World Menopause Day 2025

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To mark World Menopause Day, our friend has written a very informative and helpful piece on menopause and cerebral palsy (CP).

For many women with cerebral palsy, ageing can bring its own special challenges, particularly during menopause. “Often, they feel unprepared for the changes their bodies undergo during this time, facing both physical and emotional hurdles.” With Saturday, 18th October 2025, being World Menopause Awareness Day, I thought it was a wonderful chance to start a conversation on this important topic. After all, with understanding and support, this transition can become a little easier, guiding women towards greater empowerment and well-being.

Understanding Early Menopause in Women with Cerebral Palsy

Women with cerebral palsy often experience menopause earlier than their peers, mainly due to the unique physical stresses their bodies face over the years. This early change can bring about certain challenges that require special care from healthcare teams. As highlighted in a key study published in the British Medical Journal Open, it's really important for the healthcare sector to pay close attention to the reproductive health needs of ageing women with cerebral palsy. “This includes addressing reproductive health issues to ensure comprehensive care.”

By recognising the unique experiences of these women, healthcare professionals can offer more personalised and compassionate support, fostering a more inclusive and understanding approach to their care. The early onset of menopause might bring about a variety of physical and emotional changes, so it's important for healthcare providers to be proactive and attentive. With a deeper understanding of these complexities, healthcare professionals can better ensure that women with cerebral palsy receive the comprehensive care they deserve during this significant phase of their lives.

Managing the physical effects of early menopause becomes more effective when there is a strong partnership between healthcare providers and women themselves. This teamwork can help ease some of the challenges along the way, making the journey through menopause more comfortable, supported, and reassuring for everyone involved.

The Impact of Early Menopause on Physical Health

Early menopause can bring many health challenges, especially for women with cerebral palsy. One major concern is changes in bone density, since lower oestrogen levels can make bones weaker and increase fracture risk. Women with cerebral palsy might already have mobility issues, and weaker bones can make mobility even harder. Staying proactive with regular bone density scans and taking steps like calcium and vitamin D supplements can make a big difference in managing this risk.

Another important area to pay attention to is heart health. When oestrogen levels drop, it can lead to higher cholesterol and blood pressure, raising the chances of heart problems. Women with cerebral palsy should work closely with their healthcare team to keep an eye on their heart health and embrace habits that support a healthy heart. This can include eating a balanced diet, engaging in gentle exercise tailored to their abilities, and having regular health check-ups.

Aside from these specific concerns, early menopause can also impact metabolism and how weight is distributed, which might lead to weight gain. For women with cerebral palsy, keeping a healthy weight can be more challenging because of physical limitations. Personalised nutritional advice and an appropriate exercise plan can really help manage weight and boost overall health.

Tackling these physical health challenges calls for a proactive and personalised approach, making sure women with cerebral palsy get the comprehensive care they deserve during early menopause.

Emotional and Psychological Effects of Menopause

Dealing with the emotional and psychological impacts of menopause can be especially tough for women with cerebral palsy. The hormonal changes during this time often bring about mood swings, anxiety, and feelings of depression, making the experience even more overwhelming. Remember, you're not alone, and support is available to help you through each step of this journey. For those already managing the complexities of a disability, these emotional changes might feel quite overwhelming at times. Remember, it's completely normal to experience these feelings during a transition, and reaching out for help shows strength and courage. You're not alone in this, and support is always available.

Therapy and counselling can be truly helpful right now, offering a warm and safe space to share and explore your feelings. Skilled therapists who understand the experiences of women with disabilities can offer personalised strategies to help manage mood swings and build emotional strength. This compassionate support can make a real difference, helping you feel seen, heard, and validated.

Plus, staying connected with loved ones and taking part in activities that bring you joy and fulfilment can help ease some of the emotional ups and downs. Whether it's engaging in creative hobbies, gentle exercises, or simply enjoying quality time with those you care about, nurturing your emotional well-being is so important.

Remember, you're not alone on this journey. With the right support and coping tools, it's possible to navigate the emotional changes of menopause with confidence and hope.

