Embracing the hot flushes: My menopause journey with humor and honesty
Menopause. It’s a word that many of us don’t speak of openly—at least, not with the enthusiasm it deserves! So here’s my goal today: to destigmatize the "M-word" and share my journey, which is still very much ongoing. Because if we can’t laugh about waking up drenched in sweat, forgetting where you left your keys or crying for no particular reason, can we even call it menopause?
Waking up to a new reality
One day, I woke up, looked in the mirror, and realized that the 43kg I once weighed had magically doubled (okay, maybe not doubled, but it felt like it). My joints were achy, my hair seemed to be departing my head to land mysteriously all over the house, and my once-favorite foods were suddenly staging a protest in the form of reflux and bloating. Let’s not even talk about the “waist bangle” that made itself comfortable around my midsection. It’s like a 24/7 fanny pack I didn’t ask for.
Navigating menopause naturally
At first, I thought I’d just power through it. I even tried HRT as a last resort it did not work for me. I didn’t want to rely on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or synthetic fixes, so I embarked on a journey to see what natural changes I could make to feel amazing again (or at least human).
The "what happens if I don’t eat that?" phase
Experimenting with my diet became a second job. Cutting out foods one by one was like playing detective but with less suspense and more tums. For example, spicy food was quickly out, which, let's be honest, was a real heartbreaker. But as I added more protein and tried different anti-inflammatory foods, I started to feel… not amazing, but less like I’d been run over by a bus. And for menopause, that’s practically a victory parade.
Hitting the gym (and not just the "walking to the kitchen" kind)
Exercise! It turns out this wasn’t just a cruel suggestion people make. I began hitting the gym, and while the weight didn’t exactly fly off, I felt stronger, more energized, and yes, slightly less moody. The combination of movement and strength-building was like a little gift to my mental health. I still roll my eyes when it comes to lunges or squats from time to time, but the endorphin boost is real. Try whatever exercises works for you to keep your body moving and your cortisol levels down.
Seeking professional guidance: Yes, it’s worth it
Navigating these changes solo can be daunting, so I finally sought professional advice. We’re all unique in how we experience menopause, so having a doctor or nutritionist or personal trainer who understand what you need can be invaluable. Whether it’s through HRT or another method, it’s important to find what suits you. And if your doctor tries to give you generic advice, remind them that no two hot flashes are alike.
Finding comfort and confidence again
The journey hasn’t exactly ended (spoiler: it’s probably a lifelong thing), but I’m more in tune with my body now. I’m setting realistic goals for myself—ones that prioritize my well-being, not just the numbers on the scale. Menopause doesn’t have to feel like a burden or something we hide. The more we share our experiences, the more we can make each other laugh, support one another, and find comfort in knowing we’re not alone.
Embracing my menopause journey with curiosity, compassion for myself and my family who have to put up with it!
If you’re on this path, know that there’s no right or wrong way to go through menopause. Embrace what works for you, even if that’s a daily pep talk before the mirror or trying that Zumba class that you were once convinced was a dance-based nightmare. It’s a roller coaster, but with humor and compassion, we can make this journey feel a little less isolating.
So here’s to us—the bold, the sweaty, the sleepless, and the powerful. Menopause is just one more chapter in our lives, and we’re writing it with all the curiosity and resilience we’ve got.
With empathy, encouragement, and a whole lot of humor. Tersia Woodenberg (SoulCheck)
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only
Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider, mental health professional, or another relevant professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical or psychological condition. The website and author do not endorse or recommend any specific products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned in the blog. Reliance on any information provided by this blog is solely at your own risk.
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