Navigating Menopause and Life’s Stresses: My Personal Journey
At almost 47, I feel incredibly blessed. I’ve shared over 20 years with my husband, raised two amazing, smart, sweet, and occasionally defiant kids who are my daily motivation, and I’m running a business that gives me a real sense of purpose.
But let’s be real—life isn’t always easy. All these blessings come with their share of stress. And this year, I reached another milestone: menopause. I’ve hit the one-year mark without a period, which is a normal and inevitable part of every woman’s life, but also a humbling experience. No matter how fit, healthy, or determined you are, menopause can be a challenging stage of life. And with my kids nearing their teenage years, the hormonal chaos in our household is at an all-time high!
To say my stress levels have increased this past year is an understatement. As I’ve said many times before, stress can wreak havoc on your health.
So why am I sharing this with you? Because I know I’m not alone in this.
I’m fortunate to have a great doctor, so I’ve been diligent about keeping up with my health check-ups. After weighing all my options, I started Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), but had to stop because my body didn’t respond well. Now, I’m waiting for my next appointment to figure out the best plan of action.
Menopause isn’t a disease, but the symptoms can affect nearly every aspect of our lives, including our physical and mental health.
But should we just give up? Absolutely not!
There’s a lot we can’t control, but there’s also a lot we can do to stay strong and healthy during menopause and beyond.
Here’s what I recommend to any woman going through this:
Stay on Top of Your Health: Keep up with regular check-ups, track your menstrual cycles and symptoms, ask questions, and weigh your options. Your doctor may suggest eating healthier and exercising, but what does that really mean? Google can be overwhelming and contradictory, so it’s important to find reliable sources of information.
Focus on Nutrition: I’m not talking about trendy diets or cutting out carbs. Instead, I’m focusing on getting enough lean protein (we need more as we age), complex carbs (hello, fibre!), healthy fats, and as many fruits and vegetables as I can.
Exercise Regularly: A balanced exercise program that includes resistance training, flexibility, stretching, and enough recovery time is essential. Not only does it keep your bones and muscles strong, but it also has a hugely positive impact on your mood.
Prioritize Sleep: This one can be tricky, but if there’s one thing that needs immediate attention, it’s sleep. Good quality sleep is crucial for overall health.
Manage Stress Effectively: A day at the spa won’t cut it! We need strategies to support our nervous system and shift from ‘fight or flight’ mode to ‘rest and digest.’ For me, journaling, spending time outdoors, and regular exercise have been lifesavers. Truly connecting with others—beyond social media—has also been incredibly helpful.
Finally, during these challenging times, be gentle with yourself. Make time for things that bring you joy and do them often.