“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 is 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 just 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 with unhappiness at times, everything feels heavy, you're less sociable, you have little desire,  you have a fog of energy, you feel depressed, you can barely tolerate anything, you have (serious) mood swings, sweat attack incoming, and your muscles? They’re happily joining in with their own little concert.

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

Ladies, of course, not every woman experiences the same thing! Hopefully, you won't experience this, or it won't bother you!

My great example was a friend who was 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's been a bit more attention to it in recent years! Thanks a bunch!

Woman to woman: yes, we need each other!

Honestly, it should be a phase in our lives where women no longer have to work. The whole thing drains all your energy, and besides, you have no idea what's going on with yourself.

Trust me it's not a gift!

But: the message is not to 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 was 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? Should I be using more sunscreen? Was it out of balance? My body needed something different. I no longer followed up with the doctor.

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

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

Although I must admit it was a long search.

Give yourself time, listen and feel...

If you need rest, then so be it!

Take time to accept this.

If you find yourself in the gray area, you have to pull yourself out: come out, commit yourself, talk about it - you don’t have to carry this alone…

You’ll notice just 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 of 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 me to make love a lot.

“Producing endorphins on all levels, right?!”

Above all, do what suits you?!

So, dear ladies, please give yourselves the chance to get used to the renovations happening inside your body. Seek, 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 💖🦩