#294: Perimenopause and Body Image (Body Image Series)
Apr 2, 2024
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Explore the complexities of body image during perimenopause, including research findings, influences on body image, and strategies for resilience. Learn about the link between fad diets, self-perception, and challenges faced during perimenopause. Understand the onset of perimenopause, menopause symptoms, and navigating body image changes. Discover the importance of resilience, self-compassion, and challenging beliefs around aging for a positive body image.
Perimenopause triggers body image concerns due to hormonal changes and societal ageism hitting simultaneously.
Building resilience and challenging societal norms around aging can enhance well-being during perimenopause.
Deep dives
Menopause and Body Image Challenges
Menopause can trigger body image concerns due to hormonal changes, increased stress, mental health challenges, and ageism hitting simultaneously. This phase, known as perimenopause, encompasses the transition before menopause, affecting body image significantly. Factors like body changes, ageism, societal standards, and mental health issues worsen body image during perimenopause, potentially leading to vulnerability and self-worth struggles.
Understanding Perimenopause
Perimenopause, the phase prior to menopause, involves a decade of hormonal fluctuations and symptoms like brain fog, disrupted sleep, and emotional changes. Common misconceptions associated with perimenopause, such as primarily hot flashes, overlook critical symptoms like cognitive challenges and emotional disruptions, impacting body image perceptions and overall mental well-being.
Influences on Body Image During Perimenopause
Various psychosocial factors like appearance changes, time constraints, life stressors, and emotional regulation difficulties significantly impact body image during perimenopause. Ageism plays a crucial role, correlating perceived ageism with lower body esteem and heightened concerns about appearing youthful, linking to increased body image issues. Recognition and mitigation of these social biases can aid in improving the overall perception of changing bodies.
Resilience and Well-Being Amid Perimenopause
Building resilience, focusing on optimism, emotional stability, self-compassion, and self-esteem, can enhance well-being and mental health outcomes during perimenopause. Women with higher resilience exhibit better mental health, emphasizing the importance of emotional regulation and self-acceptance in navigating the challenges of perimenopause. Positive aging perspectives and challenging societal norms around aging also contribute to fostering a healthier body image during this transformative phase.
I’m talking about the influence of perimenopause – the transitional period before menopause – on body image. I’m looking at what the research says about perimenopause and body image, why our body image is worse during perimenopause compared to menopause, and what we can do to build resiliency and mitigate these effects, as part of the Body Image Series.
Show notes: summerinnanen.com/294 In this episode, I talk about: - What influences body image in perimenopause, - How a history of dieting can put you in a more vulnerable position as your body changes with age, - The other stressors that impact body image during this time, - Why this time in life can also be liberating, - The importance of unpacking our beliefs around aging, - The importance of resilience and how to strengthen it, - Plus so much more! Get the shownotes: summerinnanen.com/294 Get the free 10-Day Body Confidence Makeover with 10 steps to feel better in your body at summerinnanen.com/freebies If you're a professional who has clients or students that struggle with body image, get the Body Image Coaching Roadmap for professionals at summerinnanen.com/roadmap
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