When menopause begins, it’s easy for women to feel like their lives have been turned upside down. In reality, the hormonal roller coaster that perimenopause kicks off disrupts critical functions and processes of the body. However, the conversation about menopause and how women can navigate this season offers new insights and strategies has improved. Learn what every woman should know about their bodies through menopause to better understand, manage, and embrace change.
1. Hormonal Shifts Impact the Entire Body
A missed appointment, a forgotten thought, and a bad night’s sleep are one thing, but in menopause, it’s normal. Pre-menopause, your body functions like a machine, your hormones supporting its needs. Like a well choreographed dance, everyone works together in harmony.
Once estrogen levels drop, this dance becomes out of sync. Many women first begin experiencing issues with thinking and memory. Brain fog and forgetfulness easily throw you off your game at home and work. Frustration can be immediate, not knowing why these changes are happening.
Commonly discussed issues like hot flashes are hard to keep to yourself. Vaginal dryness can negatively impact your sexual wellness and intimacy. In some cases, vaginal dryness can make urinary tract infections or UTIs more prevalent, adding to your discomfort. Add a UTI supplement to your regimen to prevent repeat infections and avoid the side effects of antibiotics, which can disrupt your gut.
2. Your Habits Influence Symptoms and Their Severity
Your life may demand your attention such that you neglect your body‘s basic needs. If you’re in the habit of skipping sleep, shirking basic nutrition, or stressing to the max, prepare for worsening symptoms.
In menopause, your body needs more time to recover, so prioritize sleeping at least seven hours nightly. Practice good sleep hygiene and reduce blue light exposure before bed to access deep sleep. Sleep is also critical for cleaning the brain’s neurotransmitters responsible for long-term memory. Since an early sign of menopause is brain fog, improving your sleep habits now can ease these issues. Finally, better sleep can also reduce the risk of anxiety, depression, and may even reduce your chances of developing dementia.
3. Symptoms Can Mimic Other Issues
Some women know when they’ve hit menopause while others are shocked by its arrival. This may be because some report better body awareness and attunement to its functions. Others are surprised by menopause because many symptoms mimic other issues.
Memory issues are often attributed to being overwhelmed and busy in the chaos of life. Women approaching perimenopause are often juggling busy careers, childcare demands, and increasingly elder care. While these realities aren’t without their merit, they can mask menopause and cause unnecessary suffering without treatment or lifestyle changes.
Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and ADHD share commonalities with menopause related challenges. Drops and estrogen production can cause feelings of hopelessness, heightened stress, and short temperament. Work with your healthcare provider to differentiate between menopause symptoms, and other issues to get the care you need. Ask for an assessment for mental health screenings to separate symptoms to ensure appropriate symptom management.
4. Your Identity May Be Called Into Question
The persona you’ve come to cultivate, may not be one you can retain in menopause. If you’ve sacrificed your health and happiness for your career, now is the time to set boundaries. You are still you, but your needs have changed. The best thing you can do for yourself is adapt.
At work, clarify your availability and priorities to ensure you don’t overload your schedule with stress. While you may feel like this could disappoint others, it actually commands respect. Outline your priorities and expectations to use your talents effectively. You may find that this helps you be more productive and have a better impact at work.
On the homefront, communicate your needs and challenges, even if you don’t fully understand them yet. This may be as simple as building in reset time between tasks. It can also mean agreeing on a household temperature range. Let your family know how they can help you and express gratitude for their willingness to do so. Remember, they love and care about you, so don’t hesitate to get their help and support.
5. Finding Balance After Menopause
While the end of menstrual cycles may be a welcome change, menopause can bring disruptive symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings. However, there is a silver lining—over time, your body adjusts to post-menopausal hormone levels. Though estrogen and progesterone naturally decline, many women find that symptoms become more manageable as their bodies adapt. Some choose hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or other treatments to ease the transition. Just as puberty was a period of adjustment, menopause is a phase that eventually stabilizes, allowing you to embrace this new stage of life with greater comfort.
Information is Power
The more you can learn about menopause and your body, the better your experience will be. Read medical journals, attend webinars, and speak to your healthcare provider. Some women report less than attentive care during menopause, so advocate for yourself. Research care providers, specializing in menopause, aging and/or female wellness. Every woman’s menopause journey is different, so be gentle with yourself as you welcome life after menopause.
