Just keep swimming: how I learned to navigate exercise after menopause | Shanti Nelson

It's like I fell asleep in the tropics and woke in the Sahara. With constant overheating, swimming is my main exercise joy

Navigating menopause is challenging enough without having to add exercise to the mess. With the constant threat of overheating looming over my fuzzy head, I have to choose my activities wisely. Power-walking before sundown is a pointless venture - I need a cold shower before I'm even out the door - and the very thought of SoulCycle (admittedly, I'm still a bit unclear on the concept) induces enough hot-flashing to burn off my lunch without getting on a bike.

I've managed to vehemently deny getting stiffer with age, challenging friends who suggest It's just part of menopause" until suddenly - what on earth? - I can't touch my toes and I'm hobbling to the loo in the wee hours, hunched and grumbling to myself about why the hell at 53, I'm hobbling.