“Menopause: When Change Takes Flight 🦩”

Hello dear readers

Fuck, I never thought I'd write about this!

Because there's quite a bit going on in our female bodies and brains, I wanted to share this. No, I'm not participating in the hype—because it isn't a hype!

Two years ago, I was traveling for seven months. I found it strange that my monthly cycle (female cycle) wasn't quite right anymore. During that trip, I did nothing but exercise (walking). By moving from country to country, I thought my body needed to acclimate to the time zones... until I got home and went back to work.

Pfffff, as a woman, you don't know what's happening! It's like you're suddenly someone else.

But just this: what exactly are premenopause and menopause?

Perimenopause is the phase in which your body is already undergoing significant changes, even though you're often still menstruating. Hormones begin to fluctuate, sometimes years in advance. Your cycle changes, your emotions are all over the place, and you often don't recognize yourself anymore. It's a kind of in-between phase: you sense something's wrong, but you can't quite put your finger on it.

Menopause itself isn't a long period, but a single moment: when you haven't had a period for twelve months. What most women call "menopause" is actually everything surrounding it, the process in which your body learns to live with permanently lower hormone levels. And that process can be challenging, both physically and mentally.

And then you suddenly realize it: you are someone else.

Someone you really don't want to be.

Your body changes, you gain weight, you don't feel good about yourself, no one looks up to you anymore, they suddenly call you "ma'am," you're exhausted, you have no energy for anything, you could cry from unhappiness at times, everything feels heavy, you're less sociable, you have little desire,  you feel foggy and low on energy, you feel depressed, you can barely tolerate anything, you have (serious) mood swings, hot flashes come out of nowhere, and your muscles? They’re happily joining in with their own little concert.

It’s clear that this has a huge impact on your life.

Ladies, of course, not every woman experiences the same thing! Hopefully, you won’t go through this—or it won’t affect you as much.

My biggest example was a friend who was one of the first to struggle with it.

Sadly, there was little understanding for her at the time, and I feel incredibly guilty about that. Now I'm going through the same thing. If you're not in it, you have absolutely no idea how much of an impact it has on your daily life.

Thankfully, there has been more awareness in recent years—and that’s a good thing!

Woman to woman: yes, we need each other!

Honestly, it should be a phase in our lives where women don't have to work. The whole process drains your energy, and you often have no idea what’s happening to you.

Trust me it's not a gift!

But the message is: don't give up.

We women are strong, and together we carry more. By being open and sharing, what feels heavy becomes a little lighter.

Come on, don't give up now! You'll get through this too!

I visited a doctor (endocrinologist) specializing in menopause. She prescribed progesterone capsules and estrogen cream. It felt like a miracle cure, I saw immediate results. All the symptoms were gone within half a day. I felt like myself again.

But at some point, it stopped working. Had I given up too soon? Was it out of balance? Did my body needed something different? I didn't continue the followed-up with the doctor.

It might very well help you. Choose what works for you and what feels right.

In any case, staying indoors and doing nothing won't help.

Although I must admit it was a long search.

Give yourself time, listen and feel.

If you need rest, then take it!

Take time to accept this.

If you find yourself in a gray area, try to pull yourself out: go outside, commit to something, talk about it- you don’t have to carry this alone…

You’ll notice how much it lifts your spirits.

And if I can recommend one thing based on my experience: move, move, move!

What helps me is to practice (power) yoga daily, on top of my weekly routine: Pilates once a week and jogging three times a week.

That extra yoga brings me peace, gives me energy and strength to be social, and most importantly: I no longer feel depressed.

And hey, it also helps my libido.

“Producing endorphins on all levels, right?!”

Above all, do what suits you.

So, dear ladies, please give yourselves the chance to adapt to the changes happening inside your body. Keep searching, don't give up, and stick with what you love and what energizes you.

Who were you before- remember?

There's a comeback.

That woman is coming back stronger than ever.

Love & kisses, Helena 💖🦩