The Daisy Network Annual Conference

On Saturday I attended my first Annual Daisy Network Conference. The Daisy Network is a charity for those who have been affected by premature ovarian failure (POF). The charity is an invaluable source of information and support.
By coincidence a fellow fitness professional George Anderson (we are in the same mastermind group) had been asked to present at the conference. We are working together and have produced an online exercise and nutrition package for those suffering with POF. He gave a brilliant presentation about the how to ‘reclaim your body’. He explained the best type of exercise for fat loss. One of the take home points was that effective exercise for weight loss does not have to take up hours of your time 🙂 I told my story at the end and explained why I want to help menopausal women.
The first speaker was Dr Joan Pitkin who is a consultant gynaecologist who runs a menopause clinic in London. If you have early menopause you can be referred to her clinic by your GP. Her presentation explained what can cause POF and what treatments are available.
According to the World Health Organisation ( WHO) if your periods stop before age 40 it is a premature menopause, before 45 it  is an early menopause.
1/100 women have a menopause before 40
1/1000 women have a menopause before 30
1/10000 women have a menopause before 20
She believes that if you have had a early menopause (before 51) you should go on some sort of HRT including bio-identical’s. Women are suppossed to have our hormones until that age and if we dont we need to replace them for health reasons. ie bones and heart. Women who chose to take HRT after 51 are having hormone therapy (not as a replacement). She said that the risks of HRT are over rated and will only cause a problem in women at post menopausal age
You can have a blood test to see if you have had ovarian failure (Anti Mullerian Hormone is tested ). You can also have a transvaginal ultrasound which can gauge the follicule activity. You will need to check with your GP what is available on the NHS.
Dr Marilyn Glenville‘s presentation was on Natural health remedies and natural solutions to menopause. I am a huge fan of Marilyns. I study her books and I really like her attitude to health. I am having additional training with her later in the year. She explained that many menopausal symptoms are also symptoms of unstable blod sugar levels. Menopausal symptoms can be lessened by stabilising blood sugar. This means cutting out or reducing sugars from your diet. It helps to eat low GL foods that don’t affect the blood sugar levels. She explained the impact processed foods can have on the body and how it can overload the liver. I will write a separate post on the herbs she recommends.
She advocates a low pH diet. Calcium from your diet neutralises high pH in your body. Your body will use the calcium in your bones to neutalise pH if not enough is available. This is not want we want in menopause as we are at risk of osteoporosis.
Do you get night sweats? Marilyn explained the difference between the two types.

• If you wake up then sweat after a few seconds this is a sign that your adrenal glands need support
• If you wake up sweating then that is a menopausal symptom. Interesting right?

Next up was Chrissie Hosking who is a psychotherapist , she presented on the psychological impact of POF. This presentation was about the different ways POF can affect women.
Woman may think:-

• this isnt the right time
• infertility
• loss of a dream or hope of a dream
• youth and ageing
• loss of health
• grief

It can be hard to accept reality, she may experience shock, she should be allowed to grieve, she may feel anger and resentment.
The last presentation was by George Anderson – rediscover your body: 3 steps to better heath, confidence and energy.
The remaining time was for break out sessions which covered adoption, egg donation and psychological of POF
All in all a great day, very informative and supportive.
I look forward to writing some articles and blog for the charity