In the latest episode of the Burnt Pancakes podcast, I, Katie Fenske, had the privilege of hosting Adrienne Cotton, a menopause wellness coach, to discuss menopause – a topic that has long been shrouded in silence, despite being a significant part of every woman’s life.
In a society where the menopausal journey is often whispered about, this episode serves as a loudspeaker for empowerment and wellness. Adrien, who became a mother at the age of 40, shared not only her expertise but also her personal experiences with perimenopause and menopause. Her insights and practical tips have been a beacon for me and others navigating these changes, especially those of us who are raising children or managing other life stresses simultaneously.
Understanding My Menopause Journey
During the podcast, we delved into the differences between perimenopause and menopause, discussing symptoms such as mood swings and night sweats, and the emotional aspects, including the tendency to cry more often. With Cotton’s guidance, I was provided with five actionable strategies to manage symptoms and redefine this natural stage of my life.
Lifestyle Changes: My Key to Menopause Management
I shared my own battles with perimenopause, juggling toddler twins and a fitness studio, and how I realized that key lifestyle adjustments could help me steer through these turbulent times. The importance of finding empathetic medical support and building mental resilience was emphasized, painting a picture of not just surviving menopause, but thriving through it.
Building a Supportive Community
The episode went beyond the physical symptoms, discussing the importance of community and support systems. I invited listeners to learn about Fitness on the Run, a platform that started as a health beacon in the corporate world and evolved into a sanctuary for women over 40. The podcast celebrated how strength training and small group Zoom sessions created a safety net for women going through menopause.
Practical Takeaways for My Daily Life
Throughout the episode, practical advice was woven into the narrative. I discussed the significance of aligning my daily schedules with my core values, integrating wellness activities into my everyday life, and the importance of strength training in maintaining muscle and bone mass.
Nutrition and Exercise: My Pillars of Wellness
Diet and exercise were highlighted as crucial elements of managing my menopause symptoms. I encouraged listeners to view food as fuel and discussed the importance of protein in maintaining muscle mass and overall health. I also shared my journey from the corporate world to pursuing my dream in wellness, serving as an inspiration to those contemplating life changes.
Embracing the Changes
Cotton’s work in creating Fitness on the Run was explored, illustrating her shift from running a successful gym to focusing on women’s wellness over 40. The holistic approach adopted by her program includes sleep, stress management, time management, nutrition, and exercise. The episode celebrated the cognitive benefits that come with age and the power of surrounding myself with a wellness-focused community.
Conclusion
My conversation with Adrienne Cotton on the Burnt Pancakes podcast is a powerful reminder that menopause is not an end, but a transformative beginning. As I concluded the episode, I emphasized the importance of sharing these conversations and empowering women through education and open dialogue.
This episode is a must-listen for any woman seeking to embrace the menopausal journey with empowerment and wellness. It is a call to celebrate womanhood in all its phases and to harness the strength that comes with this natural part of life.
Tune in to the Burnt Pancakes podcast to join this insightful conversation and take a step closer to thriving through menopause. Remember, it’s never too late for transformation.
You can listen to this episode HERE
30 lesser known signs of Perimenopause
The ” Big Four” signs that you are in perimenopause are hot flashes, sleep disturbances, depression and vaginal dryness. But did you know that there are at least 30 other symptoms that accompany perimenopause?
1) Headaches
2) Heart palpitations
3) Difficulty concentrating
4) Memory lapses
5) Fatigue
6) Mood changes
7) Irritability
8) Anxiety
9) Dizziness
10) Allergies
11) Joint and muscle pain
12) Tingling in extremities
13) Tinnitus
14) Dry, itchy skin
15) Thinning hair
16) Changes in body odor
17) Brittle nails
18) Weight gain
19) Digestive problems
20) Bloating
21) Breast discomfort
22) Changes in taste and smell
23) Burning mouth syndrome (BMS)
24) Dry mouth
25) Changing cholesterol levels
26) Bone loss and osteoporosis
27) Frequent urination
28) Increased bleeding during periods
29) Lowered libido
30) Cold flashes
To read more about each of these, visit Adrien’s blog post HERE.
In Adrien’s program, Master MENOPAUSE Now, she empowers women to take control of this stage of life. Her program focuses on the top 5 things we can control that will lesson the symptoms of Perimenopause.
1) Sleep
2) Stress Resilience
3) Calendar (managing and putting time in for self care)
4) Movement and Strength Training
5) Diet (specifically getting enough protein)
