Last month, the world observed two significant events: Menopause Awareness Month and World Mental Health Awareness Month. Notably, October 18th marked the 25th anniversary of World Menopause Day. WahWoman! would like to take the opportunity to spread more awareness about the same.
Sarah, Rachana, and Maria, three strong women who, against the struggle of embarrassment, dared to share their personal experiences.
When I got mixed notifications from my body, that day was really weird for me,” says Sarah, 45. “I thought I was going to go out of control.” Brain fogs, hot flashes, night sweats, and drastic mood swings messed up her once prospering marketing career.
Sarah remembers a meeting in which she seemed to spontaneously combust. “It felt like my hormones were playing a cruel game with her.”
“I barely recognized myself,” Rachana, 42, said. I thought I was going crazy The panic attacks, missed periods, plus forgetfulness along with self-respect were taking a toll on her teaching.
“Sometimes I would mess up and forget my students’ names or I would completely forget I had a lesson plan to do,” Rachana says. “It felt like all the fog had settled down in my brain.”
“I felt like this was going on without my consent,” said Maria, 48. Vaginal dryness, diminished libido, and sleeplessness constrained her very intimacy.
“I felt like I was losing my sense of self,” Maria confides. “It felt like my body was betraying me”
Even though they all come from different backgrounds, one thing that binds them together is ¹PERI MENOPAUSE.
What Is Perimenopause?
We all have heard about perimenopause-it is a confusing and stigmatized transition between the ages of 35-55 probably-2-10 years before menopause, with many millions of cases worldwide.
🔴Hormonal Changes
There are highly varying hormonal levels at the perimenopause:
⭕Estrogen: Drops by 50-70%, thereby resulting in hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings.
⭕Progesterone: Suppressed, resulting in irregular vaginal bleeding and sleep problems.
⭕Decreased testosterone: With libido and energy mounted.
🔴 Psychological Impact
Along with physical and emotional impact women may experience other psychological issues….As mental well-being profoundly undergoes changes during the perimenopausal period.
⭕ Anxiety and depression
⭕ Loss of identity and self-esteem
⭕ Diminished cognitive function and impaired memory
⭕ Instability of mood and lacking emotional control
🔴Common Symptoms:
Here are most common symptoms out of 70 described so far:
⭕ Sporadic periods
⭕ Flashes of heat
⭕ Nocturnal sweats
⭕ Mood changes
⭕ Sleep disorders
⭕ Frozen shoulder
⭕ Low libido
🔴 Reclaiming Self-Control:
To engage through those crucial years in what follows, we recommend the following changes in lifestyle.:
🔴 Lifestyle Changes:
✅ There should be a healthy look at omega-3s, calcium, and vitamin D.
✅ Regular exercise (yoga, walking, swimming)along with strength training.
✅ Stress management (meditation, deep breathing).
Hygiene.
🔴 Medical Options:
✅ Consult your gynecologist about Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and Non HRT medications.
✅ Consulting alternative therapy like Ayurvedic/Homeopathic medical practitioners can also help out.
🔴The Power of Community
Perimenopause may be a challenging journey, but with support, education, and self-care, you can thrive.
“Sharing my story helped me realize I wasn’t alone,” Sarah says.
“Connecting with others who understand what I’m going through has been lifesaving,” Rachana adds.
Maria nods in agreement. “It’s time to break the silence and empower each other.”
“Menopause: ME (K)no(W)
pause = Me No pause”
is more than just an equation!
It acknowledges the transformative power of menopause, where a woman’s body and mind evolve.
This journey is about self-discovery (“know”) and embracing change, not just a pause in reproductive life.
The equation suggests that life doesn’t stop; it evolves, and women continue to grow.
Let Menopause become a catalyst for renewal, not decline, by embracing this transformation, women can break free and thrive.
Do join the conversation
Share your story. Let’s break this silence!
Author, Deepti Joshi,
Founder of Brain Matters and Blossom & Bloom Center, Pune With Brain Matters, she has helped thousands of parents achieve transformative results for their children by addressing the intricate relationships between diet, environment, thoughts, and emotions.
And with Blossom & Bloom Center I work with Women struggling with getting pregnant and those who are in the Peri menopausal phase.