Tailored Therapeutic Approaches for Women with Disabilities

Navigating menopause with a disability involves caring, personalised approaches that truly understand each woman's unique needs. Women with cerebral palsy, in particular, can gain so much from therapy sessions that consider both their physical challenges and emotional health.

Therapists who specialise in working with women with disabilities bring special skills and insights that can really make a big difference. They know how important it is to create a safe, comforting space where women feel listened to and valued. By using adaptive techniques and personalised coping strategies, these caring professionals help women handle the many aspects of menopause more smoothly.

For example, person-centred therapy can be especially helpful during this time, offering a safe space where women can freely share whatever is on their mind, helping them feel understood and supported as they navigate the emotional changes that menopause can bring. Likewise, mindfulness practices can be adjusted to fit different physical abilities, providing a gentle way to find inner peace and emotional balance. The aim is to make therapy feel welcoming, accessible, and genuinely supportive.

Adding creative activities or gentle body-based practices to sessions can also boost emotional expression and support overall well-being. This holistic approach not only addresses symptoms but also empowers women to take charge of their health and emotional journey.

Therapists dedicated to offering these personalised methods play a vital role in guiding women through menopause, helping make this a time of positive growth and transformation.

Building a Support Network for Navigating Menopause

Building a support network during menopause is especially important for women with disabilities, as it offers a comforting foundation built on empathy and shared experiences. Family, friends, support workers, and carers play a crucial role in offering emotional and practical support that can help ease the daily challenges associated with menopause. Foster open conversations about your experiences and needs, helping loved ones understand and support you better. Healthcare professionals, such as therapists and counsellors, are wonderful partners—they offer expert guidance and tailored strategies to help manage both physical and emotional symptoms. Peer support groups are also fantastic, providing a comforting space to share stories and advice, which builds a sense of community and eases feelings of loneliness.

These connections do more than just offer support; they remind you that you're not facing this alone. The strength and understanding from those around you can truly boost your confidence and resilience as you navigate menopause. Be proactive in engaging with your support network, and let their kindness and wisdom light your way through this important life change.

Practical Tips for Daily Living and Comfort

Making small, thoughtful adjustments to your daily routine can really make a big difference in how comfortable you feel during menopause. Try to enjoy a balanced diet full of nutrients to give your body the support it deserves. Staying hydrated is just as important, as it can help ease some common menopause symptoms. Gentle activities like swimming, yoga, or stretching that suit your abilities can boost both your physical health and emotional well-being. Creating a cosy sleep environment- keeping your bedroom calm, dark, and quiet- can significantly improve your rest. You might also find it helpful to try calming techniques like deep breathing or listening to soothing music before bedtime. Incorporating relaxing practices such as mindfulness,

meditation, or journaling into your daily routine can provide wonderful stress relief and help build emotional resilience. By embracing these simple, practical tips, you're setting yourself up to feel more comfortable and supported during this important life change.

Staying Positive and Hopeful Through the Transition

Embracing positivity during menopause is a wonderful and empowering choice that truly makes a difference. When you focus on what you can control and celebrate even the small victories, it can boost your feelings of achievement and hope. Practising gratitude every day can also help you see the bright side, allowing you to cherish those joyful moments and meaningful connections in your life.

It's so important to indulge in activities that bring you happiness and fulfilment. Whether you're getting lost in a good book, exploring a creative hobby, or spending precious time with loved ones, these joyful moments serve as uplifting reminders to ease stress and worries.

Don't forget to be gentle with yourself. Showing yourself compassion during tough times can strengthen your emotional resilience and make it easier to face challenges. Positive affirmations and simple self-care routines can remind you of your inner strength and the incredible person you are.

Lastly, imagining a hopeful future and setting small, achievable goals can inspire optimism and motivation. Maintaining a positive outlook opens the door to growth and new opportunities, transforming menopause into a chapter of fresh beginnings and exciting possibilities.

Kind regards,

Liz

If any of this post resonates with you, or you feel it could help someone else, please contact me to learn more. Contact Liz on 07388462807 or email liz@lizwhiteleycounselling .com