The Change
Does the menopause affect your riding?
Well, for some lucky women, hitting the menopause makes no noticeable difference. But for others it can mean hot flushes, headaches and migraines and sometimes, worst of all when you want to ride, a huge loss of energy.
For many of us, looking after and riding our own horse has been a long cherished dream. And it can seem a cruel twist that just when you have the time and money to follow your dream, energy levels plummet so low it sometimes seems like a task more difficult than climbing any mountain. And make no mistake about it, having a horse of your own does take a great deal of energy. If you're used to weekly lessons and the odd hack out, think very carefully about the huge commitment in terms of energy and time that having your own horse will take. There's nothing that can prepare you for it except actually taking the plunge and doing it. The only equitable thing I can think of comparing it to is having a baby. And usually we have babies when we are much younger.
So what might the menopause mean for you? Well, sometimes it's hot sweats, that come on with no warning - and when I say 'sweats', I mean hot, embarrassing, dripping sweats. A friend of mine now enjoys the weekly supermarket shop just for the joy of standing in front of the freezers. And when these happen at night, it means sleeplessness, increased tiredness the next day, and often a bad temper to go with it.
Some women report that headaches, especially migraines, become much worse, especially at the time of month when the you would normally have had a period. For others, headaches can actually disappear completely. This is all probably due to changes in hormone levels.
The menopause can play havoc with your memory, which doesn't help when you have a horse to look after. There's nothing worse than getting back from the yard, and not being sure if you've actually fed the horse, even though you can remember mixing the feed and filling the water buckets. It means a trip back to check.
It can also lead to depression in varying degrees, usually because serotonin levels become lower.
So, is there any help?
Well, if you're really worried or suffering, check with you doctor. Sometimes HRT can be offered, although not everyone is happy with this. Often anti-depressants can help, especially if headaches are a part of the symptoms, and sometimes just to take these at a low dose can help.
Other more 'natural' remedies women report as being successful are red clover and black kohash for hot flushes and sweating, and evening primrose oil for hormone levels. Some doctors might recommend St Johns Wort rather than anti-depressants, but this doesn't suit everyone.
Some days it might seem that the last thing you want to do is ride. But it can be that once you get in the saddle and riding, it can make you feel better, as can any kind of exercise. Just being on a horse makes you feel good and purposeful, and exercise releases endorphins into the brain, which increases happiness levels.
And most women say that eventually it does get better. Just remember though, if you're really suffering, the first person to visit for advice is your doctor.
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