Let’s face it—menopause isn’t exactly the sexiest topic on the table, and the societal narrative often doesn’t do it any favours. When I hit this stage at 45 and realized those peculiar symptoms I’d been having for the past two years were actually part of perimenopause, I was hit with a tidal wave of anxiety and a tons of questions. it was the first time I even heard of perimenopause! Recalling how my mom and sisters struggled didn’t exactly help the situation.
But here’s the deal: somewhere inside me, there was this fierce voice questioning whether it had to be this way. Was I really supposed to just grit my teeth and wait for it to end? My answer was a defiant NO WAY!
Perimenopause and Menopause 101
Perimenopause is essentially the time leading up to menopause. Menopause itself is officially diagnosed after you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a period. Following menopause, you enter post-menopause, when symptoms typically subside. However, perimenopause can last up to ten years and bring a range of symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, libido loss, heavy bleeding, bloating, hair loss, vaginal dryness, moodiness, anxiety, brain fog, research even shows that our brains may shrink at that time and these are just the most common symptoms. They can affect around 75-85% of women in the Western world. It’s not exactly a rosy outlook, is it?
A societal narrative
When I researched these statistics and saw the term "Western world," I paused. This implies that women in other parts of the world might experience menopause differently. Why? The answer is complex and involves cultural perceptions and diet. In many cultures, menopausal women are viewed more positively. In contrast, in the Western world, women often face negative stereotypes—being viewed as less productive, less valuable due to the inability to conceive, and even portrayed as fat and moody.
I might be exaggerating a bit, but there’s truth in how the patriarchal system views menopausal women. In our consumer-driven society, where youthful appearance is often touted as the pinnacle of beauty, women going through menopause face extra stress. In contrast, many other cultures see this phase as a time of wisdom, where a woman can focus on personal growth, and contribute to society and their family in different ways while being liberated from the constraints of reproduction.
Natural ways to thrive through the transition
I know this all sounds less than thrilling, but from what I’ve learned through recent research, expert advice, and ancient herbal remedies, this is not a life sentence! There are many ways to counteract the effects of hormonal changes through lifestyle adjustments like a balanced diet, regular exercise, and effective stress management. Stress acts like fuel on the menopausal fire—it can intensify hot flashes, disrupt sleep, and worsen mood swings. Managing stress with relaxation techniques, exercise, and support from your network is crucial for keeping it all in check.
Own Your Transition
Yes, perimenopause and menopause can be tricky, but they’re also a chance to step into a new chapter of your life with confidence. By understanding what’s happening and how to handle it, you can turn this transition into a time of empowerment and fresh beginnings.
Menopause is a major milestone, and every woman’s journey through it is unique. By recognizing the common symptoms and their impact, you can be better prepared to take control of your health and well-being. With the right strategies and a positive mindset, menopause can be the start of something truly amazing and set you up for fulfilling those dreams that you hold in your heart and become your most empowered self.
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