With Karen and Gillian from Colleen’s Lingerie and Swimwear, Garran
If, like me, you’re in the last hoorah of your 40s, then you’ll no doubt be seeing the word ‘Perimenopause’ everywhere you look. Who’d have thought that riding the hormonal rollercoaster of womanhood could be so hip. Yep, menopause is trending.
The great news about this surge in exposure for peri/menopausal women, is that there are endless sources of information and education for those of us wondering ‘What the hell is happening to me?’ When it comes to breast health, the more you’re informed and aware of what to expect, or have explanations for what you’re experiencing, the more supported you’ll be.
So, just what is going on with our breasts as we enter and navigate menopause?
As our cycles change and our hormones surge and decrease like a tidal pull, you may simply notice your breasts more. They may feel more sensitive and tender; much like the soreness of PMS, but at random times in your cycle. Wearing a well-fitted bra can help to ease some of this hormonal sensitivity, keeping your breasts comfortable and supported. Wearing the wrong size bra will only increase breast discomfort.
After 40, the importance of getting to know your breasts through regular self-examination and breast screening increases. Your breasts may feel denser and go through stages of feeling lumpy. As with all changes in your breasts, if you notice anything out of the ordinary, chat with your GP.
Often most confronting for women, our breasts can swell and increase in size due to hormonal changes and tendency to hang on to a little bit more weight through menopause – seemingly overnight! If the bra you’ve always worn suddenly becomes tighter around the band, the underwires start pinching and the cups become too shallow, the correct size bra will be a blessed relief and help to ease the likelihood of your Cooper’s ligaments stretching and the now collagen depleted skin losing elasticity and firmness. Much like the love affair you’ll begin to have with elastic-waist pants, a well-fitted bra will help keep your focus off how uncomfortable you might be feeling and be able to get on with your day (because the mood swings and rage are bad enough without adding a tight bra to the mix!).
Now you’ve sorted your bra out, what else can you do to support yourself? Our Karen has ditched the caffeine and replaced her morning cuppa with the amazing Peri Chai Latte by SheBANG! Woman, available online and in store at Colleen’s. Full of perimenopause fighting ingredients like collagen and magnesium to ease brain fog, encourage better sleep and regulate moods – plus it tastes delicious!
Moving your body, minimising alcohol consumption, keeping hydrated and eating a balanced, protein-rich diet can all help in easing symptoms and nourish your nervous system. Remember, you’re not alone! We’re all either going through it or are out the other side and here to make the experience just that little bit easier!
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