Why I’m Organising an Event for World Menopause Day 2019
World Menopause Day is an international observance held on October 18 every year. It was initiated by the International Menopause Society, a UK based non-commercial organization that was created in 1978 during the second Menopause Convention that took place in Jerusalem.”
It is a worldwide awareness call for women who face health issues when approaching, during and beyond the menopause to discuss the many topics around this life occurrence.
All women will experience the Menopause. The Menopause is defined as a 12 month after your last menstrual cycle however, menopause can be induced by some gynaecology surgery or medication. The majority of women experience a whole host of symptoms several years prior to menopause, this is known as peri-menopause.
Peri-menopause is where I’m currently at and it started 5-6 years ago with irregularity in my menstrual cycle, brain fog, anger, fatigue, mood swings, weight-gain, etc. I’m in my 50’s but for some women peri-menopause and menopause occur in the 30+ age group or earlier. I recommend you visit your GP to discuss your symptoms but do some research beforehand and go prepared with a list of what you wish to discuss as a 10 minute maximum appointment time is common.
I started my own research based on my symptoms and bought a Menopause Indicator Test from my local Wilko store. This test is rather like a home Pregnancy Test kit where you urinate on the device and the result is shown in the indicator window. The test measures the level of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) which dramatically reduces in peri-menopause. My test result indicated that I am “on the change” as it’s commonly known.
I’m thankful and consider myself to be very fortunate that I seem to be embracing my mid-life transition and transformation well. I’m aware that many other women are not always in such a favourable position and are enduring real hardship managing their peri-menopause and menopausal symptoms, especially in the workplace, with little or no support. This needs to change and I’m hoping this local event will help sow the seeds of such change, offering information, inspiration, support and hope.
A year ago I attended a Menopause Café where all ages, genders, meet to discuss topics relating to the menopause over tea and cake. An open, respectful and confidential space where participants can express their views safely. No intention of leading participants to any conclusion, product or course of action. I continued attending the monthly group and enjoyed the experience that resulted in me feeling much more optimistic about midlife and beyond.
At the beginning of 2019 I began hosting Menopause Café Blackwood and it has become very popular. It’s a daytime event, meeting on the first Monday of the month 9.30-11.30am at The Potting Shed Café, Blackwood Garden Centre, NP12 0PN. I’ve settled on this time and venue for now as it’s so well attended. I tried scheduling the Menopause Cafe in the evening, but they weren’t so popular however many people contacted me to say they’d like to attend an evening event to find out more.
That’s when I decided to host an event to celebrate Womanhood for World Menopause Day.
The event isn’t just for those experiencing peri-menopause or menopause. All ages and genders are welcome as peri-menopause and menopause affects us all, either directly or indirectly, so I look forward to you joining us.
I’ve been very fortunate as so many local businesses and therapists have agreed to take part:
Aura Homoeopathy & Yoga with Geri
Anita Hughes Photography
Body Shop & Bloom
Eden Energy Medicine
Forever Living Aloe Juice
@Indigo Fairie – Alternative Healing
New Moon Tranquility – Aromatherapy, Reiki, plus so much more
Partylite – Soy Candles, etc.
Samantha Connell – Personal Training Instructor
There will also be short talks on Menopause, Mindfulness, Drumming animal journey and Homoeopathy.
Please spread the word and why not join us in the event at:
Studio 54, 54 High Street, NP12 1BB
on Friday 18th October 2019 6.00-8.00pm.
Free entry.
Charges for taster sessions and goods for sale.
(The local pay and display car parks are free after 6pm. Time restrictions apply to parking at local retail car parks.)
