connection between sleep and perimenopause. We must support each other in navigating these challenges. Thank you to Norfolk Menopause, Catherine Jeans for nutritional support, and Michelle Rowlinson for her menopause expertise. Let’s raise awareness and create a supportive environment for women in the workforce facing these challenges. 💜 P.S My hair was full of moisture and pretty straight only just 3 years ago #Perimenopause #WomenInWorkforce #SleepHealth #HRT #MenopauseAwareness #FamilySupport

🧠 Remember those days when you could juggle a million tasks, recall every detail of a conversation, and navigate life with the precision of a mental map? Well, hold onto your hats, because menopause is about to take your brain on a whirlwind tour. Don't worry, though, this rollercoaster is all part of the beautiful, complex journey of womanhood. Think of your brain during menopause as a garden undergoing a glorious, albeit wild, spring bloom. Hormones are in flux, neurons are rewiring, and new connections are sprouting like dandelions after a rain shower. 🌦️It's a time of incredible plasticity and potential, but it can also be a tad…dizzying. Brain changes during menopause are not something to fear. They are a natural part of this powerful transition, and with the right tools and mindset, you can navigate them with grace and even unlock hidden potential. Remember, your brain is not your enemy; it's a garden ripe with possibilities.💐 Nurture it with curiosity, self-compassion, and a healthy dose of laughter, and watch your "menopause mind" blossom into something even more magnificent than before. And don't forget, you're not alone on this journey. Share your experiences in the comments below, and let's build a community of empowered women supporting each other as we rewrite the narrative of menopause, one brain bloom at a time! . . . . . #Menopause #MenopausePodcast #MenopauseJourney #HotFlashes #MenopauseSupport #MidlifeMatters #WomensHealth #LifeAfter40 #MenopauseAwareness #ReclaimYourPurpose #EmpowerWomen #HealthandWellness #MatureWomen #NavigatingMenopause #EmbracingChange #FeminineHealth #SelfCareJourney #PositiveAging #Menopause #LifeAfter50 #EmpowerHer #Midlifewomen #PositiveVibesOnly #PodcastLife #MatureWomenMovement #BrainFog #HealthyAging #BalancingHormones #Balance #Hormones

Imagine these scenarios… 👉You’ve been struggling for some time with debilitating joint pain. Finally, you raise the possibility of peri menopause and HRT with your doctor and overnight your life is transformed. You feel like yourself again. When you find out for health reasons, you must stop taking it. You are not given any alternative (thankfully through your own hard research, you manage to find one.) 👉You think you’re peri menopausal, you’re struggling with anxiety and mood disorder. You go to a doctor. This is a woman your age. You think she will understand. But instead she tells you it might be it might not be and you just need to sort your life out and go running four times a week like she does. 👉You are sitting in a business meeting when you bleed heavily and unexpectedly. You have to excuse yourself. After you send a message to other attendees (largely senior men) to explain what happened. There are faint murmurs of “doing better at all this”. But nothing really happens. 👉Insomnia keeps you up all night. You’re maxing two hours sleep. Yet those 830am meetings keep getting put in your diary! All real stories, shared by real women in business, senior leaders who have or are navigating their way through peri menopause, whilst trying to make this better for generations who come after us. We’re on a mission not just to get together and chat about this. But to work out what good looks like in our industry and others. What should a menopause policy look like? How can we remove the stigma and create a supportive culture where senior women don’t drop out of the workforce trying to manage symptoms? How do we rebrand menopause for what it is? A second stage of life with more wisdom, more balance, more life experience? So listen, just one ask this Friday. Just practice saying it. Menopause. Say it in the mirror three times. It’s just a word and a fact of life. Let’s get better at just saying it and then we can better at supporting it. Promise the Candyman won’t appear if you do say it in the mirror three times. We might though 😂 #WomenEmpoweringWomen #MenopaseAwareness #MenopauseEducation

