If you’re of a certain age (like me) you may remember back to school and the dreaded PE lessons of the 1980s.
Where you’d be sent off on a cross country run without any water. You know what I mean…you’re out of the changing rooms and the teacher tells you where to run to and off you go.
At my senior school we actually ran along a dual carriageway…can you believe it 😂!
I absolutely hated running, although I was always quite good at it, but I often wonder if this was because I didn’t like the feeling of being dehydrated when I was running. Although I wouldn’t have known this at the time!
Even when I joined the army in 1987 I didn’t particularly enjoy sport, although to give them their due, the staff made us carry water bottles with us.
Over the years since then I dabbled in running from time to time…usually when I wanted to lose a bit of weight (which is crazy because you don’t actually use that many calories when running as you have to replace them in order to keep going).
Fast forward to 2009 and two or three times a month I started to experience severe cramps that used to grip my body at random times in the day.
There seemed to be no rhyme or reason to it…in the middle of the night, at work, when I was out, before food, after food. And it floored me every time. I had to lie down and stay in the fetal position for around 2-3 hours.
I spent a couple of years going to and from the doctor and was eventually sent for tests…an ultrasound, a CT scan, then a gastroscopy.
And do you know what they discovered?
Nothing.
Absolutely nothing wrong with me.
Although the specialist did try and tell me in the final appointment it was because of my poo and told me to take Milk of Magnesia.
I put up with this for another 7+ years before a sports therapist advised me to drink more water. He explained it was like a car engine trying to start up in the wrong order.
That was the back end of 2018 and in the new year of 2019 I started to drink more each day.
The difference was unbelievable…I went from being someone who drove everywhere to someone who wanted to walk at every opportunity. My energy levels soared.
I even started Couch to 5K which led to a 10k, which then led to a half marathon, and then I actually ran a marathon!
And all because I was hydrating not only during the day, but also on my runs. And because I was hydrating on my runs I was enjoying them.
The best part?
I haven’t had these cramps since.
And all those tests they did could have been avoided had a doctor just mentioned hydration.
I think sometimes we overcomplicate problems by looking for complex solutions instead of going back to basics and getting the simple strategies in place.
It’s just like in menopause. A lot of our symptoms can be eased if we look after ourselves and get the basic pillars in place.
These are some of the benefits of making sure we remain properly hydrated during menopause:
1 – Supports Temperature Regulation
Hot flushes and night sweats are common during menopause. Staying hydrated helps your body regulate your internal temperature more effectively, reducing the intensity of those waves.
2 – Boosts Energy & Reduces Fatigue
Dehydration can mimic exhaustion. Proper hydration improves cellular function, oxygen delivery, and blood flow, all of which help you feel more alive, alert and less drained.
3 – Improves Skin Elasticity & Radiance
As estrogen declines, skin tends to get drier and thinner. Water supports natural glow, plumpness and elasticity – and slows the visible effects of dehydration and ageing.
4 – Supports Cognitive Function & Reduces Brain Fog
Dehydration can contribute to fuzzy thinking and difficulties in concentration. Water helps the brain stay clear, focused and balanced.
5 – Supports Digestive Health
Sluggish digestion and bloating are common in midlife. Adequate hydration helps move things along and supports overall gut health and detoxification.
6 – Reduces Joint Stiffness & Aches
Estrogen helps keep joints lubricated. With its decline, hydration becomes even more important to maintain joint mobility and reduce inflammation.
7 – Supports Metabolism
Water can help in managing appetite, reducing cravings, and supporting metabolic processes – especially important when weight shifts begin to occur in midlife.
I’ve especially noticed that it’s easy for me to mistake when I’m hungry, because it’s actually that I’m dehydrated and I need to drink more, not eat more.
And also it’s helped me to ease the brain fog when it’s hovering and by drinking more, I’m more focused and can concentrate for longer periods…a necessity when you’re running your own business!
So how much should we be drinking daily? 1.5 to 2 litres per day (6-8 glasses).
If you’re not currently drinking anywhere near this, don’t jump straight in with that amount…increase slowly over time and create this as a daily habit that feels normal.
So do other drinks count as your daily intake?
Yes…but…
Make sure you’re not just drinking 8 cups of coffee a day, because the caffeine content will impact on the quality of hydration you get.
Fruit teas are a good option, and if you don’t like the taste of water, add some fruit into it to give it some flavour.
And why not create a ritual out of it…
…begin each morning with a glass of warm water, perhaps with a slice of lemon – and set an intention for the day.
Remember…the key is to drink before you feel dehydrated.
With love 💫
Caroline x
The Menopause Alchemist®
🔮 If you’re looking for further support, check out all the ways I can support you…https://linktr.ee/revive_intuitive
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