01/06/2024
What I wish I knew about menopause...
Back 12 years ago, I had no idea what menopause was about or that I had started my journey through perimenopause. Back then, I thought menopause was just about hot flashes and your period ending. Now that Iβve been in the trenches for over a decade, I know that menopause and the perimenopause transition includes a vast range of symptoms and challenges that can significantly impact a woman's life, career, health, and relationships.
If I could go back and give my past-self three pieces of advice that my current-self has learned, they would be:
1. Learn about my body: Women in my family didn't say squat about menopause or what happens or what to expect. Educating myself about the biological changes and natural process has meant the difference between feeling confused and scared about symptoms to taking action steps that support my body and work with my hormones instead of against them. Educating myself has allowed me to advocate for my health with doctors instead of just accepting what sometimes was outdated information and treatments.
2. Embrace a holistic approach: Menopause is not just a hormonal issue, it affects the whole body and mind. Taking a holistic approach by addressing diet, nutrition, movement, stress management, and emotional well-being is crucial for navigating through midlife. There's not one magic bullet.
3. Seek help and support: Just because menopause is a natural process is no reason to suffer needlessly. When you have trouble reading, you get glasses even though vision loss is a natural part of aging. Don't be a martyr. If you are having issues, even if you don't think they're related, seek help and support. Connecting with other women going through menopause and seeking support from experts can provide guidance, validation, and often, solutions.
Whatβs some advice you would give to others about menopause?