My advice for someone navigating a career transition during menopause is... #L Go for it! Menopause isn’t just a physical milestone—it’s a reminder of how quickly life moves and an opportunity to decide what you truly want for the next chapter. You’ve likely experienced symptoms like disrupted sleep, difficulty concentrating, and fluctuating confidence, all driven by changing estrogen levels. But instead of letting these hormone shifts stop you, let them propel you. The menopause chapter of life is an excellent time to re-evaluate decisions, including your career, and make ones that will serve you. Does your current company align with your values? Do you need to work full-time, or would part-time be more fulfilling? Now is the time because there: Increased support from menopause policies: Companies with 250+ employees must implement menopause action plans, offering paid time off and support for employees experiencing menopause. Workplace flexibility: The pandemic has dramatically expanded hybrid and remote work options, improving productivity and reducing burnout. Understanding ageism: Conventional wisdom suggests that ageism, or unfair treatment based on a person’s age, predominantly affects older workers. In reality, it is most pronounced for young women. About half of women under 30 say their age played a role in missing out on opportunities at work Mckinsey Report 2024 Now is the perfect time to research potential employers, network with recruiters, and position yourself for a role that aligns with your strengths and passions. Throughout your career and life, you’ve gained a wealth of experience, resilience, and wisdom—and menopause has only sharpened those skills. So, what will you regret more: pursuing a role aligned with your purpose or passion or staying in one that is safe or convenient? ##LinkedInNewsEurope #menopauseday2024 #menopausesymptoms =================================================== I train managers to become qualified mental health first aiders, uniquely incorporating menopause awareness into the training. I also support individuals in navigating menopause with personalised action plans. DM to learn more!

Pause: Celebrating women on World menopause day. Friday, 18th October 2024 Every woman is unique, and menopause affects everyone differently. Symptoms can be physical, whether that be sweats, itching, body changes or memory loss and so much more. Changes also occur in hormones and can impact mental health with many women experiencing feelings of anxiety, stress or even depression. Menopausal symptoms which impact on mental health include: • anger and irritability • anxiety • forgetfulness • low self-esteem • lack of confidence • low mood and feelings of sadness or depression • poor concentration – often described as ‘brain fog’. • Low energy and poor sleep pattern. The menopause can affect relationships both at home and work. Its therefore important that we learn to have safe conversations about menopause, with our partners and in our workplace with colleagues and mangers. We are all aware of the “Great Resignation” after COVID and that people have been leaving the workplace for a variety of reasons, menopause being among those reasons. So how do we move forward in a way that supports women, but also helps employers and partners to deal with it in a positive way? • Education is key – raising every woman’s awareness of the menopause is needed. • Education is key for employers and partners. There is a need for greater understanding and learning; for employers and partners not to be afraid of the menopause and to be able to take steps that both help and support. • Every woman should have access and support from a menopause specialist doctor or nurse for physical symptoms. (It is important to go to someone who is properly trained and experienced, otherwise the effects can be even more harmful.) • Every woman should have access to emotional support from a menopause specialist and counsellor. • Compassionate leadership in the workforce is very important and needs to be part of the L&D agenda for leaders and managers. By taking these simple, but important steps, every woman will have the opportunity to thrive. Let’s celebrate women who show up every single day. Let’s support each other. #menopauseawareness #menopause #depression #anxiety #nursing #medicine #counselling The Mid Ulster Clinic

Women Over 40, Did You Know That Menopause Affects How You Age? Read all 3 articles on my blog for practical tips and tools to help you live a youthful life! https://lnkd.in/dYrkcudi

To all the working ladies in the corporate world. Perimenopause is not a disease, it is a way of nature telling you to listen to your body. Your body is going through a lot of changes, hormones are all over the place. It is not your fault. Brain fogging/forgetting, Disinterested in doing things, hot flushes, sometimes stepping out from/for office or home is a chore and Yes emotional outbursts on the tiniest things are very common. You still can control your internal environment by making informed choices about your lifestyle but the external environment is beyond your control. The corporate world does not make it easy for you due to its goal-driven policies and even if there are some protocols for women in the office there are none who walk the talk. My friends working in the corporate world have shared their experiences of suddenly forgetting the names/information/ numbers within seconds while giving presentations etc. which is so embarrassing. Mind you the colleagues/superiors do not make it easy. It is time that steps should be taken just as a way of educating men about it. Cultivating empathy and acceptance and creating a safe space for women. It is very common for a lady boss who is strong & and demanding to be labelled as “ menopause chal raha hoga “ It is not something women call upon it. It is a natural process that every woman goes through, exceptions are always there.  Only if the Corporate world changes its mindset and is more inclusive then Women going through the menopause phase have it easy & and stress-free without having to go through depression, emotional breakdown, and Silent suffering. #timetochange #perimenopause #corporate #walkthetalk #empathy