So, let me take you on my not-so-wild ride through peri-menopause to post-menopause. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t as dramatic as I once feared. During menopause, I was hit with those infamous hot flashes—the kind where it feels like you’ve suddenly been transported to the Sahara Desert. Here’s the weird part: my hot flashes were oddly selective—they only hit me from the chin up! Imagine me, face all flushed with sweaty puddles under my eyes and on my upper lip, while the rest of my body stayed cool as a cucumber. Not exactly a party. But hey, at least I didn’t get those full-body meltdowns where you feel like ripping your clothes off and hugging the A/C for dear life. I’ve heard those stories, trust me, and I’m not gonna lie, I counted my blessings… sort of! So, I started stashing little paper fans everywhere—because when the heat hit, I needed quick relief.

To keep those fiery moments in check, I turned to my trusty Evening Primrose and Red Clover. My libido, on the other hand, decided to take a little nap during this time, so I reached for Siberian Ginseng, Wild Yam and Agnus Castus (also known as Chaseberry), those little herbal wonders known for boosting energy and balancing hormones. They definitely helped wake things up.

Evening Primrose and Borage also known as Starflower Oil became my go-tos for keeping things smooth and balanced, especially when hormone-related mood swings decided to crash the party. Speaking of mood swings, my temper had a few fiery moments. Let’s just say my inner dragon made a few appearances, and my hubby had to duck more than once. Bless him, though—he was super supportive and even did his own research to help me through it. And when I got a bit snappy, Ashwagandha came to the rescue—it’s great for calming those edgy vibes, relieving you of brain fog and ensuring a good night’s rest.

Just a heads up—I took supplements throughout the whole phase (years) and I’m still using them. I’m saying this because I know a lot of women try supplements for like a week and expect miracles. Truth is, it takes time for them to kick in. Oh, and I should mention, supplements can get a bit pricey, but honestly, it’s worth it to me. As the saying goes, “You either pay now or pay later,” so it’s your call!

Now, let’s talk weight gain – Yeah, I did pack on about 15 pounds during menopause, but once my body got on board with the new herbs and daily supplements I was taking, the weight started melting off on its own plus Burdock Root was my BFF when it came to getting rid of all the extra water my body was storing. Try this Burdock Juice Recipe here.

Now, while some women struggle with dryness “down there,” I managed to avoid that particular pitfall. I learned early on that skin is skin, whether it’s on your face or your lady parts. So, I’ve always moisturized my intergluteal cleft (fancy word for butt crack) and labia daily, and guess what? No dryness or discomfort here! It’s all about the self-care, ladies.

And let’s not forget hydration—I drank water with a little potassium or Celtic sea salt like it was going out of style. Hydration is key! All in all, my journey through menopause wasn’t as wild or as dramatic as I had feared. Thank goodness for that! It’s all about the self-care, and with a little help from nature’s pharmacy, I came through it just fine.

Staying Sane & Healthy Through Menopause Stages

So, here’s the deal: A recent survey showed that nearly half of us ladies haven’t even talked about our menopause symptoms with a doctor. Can you believe that? And over 30% finally got a diagnosis after, like, a zillion visits. This just screams for more education and support so we can handle menopause like the queens we are.

But don’t panic. There’s a ton of research and advice out there, so we’re not in this alone. We can totally learn to handle hot flashes, mood swings, heart palpitations, anxiety, insomnia, and those pesky weight issues like pros. Here’s how to glide through menopause like a boss.

Take Home Lessons

• Menopause is a natural part of life, but trust me, it can be a wild ride without the right info and support.
• Understanding menopause stages and their impact on your body can help you manage the symptoms like a champ.
• Healthy habits, like exercise, meditation, and a nutritious diet, and the right supplementation can help you deal with the physical and mental changes. (Stay away from chocolate and wine, or go for it if you don’t mind a hot flash takeover).
• Professional guidance from a therapist or gynecologist can make this whole menopause thing way more manageable.
• Keep in mind that menopause can vary based on ethnicity, race, and personal history. Personalized care is key.

Understanding the Menopausal Transition

Let’s be real: menopause can feel like a big, confusing puzzle. But breaking it down into its main stages can make it a lot more manageable.

The Physiology of Menopause

As we inch into our late 40s and early 50s (sometimes earlier), our ovaries decide they’ve had enough and start slowing down. Less egg production means our hormones—especially estrogen and progesterone—start playing hard to get. This shift can bring on all sorts of symptoms, from hot flashes to mood swings, insomnia, and the oh-so-annoying weight gain.

The Stages: Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause

Here’s the breakdown:

Perimenopause: This is the warm-up act that starts in your late 40s. It can last for years, and your menstrual cycles might start doing the cha-cha—sometimes they show up, sometimes they don’t, and when they do, they might go all out. Get ready with the double pad action.

