The Flushed Female

Sharing! ❤️

Hot flushes at midnight?
Brain fog at noon? Mood swings by 3pm? Menopause sure knows how to keep life interesting...
🤨
But here's the thing — I've found something that's been helping me feel more like me again. It's not a pill, not hormones, not even chocolate (although that helps too) 🍫

It's something totally
different - and I'm bursting to spill the secret. 🤫

Want to know more?? DM me!

Menopause can feel like losing little pieces of yourself
- your energy, your focus, your sleep. But here's the truth: it's not the end, it's a new beginning.
🦋

I've been using something that's quietly supporting me from the inside out — no pills, no hormones, no fuss.

Honestly, I thought about keeping it to myself, but it's too good not to share.

🩷 Message me if you're curious

🤐 I wanted you to be my little secret, keep you all to myself….
But the truth is, you’re too good not to share.

Something so small, yet so powerful, has been making a big difference in my life. The kind of difference I don’t want to hide, I want others to feel it too.

So here I am, breaking my own silence and letting you in on it….💫

Sometimes the best kept secrets are the ones worth sharing.

Curious?? DM me the word ‘SECRET’

This is my go-to breakfast recipe. Try it, you will never look back ❤❤

Recipe makes 2 servings.

Ingredients:

1 Banana
1/3 Cup Rolled Oats
1/3 Cup Cottage Cheese
1/4 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Vanilla Essence
2 Eggs
Pinch of Sea Salt
Cinnamon to taste

Method:

- Whizz all ingredients together in a food processor or Nutribullet
- Heat a little oil or butter in a heavy based pan on a medium heat
- Place spoonful's of the mixture into pan (as big as you like) and fry until golden on
both sides.

Enjoy with a big spoonful of Greek yogurt (I use the high protein goodness), fresh or frozen berries (defrosted), a big teaspoon of peanut/almond butter and a sprinkle mix of chia seeds, sunflower seeds, flaxseed and pumpkin seeds.

Sooooooooooo much goodness in this breakfast! Balanced and BANGING. Give it a try and let me know what you think.........

Did you know?

The reduction of estrogen during perimenopause/menopause, can lead to a decrease in glucose or sugar metabolism in the brain by 20-25%.
Glucose serves as the brains primary fuel, low levels can affect its efficiency in functioning.

Happy Hump Day! 💕

Nutritional Benefits:

* Rich In Omega - 3 Fatty Acids - Particularly ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), which supports heart and brain health.
* High in fiber - Great for digestion and promoting regular bowl movements.
* Good source of plant-based protein - Helpful for muscle repair and building.
* Packed with Lignans - Plant compounds with antioxidant and estrogen- like
properties, which may support hormone balance during perimenopause/menopause
* Loaded with vitamins and minerals - including magnesium, thiamine (B1),
phosphorus, and copper.

Health Benefits:

* May reduce cholesterol levels.
* Supports blood sugar regulation.
* Can help with weight management by promoting fullness.
* Helps support hormonal health, including estrogen balance.
* Anti-inflammatory properties, which can benefit, skin, joints, and overall well-being.

Flaxseeds are best consumed ground as whole seeds can pass through the digestive tract undigested.

Add Flaxseeds to smoothies, porridge, yogurt, baking or salads.

What is the role of cortisol and how does it influence perimenopause?

Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, often referred to as
the "stress hormone" because it's released in response to stress. However, it's role goes beyond stress- it also helps regulate metabolism, blood sugar levels, inflammation, and the sleep-wake cycle.

During perimenopause, cortisol plays an even more influential role due to the shifting balance of other hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Here's how cortisol interacts with and influences perimenopause:

Increased Sensitivity to Stress - As estrogen levels fluctuate and decline, we can often become more sensitive to stress.

Disrupted Sleep - Chronic stress or hormonal imbalance can cause elevated nighttime cortisol, leading to difficulty falling or staying asleep.

Weight Gain and Fat Storage - High cortisol levels are linked to increased abdominal fat, partly because cortisol raises blood sugar and insulin levels. During perimenopause, changes in metabolism combined with high cortisol can make it harder to maintain weight or lose fat, especially around the stomach.

Mood Swings & Anxiety - Cortisol influences neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. If cortisol is chronically elevated, it can lead to symptoms like irritability, anxiety, and mood swings.

Fatigue and Burnout - The adrenal glands, which produce cortisol, may become overtaxed during times of prolonged stress. Many perimenopausal women experience adrenal fatigue symptoms such as, brain fog, low energy, and feeling wired but tired, which are tied to cortisol regulation.

If this sounds familiar and you are ready to feel more balanced, less overwhelmed, and more like yourself again- let's chat. Send me a message or comment below if you'd like to explore what that could look like for you.

I talk about this a lot with people.

If you are under the age of 45, blood tests can help ascertain whether you are in perimenopause. Over the age of 45, estrogen levels can be so erratic, that symptoms are normally the way to tell if you are perimenopausal.

That being said, blood tests are a great way to test for other things, such as thyroid function, testosterone levels and vitamin and mineral levels.

For more information, check out this article from Dee Murray Menopause Experts Group who explains in more detail about blood tests and when to ask.

Blood Tests & When To Ask Blood Tests & When To Ask: Understanding Your Body During Menopause Introduction Menopause is a natural phase in life, but it often brings symptoms that...

Hey everyone - it's been a while.

Life has a funny way of shaking things up when you least expect it, and over the past year, I had to hit pause on The Flushed Female to focus on some big personal changes (including a move back to the beautiful South Island!).

It wasn't easy stepping back, but sometimes we need to take care of ourselves before we can take care of others - something that I talk about all the time, and had to remind myself of too.

Now with a fresh perspective and a renewed license with Menopause Experts Group (yes, I'm official for the next 3 years!), I'm so ready to reconnect, support, and walk alongside you on your menopause journey. Thank you for sticking around - It truly means the world.

Let's do this together.

Aaaahhh yes, this is the one that has got hold of me. Blimey! Who else doesn’t know if they are Arthur or Martha on a daily basis? Let me know your experiences!