Wellness coach and Chief Executive Officer of Ariel’s Haven, Olivia Ariel Mamle Donkor (Ariel-The Wellness Coach), has initiated an important conversation about menopause, urging women to embrace this stage rather than resist it.
According to her, menopause is a natural phase of life, not a disease, but one that requires significant lifestyle adjustments to maintain overall wellness.
“Menopause will come. You can’t deny it; you can’t stop it. You have to embrace it, accept it, and go through it,” Ariel emphasised on Joy Prime’s Changes Show.
She explained that the transition, though natural, is often accompanied by more than 34 different symptoms, ranging from hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, cardiovascular challenges, skin conditions, joint pains, and even mental health struggles.
Ariel broke down the stages of menopause – perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause – highlighting that symptoms vary for every woman.
“Your journey is unique. No two women experience menopause in the exact same way,” she noted.
Central to managing this stage, Ariel stressed lifestyle modification.
She encouraged women approaching their 40s to start preparing by making conscious health choices.
“The first thing you need to consider is lifestyle. If you try to live like the old version of yourself, you may struggle. You need to take charge of your body and support it,” she advised.
Key recommendations from Ariel included nutrition, sleep, communication, and moderation. Ariel also highlighted the need for broader awareness and education on menopause, especially since previous generations often suffered in silence.
She furthered by stressing that menopause should not be feared but understood.