Menopause is associated with words such as sleeplessness, hot flashes, mood swings, and more. It may also be associated with kids growing up and leaving home. For those in perimenopause (the period before menopause), individuals may still have kids at home, but may simultaneously be experiencing the same symptoms.
In my own life, I have noticed a massive difference between my 20s, 30s, and my late 40s and now 50s. You may reply, “So, what you’re saying, Irene, is that every decade has been different for the last 30+ years?” My response is simply, “Why, yes!”
I used to think a hot flash was just feeling hot for a moment in time. I used to run really cold, so to me a hot flash sounded like something warm and comforting, like a nice warm cup of soup on a rainy day. (Those who have experienced hot flashes are laughing right now.)
For me, a hot flash begins with a slight feeling of anxiety, and I know it’s about to happen. In a couple of seconds, my forehead will be drenched with sweat, and I feel like I have a blowtorch lighting up inside. I also feel like I have nasty little biting bugs (especially during the summer) biting my arms and legs.
I used to dress as if it were winter most of the time. I love winter clothes and winter wardrobes. Now, I layer: a tank top, a T-shirt, a sweater, and a jacket to complete the ensemble. Even on the coldest day, layering is a must.
On top of all that, I may or may not have stuck my head in a freezer just to cool down. I’m chuckling because some of you can identify someone you know who is going through the same season. The rest of you may not understand what I’m rambling on about.
The point is that menopause is a very real season of life. It affects everyone differently. According to an article by Vikram Talaulikar, every woman experiences menopause in a way that is unique to them. Their experience can even be influenced by ethnic, psychological, and sociocultural factors (Talaulikar, 2022).
Menopause doesn’t just affect women physically. On the mental-emotional side, there may be a reduced feeling of purpose, especially if kids have moved out of the home or are in the home but living their own separate lives. Many moms, after having centered their lives, waking and sleeping, eating, and work schedules around the family, may feel lost and forlorn. (On a side note, although a dad may not experience the previously mentioned physical symptoms, they can also experience a feeling of loss during this time.)
When this season came for me, if I was in the house by myself, I would feel lost. I was also beginning to battle a little depression as well. For someone who has battled postpartum depression, I knew I needed to do something. I didn’t want to go down that road again. I was already working out consistently and eating healthy. I already had a supportive network around me, and I have a strong faith base, so what’s a girl to do?
Here are a few things that I have learned along the way:
A) Be consistent with healthy habits – healthy nutrition and daily movement.
a. Fitness Nutrition – Food is an individual matter. Your personal fitness goals and daily movement patterns, as well as sensitivities, influence the best choices for each individual. This subject is deep and wide and requires a lot of discussion.
b. Movement – Working out is an important part of this season. Lean muscle is imperative, not just for menopause, but for overall health. Chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease also influence the way an individual should optimize their workout.
B) Make sure you have a supportive network of family or friends that you can turn to when you’re struggling. Don’t go it alone!
C) Focus on good sleep patterns. Be consistent in getting optimal sleep.
D) Be intentional with your mental health. If you’re feeling anxious or depressed, don’t keep it to yourself. Get help!
It took me a while to finish this article because there’s so much I would love to share about my journey, if it will help someone else. I would also love to share what we have seen to be effective in our gym. However, those conversations are more appropriate in a personal setting.
While I may joke about hot flashes, the journey itself is no joke. For any of you who are suffering, I want to encourage you that there is always HOPE!
Reference
Talaulikar, V. (2022). Menopause transition: Physiology and symptoms. Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 81, 3–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.03.003
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