Embrace the change!

By Fiona Theokritoff

menopauseFeeling hot and bothered too often? Lost for words or feeling as if you are losing the plot altogether some days? If you’re a woman of a certain age, these trials will sound only too familiar.

Until recently, a lot of women signed up to take HRT but these days many of us are seeking a natural solution.

Homeopathy is a safe and natural system to support health that was developed 200 years ago in Germany. Brought to the UK by Queen Victoria’s husband Albert, it has been used in UK as well across the world ever since, with our current Queen known to carry remedies, rather than money, in her handbag.

Homeopathic remedies are made from natural sources:  plants and minerals. They work in tandem with the body, and don’t create unpleasant side-effects. The remedies can help support mental and emotional health as well as dealing with physical problems.

That’s what makes homeopathy so useful for the menopause. As well as physical problems like hot flushes, we may feel a range of emotions at what is happening. Emotions that can feel like quicksand, shifting very suddenly and leaving us feeling insecure.

One of the upsides is that you can take stock of your life… so make it count

The average menopause age – when your periods stop altogether – is 51. But for some years before that your body makes it clear that change is afoot – what is often called the peri-menopause.

One of the upsides is that you can take stock of your life. We can expect to live a lot longer post-menopausally than any other women in history. So make it count. If you aren’t happy with your life, get it sorted. Make sure you are doing the best for you and your health.  And if you want to start new venture, sport or hobby, then go for it!

But – I hear you cry – how can I do all that when I feel so rubbish? Absolutely. First things first, let’s sort the practical problems :

homeopathic remediesWith a little guidance, I can help you choose a homeopathic remedy that will reduce the distress of hot flushes. There are about six remedies most often used – taking account of this reflects the differences we experience in our symptoms; whether days or nights are toughest, or exactly when and where we feel the heat.

Of course it’s not all hot flushes. Other symptoms such as anxiety, cystitis and lack of libido make life harder than it should be. Homeopathy offers lots of natural choices.

menopause 2Eating well is always important. Quality rather than quantity is what to aim for. Take a good look at what and when you are eating – hot flushes can be set off by the stress of low blood sugar levels. Choose a balanced diet, high in fruit and vegetables, and consider adding ‘helpful’ foods containing phyto-oestrogens, such as lentils, linseeds and soya.

50 Is The New 40 is a light-hearted and practical morning packed with information about using remedies not HRT for hot flushes, and eating for energy.

Remember you are not alone – come and meet others in the same hot and steamy boat. Let’s work together, and get ready to enjoy life again!

The next date for 50 Is The New 40 in Newark is Thursday 7 April from 10am to 12 noon. Email me (fiona@fionatheokritoff.co.uk) for more information and to book your place or visit my website here

Managing the menopause

fiona theokritoffWith the menopause as this week’s hot topic, the Girls Around Town will be welcoming one of their favourite guests into the studio on Sunday.

If you’re a regular listener, you’ll recognise the name (and on the show, the voice!) of Fiona Theokritoff, a Newark-based homeopath and specialist in women’s health and wellbeing.

Between 10am and 12 noon, she’ll be joining June and Tina for the latest Fabulous After 40 feature, with plenty of hints and tips on how using homeopathic remedies can help with some of the issues women face as they approach and go through what can be a very trying time.

So, if you’re looking for practical steps to take to minimise those dreaded hot flushes, ideas for healthy eating or just a few words of advice to keep you stay sane, tune in or listen online on Sunday morning…

Whether you’re peripost or actually in the throes of it all right now, you’ll want to hear what Fiona has to say!!

Change your change!

change your change - cropIt’s a hot topic – in more ways than one! – among women over 40 so it’s hardly surprising that the Girls Around Town will be turning the spotlight on the menopause as part of their new Fabulous After 40 series of interviews.

One of the guests lined up to take part in the discussions is complementary therapist Sue Mcfarlane. Watch this space for details of other guests involved and when they’ll be in the studio but, in the meantime, here’s news of an event coming up that could answer some of your questions and concerns.

On Saturday 27 February, Sue will be joining forces with mind coach and hypnotherapist Louise Page to present a two-hour holistic health workshop aimed at helping you to cope with the physical and emotional symptoms of menopause.

“You don’t need to be in the change for this to be relevant,” says Sue. “It’s never, ever too early to prepare.”

The workshop takes place from 10am to 12 noon at Earthchild, 67 Long Acre, Bingham NG13 8AG. Places are £15 each and strictly limited so advance booking is essential.

For more details and to reserve your place, call Sue on 07766 592025 or Earthchild on 01949 876062.