Get more mindful at the menopause?


Get more mindful at the menopause?

As anxiety levels increase nationally due to the coronavirus pandemic, tackling mental health is becoming increasingly important. Mind-body approaches, such as mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), are increasing in popularity as more women try these to deal with troublesome menopausal symptoms. But can these therapies really help you at this time of life?

In the Spring 2020 issue of The Menopause Exchange newsletter, Professor Myra Hunter, professor of clinical health psychology at King’s College London, looks at the medical evidence behind mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). She assesses whether you could use these therapies to deal with hot flushes and night sweats, sleep problems, anxiety and mood swings, as well as other common menopausal symptoms.

“These therapies can help to reduce stress and anxiety,” says Norma Goldman, founder and director of The Menopause Exchange. “They help to break negative thought patterns and improve our mental wellbeing. Increasingly research is showing that they can also help women deal with common menopausal symptoms – they may even work better than herbal medicines or other complementary approaches.”

The Menopause Exchange, which was established in 1999, is completely independent and is not sponsored by any companies. It provides impartial, easily understood information to women and healthcare professionals. The Menopause Exchange quarterly newsletter contains articles written by top medical experts, such as gynaecologists, GPs, consultants, specialist menopause nurses, complementary practitioners, pharmacists, dietitians etc.

Articles in the Spring 2020 issue of The Menopause Exchange quarterly newsletter include coming off HRT, skin changes at the menopause and thyroid problems and the menopause, as well as news, Ask the Experts Q&As and information about Norma Goldman’s talks and workshops.

Looking for case studies and real life stories? The Menopause Exchange has a number of members who are happy to talk to journalists about their menopause experiences. The members are based in different parts of the UK, which may be of interest to regional publications as well as national ones. Many of the case studies are willing to provide a name and photograph, if required.

The Menopause Exchange quarterly newsletter is available via email for free. Sign up on our website, www.menopause-exchange.co.uk. Find us on Facebook and Twitter (@MenopauseExch).

For more information, call 020 8420 7245, e-mail norma@menopause-exchange.co.uk or write to The Menopause Exchange at PO Box 205, Bushey, Herts WD23 1ZS.




NOTES FOR EDITORS
1. The Menopause Exchange was launched in June 1999.
2. Articles in previous issues of The Menopause Exchange newsletter include: The menopause at work; Menopause in different cultures; Libido and the menopause; Progesterone in HRT; Complementary and alternative medicines for the menopause; Coffee and tea at the menopause; All about osteoporosis.
3. The founder and director of The Menopause Exchange is Norma Goldman. Norma has a pharmacy degree and a Master’s degree in health promotion. She gives talks and workshops on the menopause to employees in the workplace including hospitals, women’s groups, healthcare professionals, GP practices, organisations, companies and at exhibitions. Her daughter, Victoria Goldman, the editor of the newsletter, is an experienced health journalist, editor and proofreader, with a BSc. degree in Biomedical Science and a Master’s degree in Science Communication.
4. The aim of The Menopause Exchange is to raise the awareness of the menopause among women, healthcare professionals, complementary practitioners, line managers, health and safety officers and anyone else who is responsible in the workplace for the wellbeing of employees.
5. All press enquiries to Norma Goldman on 020 8420 7245.