A top endocrinologist, Dr Mary Ryan, has said that women need to be better educated about menopause in order to prepare their bodies for the next stage of their life.

The Tipperary-based doctor says that women need to learn more about their bodies so that they can thrive during midlife.

"Women need to educate themselves about their bodies. A seven-day period is not right, not only is it exhausting, it can cause problems down the road.

Read more: Health expert Dr Mary Ryan explains why women face burnout more than men

"Our reproductive systems are linked from periods to childbirth to perimenopause and menopause. At perimenopause, typically in the early to mid-40s, women should start looking at their lifestyle, get more exercise, eat a balanced diet, and get good quality sleep," she says.

Dr Ryan adds that if you come into perimenopause with a healthy pituitary gland that is not overtired, you can cope a lot better than someone with a tired pituitary gland.

"You can’t expect an exhausted hormonal control centre to cope efficiently. It’s time for women to take the holistic approach and start putting themselves first."

The doctor adds that she often sees very bright and wonderful women who are being emotionally abused. "Many put up with some awful situations for the sake of family so we still have a long way to go and society needs to change."

Sleep

A lack of sleep can cause or contribute to anxiety and depression, according to Dr Ryan. "One of the things I most regularly prescribe for women is to get a cleaner if they can afford it, to stop them leaving work just to go home and work in the house.

"If not, another tip I give them is to learn to delegate – delegate household chores to children and if you are caring for an elderly mother or father, get other relatives to help. It shouldn’t all fall to the woman in the house and we need to learn to set our boundaries."

Dr Ryan says several different hormones are released when you sleep, so there is more to a lack of sleep than just being tired. She explains that melatonin increases at night time and this gives you better sleep and helps blood pressure regulation, immune system regulation and much more. "Your growth hormones, which help your body grow and repair, are also released at night."

Next on the agenda

Dr Ryan is currently campaigning for a more positive and practical approach to menopause. "I want the Government to start where it all begins, when a woman gives birth.

"The UK are much better at promoting pelvic floor exercises before and after childbirth and there is more support for pregnancy and childbirth," she says. "We shouldn’t allow 40-hour labours before telling a woman she needs a C-section, that will not only have damaging repercussions in the short-term but in the long run.

She adds that vaginal and perineum tears can cause problems long-term also, adding that women need more power to make decisions on the type of childbirth that will be best for them.

Benefits

While we often focus on the negatives, Dr Ryan says menopause is a great opportunity for women to take stock of their lives and start embracing healthy lifestyle changes to ensure the next 50 years will be healthy and happy.

"We can’t abuse our bodies as we get older and the better we treat them, the greater the quality of life we will have. At menopause it is advisable to check out your bone and heart health.

"For women who have suffered awful periods from the age of 12 to 50, there can be freedom associated with the end of your monthly cycle."

Some women find their confidence increases during this time, allowing them to consolidate their careers, and in most cases the children are reared, she adds. "It is important for employers to recognise women may need additional support during this time also."

• Dr Mary Ryan’s book It’s Probably Your Hormones is on sale now.

To read our full menopause special, pick up a copy of the October issue of RSVP magazine, out now.

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