How diet and exercise helped with me with perimenopause, for now

Jodee Goddard began to experience all the typical symptoms of perimenopause at 45. Five years on, she feels a world of difference. Here’s what worked for her.

Mum of three Jodee Goddard has managed to put a hold on her perimenopause symptoms by returning to something she had done much of her life: regular exercise and a good diet.

She first noticed symptoms of perimenopause about five years ago. Then 45, the small business owner said it was nothing huge, more hot sweats a few days before her period.

“My periods were always reasonably light, but last year they started changing and gradually got lighter and lighter to the point where they completely disappeared and l thought that’s it,” Mrs Goddard said.

Jodee Goddard at her workplace, The Vintage Shed. Picture: David Caird

“Then I started getting many more symptoms such as hot flushes, joint pain and brain fog. I just felt blah and tired.”

A friend suggested personal training.

“I did wonder if I could be bothered getting up at 5.30 every morning to fit in PT, but it has made all the difference,” she said. “That was about six months ago. I started with a new trainer, working out between four and six times a week.”

Incredibly, she said, her periods had not only returned but were now back to what they used to be and she feels just like her old self again.

“Regular training and good nutrition has been a game changer, it may not work for everyone, but it is working for me for now,” she said. “I have many friends on HRT and swear by it, if l ever feel it necessary to go down that route in the future l would definitely consider that too.”

Jodee Goddard found extra weight training and eating a high protein, balanced diet has made the world of difference for her. Picture: David Caird

Mrs Goddard said with husband Tim and their three children Shae, 19, Milla, 17 and Ben 14, the family maintains a healthy diet and regular exercise.

“I am doing lots of weights now; I also play basketball twice a week and moved to a much higher protein diet.”

Jodee Goddard with daughters Shae, 19 and Milla, 17, husband Tim Goddard and son Ben, 14. Image: Supplied

She has also cut out all processed foods and although has never been a very big drinker, has also cut right back on alcohol which Mrs Goddard believes has helped with her perimenopause symptoms.

“Everyone is different, but I found extra weight training and eating a really high protein, healthy diet has made the world of difference for me at this point.”

Originally published as How diet and exercise helped with me with perimenopause, for now