Ask
Would it be OK to spend a minute talking about something many patients going through the menopause find really helpful?
Insight
The menopause affects an individual’s physical activity beliefs and behaviours, focusing on this can be a useful way to introduce the topic.
Using a non-judgemental and respectful way to get a conversation about physical activity started can keep the individual actively engaged in the conversation and decision making.
If done successfully, a 1-minute conversation can plant the seed for successful behaviour change.
Did you know?
Oestrogen is your main hormone which helps you build muscle, fluctuating levels of oestrogen during menopause means your body will recover and rebuild differently and possibly slower than before. Hydration, nutrition and stretching becomes more important to recover from exercise.
During menopause your body is changing as much as it was going through puberty
Strength training is recommended for everyone but is particularly important for menopausal women as it can reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis. This does include traditional strength training in the gym, but activities such as heavy-duty gardening, carrying heavy shopping bags or walking up stairs and hills also count.
Real impact
“I was very upset and low when my doctor told me I was menopausal, I thought that was the end of my youth, fertility and felt so unattractive. I realise now it can also be a time to reassess things and carve out more me time, it can be a ‘menostart’ rather than a menopause.”
“ During the start of the menopause, my joint pains worsened. I was afraid my joint pains would continue to worsen if I started increasing my physical activity. However, my joint pains improved, I reduced the amount of medications I had to take and had so much more energy. I wish I had started sooner!”
“I really struggled with weight gain when I hit the menopause and couldn’t afford to join the gym, it was a revelation when my doctor reminded me that you burn more calories being active over the day than you burn during a gym work out, now I see my whole day as my gym.”
Explain
Many peri and post-menopausal women find that moving more can help them manage their symptoms, as well as their improving their general well-being. I wonder what you make of that?
Insight
Asking a question such as ‘what do you make of this’ allows some space for people to talk and explore the information rather than asking ‘do you understand?’ which can shut things down. They may already have a good understanding of the benefits of physical activity, so if you’re pressed for time you can ask it like this without patronising them and also offer the opportunity for them to tell you that they know it already.
Did you know?
Oestrogen is your main hormone which helps you build muscle, fluctuating levels of oestrogen during menopause means your body will recover and rebuild differently and possibly slower than before. Hydration, nutrition and stretching becomes more important to recover from exercise.
During menopause your body is changing as much as it was going through puberty
Strength training is recommended for everyone but is particularly important for menopausal women as it can reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis. This does include traditional strength training in the gym, but activities such as heavy-duty gardening, carrying heavy shopping bags or walking up stairs and hills also count.
Real impact
“I was very upset and low when my doctor told me I was menopausal, I thought that was the end of my youth, fertility and felt so unattractive. I realise now it can also be a time to reassess things and carve out more me time, it can be a ‘menostart’ rather than a menopause.”
“ During the start of the menopause, my joint pains worsened. I was afraid my joint pains would continue to worsen if I started increasing my physical activity. However, my joint pains improved, I reduced the amount of medications I had to take and had so much more energy. I wish I had started sooner!”
“I really struggled with weight gain when I hit the menopause and couldn’t afford to join the gym, it was a revelation when my doctor reminded me that you burn more calories being active over the day than you burn during a gym work out, now I see my whole day as my gym.”
Invite
Would you be interested in talking a little more about how physical activity might help with your health and wellbeing on another visit?
Arranging follow up is important after a positively received 1-minute conversation. Offer a follow up opportunity with you or a colleague appropriate to the environment you work in and resources available.
“In the meantime I could give you some further information to read if that would be of interest”
Signpost the patient information section.
Insight
Follow up may be with you, a colleague or another service, but try to capitalise on the opportunity provided and book the next step before they leave.
If they decline a follow up appointment offer them a patient information leaflet, thank them for taking the time to talk with you about physical activity and reassure them help is available when they feel ready for change.
Did you know?
Oestrogen is your main hormone which helps you build muscle, fluctuating levels of oestrogen during menopause means your body will recover and rebuild differently and possibly slower than before. Hydration, nutrition and stretching becomes more important to recover from exercise.
During menopause your body is changing as much as it was going through puberty
Strength training is recommended for everyone but is particularly important for menopausal women as it can reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis. This does include traditional strength training in the gym, but activities such as heavy-duty gardening, carrying heavy shopping bags or walking up stairs and hills also count.
Real impact
“I was very upset and low when my doctor told me I was menopausal, I thought that was the end of my youth, fertility and felt so unattractive. I realise now it can also be a time to reassess things and carve out more me time, it can be a ‘menostart’ rather than a menopause.”
“ During the start of the menopause, my joint pains worsened. I was afraid my joint pains would continue to worsen if I started increasing my physical activity. However, my joint pains improved, I reduced the amount of medications I had to take and had so much more energy. I wish I had started sooner!”
“I really struggled with weight gain when I hit the menopause and couldn’t afford to join the gym, it was a revelation when my doctor reminded me that you burn more calories being active over the day than you burn during a gym work out, now I see my whole day as my gym.”