Are you over 40, female and shattered? Many of us are trapped in a cycle of exhaustion and inactivity, just when we need movement most.

By right, women in our 40’s, 50’s and beyond should rule the world. Why not? We’re highly capable - after all, many of us have big careers, and juggle the ever changing needs of kids while looking after aging parents. We’re powering through life – right up until we’re not. Yup, things sneak up - aches and pains, sleep issues, just that little bit more anxiety. Is it just a few extra pounds? Or is it perimenopause? Is the sofa magnetic? Or do you feel a deep tiredness in the evenings that just wasn’t there before?

Perimenopause can start months or even up to ten years before the menopause itself. Some women report no symptoms. For others, things can get more challenging. Everyone is familiar with the more common (and irritating!) symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, but many of the side effects of menopause and post-menopause are more subtle.  Dry or itchy skin, irritability, low sex drive, sore joints and more - in fact, there are more than 40 recognised symptoms of ‘the change’.

Exercise is one of the most impactful natural solutions for these symptoms, yet many of us get trapped in a cycle of exhaustion and inactivity, just when we need movement most. 2022 research by NORVIA® Nutrition has revealed that 41% of menopausal women living in Ireland rarely exercise or don’t exercise at all. Yet anything you do physically can make a difference, as the 23% of women who revealed they are exercising more than when their symptoms began can testify.

So how do you break out of the inactivity cycle? Start small and build it up. Walking boosts mood. Yoga relaxes, and helps with those joint aches and pains. Many women at this life stage turn to weights to protect bone density and discover that feeling strong is empowering. But whatever you do, do a little, and notice how it becomes easier and more energising over time. You’re building a body and a lifestyle for the decades to come.

A good diet is essential too. B vitamins help regulate hormones and beat exhaustion. Find them in seafood, poultry, eggs, legumes, leafy greens and seeds. Vitamin D, best found in sunshine, supports bone health, along with calcium (dairy, tinned fish such as sardines and beans) and Vitamin K (broccoli and kale). Magnesium (greens, wholegrains and nuts) supports muscle function and energy production.

If you feel that stress or a busy lifestyle is compromising your diet, you could opt for a quality supplement. NORVIA® Menopause one-a-day powdered nutritional shakes are a rich source of plant-based protein, phospholipids, and fibre plus B Vitamins, Vitamin D3, Vitamin K, Magnesium, Calcium and Soy Isoflavones.

"I started taking NORVIA® Menopause in October 2021 and noticed a reduction in the severity of symptoms within three weeks. I went on holiday for 10 days and unbelievably forgot to pack my NORVIA®. Within five days my symptoms had returned to pre-NORVIA® levels. I’ve just started my fourth box and my symptoms have all but disappeared. I highly recommend this product.”

What’s the learning here? Don’t power through. Take some time out for you when you can, enjoy moving, great food, and a better quality of rest. Think of it as an investment in you.

Why choose NORVIA® Menopause?

NORVIA® Menopause is suitable for women in Perimenopause, Menopause and Post Menopause. Formulated and researched by Dr Lars Høie MD, PhD, Dr Philos NORVIA® Menopause is dairy-free, gluten-free, yeast-free, cruelty-free, non-GMO, suitable for Vegans and Vegetarians and contains no artificial colours or preservatives and no MSG. Just add the contents of one sachet to 100 ml of cold water, shake and drink. Key nutrients and health benefits include:

· Vitamin B6 which contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity

· Vitamin B12 and B6 contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and normal psychological function

· Vitamin B1 which contributes to the normal function of the heart and nervous system

· Calcium contributes to normal blood clotting and normal muscle function

· Magnesium contributes to normal psychological function and normal muscle function

· Vitamin D contributes to normal bones and the normal function of the immune system

· Vitamin B6, B1 and Magnesium contribute to normal energy yielding metabolism