Menopause – what does that even mean?
Do you pause your life? Pause your life with men? Or is life as you know it… over???
As a woman in her early 50s, before hitting "that age," my understanding, mainly from watching my own Mum was that I'd become even moodier, lose all my confidence, and start looking and acting a lot older. OMG! So yes, I approached it with fear and anxiety… until I decided to take some control back and understand what menopause was, and what it might mean for me.
What I found out?
No one will experience the exact same journey. It’s different for everyone. But we all have control mechanisms, things we can do to take some of that power back.
Menopause is a natural, permanent end to menstruation, typically occurring between ages 45 and 55.
I didn’t even know what Perimenopause was. I used to assume that hot flushes and missed periods = menopause.
But Perimenopause is actually the years leading up to menopause. It’s the stages before your last period (which, officially, is 12 months after your last period with no returns because your body might try to sneak another one in! and then you start over).
All those dreaded symptoms? They’re usually part of Perimenopause, or they might just be because we’re getting older.
The (very) long list of unwelcome symptoms include:
- Feeling emotionally drained
- Irregular periods
- Weight gain
- Foggy brain, memory struggles, and lack of concentration
- Hot flushes, night sweats – and yes, cold flashes too
- Heart palpitations
- Disturbed sleep
- Muscle aches and joint pain
- Dry, itchy skin
- Hair thinning (where you want it growing) and growing (where you don’t)
- Depression and anxiety
And that’s just the start… With the NHS listing 42 symptoms, it might be easier to say what isn’t an issue, to be fair!
But stop!
Let’s take a pause, not from life, but from the fear.
Menopause is NOT a medical condition, nor is it the death of your womanhood or femininity.
Not enough time is spent on focusing on the positives, so let’s give them some spotlight and take some of the fear away:
Many women discover a new confidence in themselves!
- No more pregnancy worries ever!
- FREEDOM from periods! (With 450+ in a lifetime, That’s a lot of faff gone!)
- Say goodbye to PMS, which for many is worse than the period itself
- You care less about what others think and more about what you want
- Kids are often all grown up, which means it’s your time now
- You’re more in tune with yourself physically, emotionally & mentally
Supporting yourself through the transition
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but here are some of the ways I’ve found helpful:
Exercise regularly – Yoga and walking are my favourites.
- Yoga/Tai Chi are amazing for body and mind.
- Walking, swimming, cycling, and weight-bearing exercises help keep bones strong and minds calm
Healthy diet – Think fresh fruits, veggies, calcium-rich foods.
- Don’t forget Vitamin D – it’s crucial for bone health.
Avoid triggers – Spicy food, caffeine, hot drinks, smoking and alcohol can worsen hot flushes.
Stay socially active – Join a class, meet friends, stay connected. Isolation is a symptom we can fight.
Stay cool – Light clothing, cooler showers, a trusty hand-held fan… all little things that make a big difference.
Final thoughts
Menopause is a transition, not an ending.
It doesn’t mean life is over, it means a new chapter is beginning.
- Talk about it
- Laugh about it
- Share your story
- Support each other.
So yes, menopause can creep into every corner of life, at home, at work, and even in how we see ourselves. But the truth is, we don’t have to go through it feeling lost or alone. There’s support out there, and there’s always someone who understands what you’re going through (even if their journey looks a little different).
If you ever fancy chatting it over, whether it’s swapping tips, having a good laugh about the less-glamorous bits, or just getting it off your chest, I’d love to do that with you. Let’s grab a tea, coffee, or whatever’s your drink of choice is, and just talk. Sometimes that’s all it takes to make things feel a little lighter.
Here’s to this new chapter, to finding the positives, and to supporting each other along the way.
Jo