Menopause Survival Kit: Top 10 Pain Points & How Technology Can Ease the Ride
Menopause—it’s a season of life that brings a unique set of physical, emotional, and social changes that can make a woman feel like she’s on a wild roller coaster without a seatbelt. It’s often an eye-opener for us as we deal with a range of pesky symptoms that we could definitely do without! Below are the top 10 pain points I hear most often from my clients. But don’t worry—I’ve got some tried-and-true tips and a few ideas on how Sunlighten infrared saunas might just become your new favorite tool in managing these symptoms. Top 10 Pain Points for Women During Menopause
- Hot Flashes & Night Sweats These sudden heat waves can hit anytime and anywhere, sometimes bringing on a full sweat fest. They’re disruptive and uncomfortable, and night sweats can add another layer of frustration by disturbing our sleep.
- Sleep Disturbances Between night sweats and hormonal shifts, sleep can feel like an elusive luxury. Lack of sleep impacts everything—mood, energy, and overall quality of life. It’s hard to be your best self when you’re running on empty.
- Mood Swings & Anxiety Ah, the emotional roller coaster—sudden swings, irritability, and even bouts of anxiety or sadness. Hormones have a big say in our mood, and with everything shifting around, it’s common to feel a bit on edge.
- Weight Gain & Slowed Metabolism Many women notice changes in metabolism and a tendency to gain weight, especially around the abdomen. It can feel like a betrayal, but it’s largely due to hormonal changes affecting metabolism and muscle mass.
- Memory Issues & Brain Fog "Did I already tell you that?" Memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, and the dreaded "brain fog" make it hard to stay sharp and focused. It’s a frustrating part of menopause that many don’t see coming.
- Low Libido & Sexual Dysfunction A decrease in libido, along with dryness and discomfort, can affect intimacy. It’s completely natural, though still challenging, especially if it impacts your relationship.
- Bone Density Loss Menopause accelerates bone loss, raising the risk of osteoporosis. Maintaining bone health becomes a critical focus to avoid fractures down the line.
- Heart Health Concerns Estrogen has a protective effect on our hearts, so as levels drop, the risk of cardiovascular disease rises. This makes heart health more of a priority than ever.
- Joint & Muscle Pain New aches and stiffness are common as hormones shift. Menopausal women often notice joint and muscle pain creeping in, making daily movement a bit less comfortable.
- Body Image & Aging Concerns From thinning hair to skin dryness and weight changes, menopause can bring visible reminders of aging that impact self-esteem and body image.
Find Karen Martel on Apply Podcast
Karen Martel is a Certified Hormone Specialist and Transformational Nutrition Coach dedicated to empowering women through their health journeys.
As the host of the popular podcast The Hormone Solution, Karen tackles the complexities of hormonal health, weight loss resistance, and the challenges that come with perimenopause and menopause.
Her mission is to disrupt outdated narratives surrounding women's health, providing reliable information and practical solutions that help women reclaim their vitality. With personal experience overcoming her own health struggles, Karen offers insights into hormone optimization and sustainable weight management strategies.
Join her as she engages in enlightening conversations with experts and shares actionable advice, all aimed at helping women navigate their unique hormonal landscapes with confidence and clarity. Tune in to discover how to embrace life's stages while enhancing overall well-being.
Listen to more
Behind the Scenes of My 2024: Battling Stress, Overcoming Fear, and Achieving Surprising Success
by
I’m sharing the journey I went through during 2024 in this episode, focusing on finding effective stress management tools and enhancing hormonal health. Traditional stress relief methods didn't work for me, so I explored alternatives like the Align Mat, which has been a game changer in calming my nervous system. I also discuss launching my line of hormone creams, overcoming the challenges that the launch brought on, and the positive reception from women dealing with perimenopause and menopause. I examine the synergistic benefits of progesterone and melatonin for improving sleep and hormonal balance, and emphasize the importance of embracing authenticity and change during midlife transitions.
Non-Hormonal Solutions to Peri- and Post-Menopausal Symptoms with Master Herbalist Stacey Littlefield
by
Stacey Littlefield, Master Herbalist, holds a Master of Science in Herbal Medicine from the American College of Healthcare Sciences in Portland, Oregon. With over 20 years of experience in the natural products industry, Stacey has a deep passion for using natural medicines and nutritious foods to elevate health. She has been instrumental in formulating Redd Remedies’ award-winning product line, celebrated for its purity, effectiveness, and innovative approach. In this conversation, we explore how plant-based solutions can provide relief from menopausal symptoms for those who either cannot or choose not to use hormone replacement therapy. Stacey shares her insights into blending traditional herbal practices from Ayurvedic, Chinese, and Western European medicine, highlighting the potential of herbs like black cohosh, chaste tree berry, dong quai, and shatavari in promoting hormonal balance. We also discuss the importance of safety and quality when choosing herbal supplements, emphasizing the need for informed choices in a market with varying regulatory standards. Stacey also takes us through the benefits of phytoestrogens and whole plant extracts like ashwagandha, providing the knowledge for making educated decisions about incorporating these natural allies into your own wellness routine.