Five Questions With. . . .Sandra Grandchamps–The Menopause Doula
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Menopause marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles. The term can also describe any of the changes women go through just before or after they stop having periods, signaling the end of their reproductive years. Menopause usually happens between ages 45 and 55 but is marked by the absence of a menstrual cycle for an entire year. Perimenopause usually begins several years before menopause, when your ovaries slowly make less estrogen. Perimenopause lasts until menopause, the point at which your ovaries stop releasing eggs. |
During menopause (and sometimes perimenopause) most women will experience the following: hot flashes, uneven or missed periods, vaginal dryness, sore breasts, needing to pee more often, trouble sleeping, emotional changes, dry skin, eyes, or mouth.
Sandra Grandchamps also known as The Menopause Doula is an ardent advocate whose mission is to help women understand and navigate some of their issues during menopause using holistic practices. In this interview, she provides practical information for women going through menopause and permimenopause.
Sandra Grandchamps, The Menopause Doula
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FOF: Please tell our readers about yourself and what it means to be a menopause doula.
The Menopause Doula (TMD): My name is Sandra Grandchamps and I am The Menopause Doula. I have a Bachelor of Science in Business Management/Marketing. I’m a Certified Health Coach from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, trained yoni steam practitioner through The Womb Sauna, trained doula through Mama Glow, lactation counselor, birth educator, essential oil educator and mother of three. Originally, a doula is someone who provides guidance and support to persons throughout their pregnancy, labor and postpartum. The term has now evolved into providing support to others through various life experiences. I decided to adopt the moniker of The Menopause Doula, due to my own experience of this next phase of womanhood. |
As I researched my symptoms and natural ways to combat what I was going through, I didn’t see anyone that looked like me. So, I decided to create a space for me and my peers. I provide education, guidance and support to women going through perimenopause and menopause.
FOF: Are there any specific issues/symptoms of menopause that affect black women differently?
TMD: According to the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN), black women tend to enter perimenopause and menopause at earlier ages than our white peers. We have longer transition periods, and experience more intense hot flashes and vaginal symptoms. Consequently, we will experience bone density decline, increase in fat mass, decrease in muscle and increase in cholesterol earlier. Which also means we will have other health issues like osteoporosis and heart disease sooner.
Also, black women tend to have other underlying health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure. We lead more stressful lives than our white counterparts, which will aggravate any imbalance or disease.
TMD: According to the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN), black women tend to enter perimenopause and menopause at earlier ages than our white peers. We have longer transition periods, and experience more intense hot flashes and vaginal symptoms. Consequently, we will experience bone density decline, increase in fat mass, decrease in muscle and increase in cholesterol earlier. Which also means we will have other health issues like osteoporosis and heart disease sooner.
Also, black women tend to have other underlying health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure. We lead more stressful lives than our white counterparts, which will aggravate any imbalance or disease.
FOF: What are some options for women who suffer from debilitating symptoms of menopause? Such as night sweats, heavy periods, mood changes, etc.?
TMD: Most doctors recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and I’ve heard many women find relief with this option. There are 2 types of HRT, estrogen-only therapy and a combined estrogen progestogen therapy. ET is prescribed for women without a uterus due to a hysterectomy and EPT is used for women with a uterus to protect against uterine cancer.
TMD: Most doctors recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and I’ve heard many women find relief with this option. There are 2 types of HRT, estrogen-only therapy and a combined estrogen progestogen therapy. ET is prescribed for women without a uterus due to a hysterectomy and EPT is used for women with a uterus to protect against uterine cancer.
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FOF: Do you have any suggestions to help alleviate symptoms of menopause naturally, without medicine or hormone therapy?
TMD: I prefer the natural route. Breast cancer runs in my family so HRT isn’t ideal for me. I personally use cbd oil whenever I feel anxious or overwhelmed, essential oils to help me relax and give me energy and my daily herbal supplement BlossoMÉ, which has been a lifesaver! BlossoMÉ contains a combination of herbs such as Ashwagandha which helps your body manage stress and boost your overall mood. Black Cohosh helps with hot flashes and night sweats and Maca a natural stimulant that helps with a woman’s libido. |
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FOF: How can women, who have not entered menopause yet, prepare mentally or physically for the changes they will experience?
TMD: Menopause can be daunting for black women because we don’t look our age (lol). I recall my first experience having a hot flash. I was in denial, then I had to remind myself, “girl you’re 49”. The most important thing is to be in tune with your body. Be present and mindful of changes both physical and emotional.
Speak to friends and family that are older. I remember one day chatting with my aunt. All of a sudden a bead of sweat ran down her forehead, yet it was winter in New York. She told me to feel her forehead...it was blazing hot. I was flabbergasted, like what was happening before my eyes.
Be mindful of your lifestyle. We're not kids anymore. We can't keep running on empty calories. Choose healthier options like fruit and nuts for snacks. Eat more greens and plant-based proteins. We must also incorporate movement. Find something you enjoyed as a kid and do it now. At 48, I joined an over 40 double dutch group and now at 50, I'm rollerskating!
TMD: Menopause can be daunting for black women because we don’t look our age (lol). I recall my first experience having a hot flash. I was in denial, then I had to remind myself, “girl you’re 49”. The most important thing is to be in tune with your body. Be present and mindful of changes both physical and emotional.
Speak to friends and family that are older. I remember one day chatting with my aunt. All of a sudden a bead of sweat ran down her forehead, yet it was winter in New York. She told me to feel her forehead...it was blazing hot. I was flabbergasted, like what was happening before my eyes.
Be mindful of your lifestyle. We're not kids anymore. We can't keep running on empty calories. Choose healthier options like fruit and nuts for snacks. Eat more greens and plant-based proteins. We must also incorporate movement. Find something you enjoyed as a kid and do it now. At 48, I joined an over 40 double dutch group and now at 50, I'm rollerskating!
For more information about The Menopause Doula or BlossoMÉ products, visit www.menodoula.com
You can also follow her on Instagram @themenopausedoula.
You can also follow her on Instagram @themenopausedoula.
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