The ‘M’ Word

How do we embrace this CHANGE? Let’s face it, it is huge. The drop in oestrogen affects every cell in the body so we can experience all sorts of symptoms ranging from anger to night sweats; from depression and a total lack of joy to joint pain and brain fog. The experience of mind, body, spirit is not as it was before. Something has definitely shifted in me and continues to move. Each day brings uncharted waters in this MENOPAUSE journey.

The transition can certainly be tumultuous and requires patience, kindness and support. We must first be gentle with ourselves and not too demanding especially as we let go of how we used to be; shed the skin. I have often been heard to say, ” I never used to be like this,” – coping with BRAIN FOG, memory lapses and lack of clarity is challenging for me as well as those around me. Navigating these changes in my body and mind as well as learning how to run a business – OVERWHELM! And then with the added stresses of lockdowns and moving premises. PANIC ATTACK!

Symptoms that affected me

I first noticed that things were different when I was 47. I developed a UTI, which almost became a kidney infection. Super painful; I needed antibiotics (I hate taking antibiotics!) and bed rest. Around the same time my periods became very painful. In fact, they became a lot like they were in my twenties. Not every month; 1 in 3 were excruciating to the point of passing out with pain. This went on for two years until 2021 when I also started suffering anxiety, insomnia and panic attacks. I have since learned that all these SYMPTOMS were exacerbated by STRESS. I was living in a very stressful situation navigating the fear generated around the pandemic, the lockdowns and their impact on our fledgling business as well as my menopause symptoms.

I tried Ayurveda, Acupuncture, herbs, psychotherapy. Nothing seemed to help. I was lost. I couldn’t cope. All the joy and zest for life I used to feel had drained away. I didn’t want to go out, socialise with friends or see family. I became very isolated and felt extremely alone.

Depression

After we closed our business in 2022 I was bereft. I felt like I had lost everything. Relationships, friendships, our business… what was left? I felt myself slipping lower and lower, sinking deeper into DEPRESSION. Suicidal thoughts, hopelessness, instability. Something had to give. Me? My partner? I did not want to lose myself or him. And that was a very real possibility.

Then earlier this year I fell ill, ravaged by a virus, which left me fatigued, unstable, unhappy. I had no energy or motivation to do the things I love, to do what I knew was good for me. I stopped practice, couldn’t muster the motivation to meditate, run, walk. Downward spiral incoming! ACTION REQUIRED!

Cleanse

It was time to cleanse my system; to DETOX. This process has really helped me on every level: cellular, emotional, mental, physical. For the first time in a long time I have committed to something of value and persevered. My partner has noticed a new invigorated me and this has inspired him too. It has meant letting go of some of my addictions, notably coffee and chocolate! Well, sugar really. I love a sweet treat. As our body changes with hormone fluctuations so too does our digestive system, and we need to adapt our diet and rediscover what works for our body and what doesn’t.

In the end it was up to me. I had to do the work: change my habits, my diet, get moving, remove stress, talk. I realised it’s not a one size fits all. We are all unique and need to face these challenges in our own way. Support is needed and it is available.

Menopause Support

Personally, I never expected to be so adversely affected by Menopause. I didn’t notice my mother go through Menopause. She never really spoke about it; women didn’t talk about it in those days. It’s not that long ago really. We didn’t talk about MENOPAUSE; we talked about ‘THE CHANGE’!! It was so taboo. At last a generation of women bringing Menopause out into the open, into the collective conversation, into the workplace, into parliament. Support is out there:

• GPs: Dr Catharine Taylor, Dr Rachael Chrystal & Dr Jennifer Horrocks
• YOGA: Embodied Menopause
• Community: Balance HUB
• Media: Menopause Matters
• Books: The Menopause Brain by Dr. Lisa Mosconi

What’s your story?

1. How has the journey been for you? What’s your Menopause Story?
2. What changes have you noticed about yourself?
3. Are you managing naturally? If so, how?