Menopause: Menopause is like your body deciding, “Okay, we’re done with the whole period thing.” You officially hit menopause when a whole year passes without any periods showing up (and it’s not because of some other health stuff or meds). Basically, your ovaries, which are like your body’s little egg factories, say, “We’re closing up shop,” and stop making most of the estrogen—a hormone that helped run the show before. No more eggs, no more periods. It’s like the ultimate “we’re outta here” moment for your ovaries!

Postmenopause: Once you’ve hit menopause, you’re officially in the post-menopause phase. The good news? Those pesky symptoms should start to ease up and eventually disappear. But heads up—you’re at a higher risk now for things like osteoporosis and heart disease, so it’s a good time to keep an eye on your health. You might want to start focusing more on managing symptoms with lifestyle changes like exercise including strength training, diet, supplementation and meditation. This will be your lifestyle til the end, not just for a month or two.

Knowing what’s happening with your body at each stage helps you take control, stay sane, and feel healthy through perimenopause, menopause and post menopause.

“Menopause is not a disease, but a natural transition in a woman’s life. With the right support and self-care, it can be a transformative experience.”

Common Symptoms and Their Impact

Buckle up, because menopause brings a rollercoaster of physical and cognitive changes. You might get hit with hot flashes, vaginal dryness, unexpected facial hair or the dreaded brain fog, making you wonder where you left your keys…for the third time today.

Physical Symptoms

Hot flashes? Oh, they’re real, and they don’t care if you’re in the middle of a meeting or trying to sleep. These sudden waves of heat can leave you sweating like you’ve just run a marathon. Vaginal dryness and painful sex? Yep, that’s a thing too, and it can put a damper on your love life. Throw in some achy joints, muscles, heart palpitations and headaches, and it’s a party.

Cognitive Changes

Then there’s the brain fog. Your memory might start playing tricks on you, and focusing on simple tasks can feel like climbing a mountain. These changes are all thanks to those lovely hormonal shifts.

Mental Health Challenges

Hormonal changes can mess with your mental health too. Mood swings, irritability, depression, and anxiety might become your new (unwanted) BFFs. If you’ve already dealt with mental health issues, menopause can dial those up to eleven.

But don’t worry, with the right strategies and support, you can keep your sanity intact and stay healthy through all these changes.

“The menopausal transition is a complex and multifaceted experience, but with the right understanding and approach, we can learn to thrive during this time of change.”

How to Stay Sane and Healthy During Perimenopause and Post Menopause

Menopause is a big change, but it doesn’t have to take you down. The key? Focusing on your health and well-being. By getting informed, finding support, and making some healthy lifestyle tweaks, you can totally handle this transition like a pro.

Here’s How:

• • Educate Yourself: Knowing the stages and changes of menopause gives you a roadmap for what to expect, making it easier to make informed decisions about your health.
  • Eat Right: Load up on foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and phytoestrogens to ease hot flashes and boost your overall health.
  • Exercise Regularly: Whether it’s walking, dancing, yoga, biking or lifting weights, staying active can help with weight management, mood, and sleep.
  • Explore Hormone Replacement Therapy, (HRT) if you have to: Chat with your healthcare provider to see if HRT might help balance your hormones. Just a side note – some research say HRT might be causing dementia. Just saying…
  • Practice Stress-Reducing Techniques: Meditation, deep breathing, or mindfulness can work wonders for navigating mood swings and mental health challenges.
  • Seek Support: Don’t go it alone! Lean on trusted friends, family, or join a women’s support group to share experiences and coping strategies.

Remember, every woman’s menopausal journey is unique, so be patient and kind to yourself as you navigate this transition. By staying informed, prioritizing self-care, and seeking professional guidance when needed, we can emerge from this phase of life feeling empowered and resilient.

“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” – Socrates

Differences in Menopausal Experiences

Menopause isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. It can be different for everyone, especially when you consider factors like ethnicity and race. For example, studies show that Black women tend to experience symptoms for about 3.5 years longer than White women… BUMMER, while Hispanic women often deal with more intense symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. On the flip side, Asian women usually have fewer symptoms or none at all.

Staying sane and healthy during menopause isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving. So, take a deep breath, arm yourself with knowledge, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’ve got this! For more interesting posts click here.

Source Links

• Menopause can be rough. Psychology is here to help – https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/09/easing-transition-into-menopause
• Menopause Timeline & How To Cope | Therapy For Women Center – https://therapyforwomencenter.com/2023/10/23/menopause-how-to-navigate-the-journey-and-stay-sane/
• Your Complete Guide to Menopause – https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause

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Disclaimer: The content provided in this post is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The information shared here is based on my personal experiences, research, and general knowledge and should not be construed as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.