Today, let’s dive into a topic that many of us have heard about but might not fully understand: menopause. Don’t worry; we’ve got your back! So let’s talk about those hormonal changes and the oh-so-fun symptoms that come with them, such as hot flashes, trouble sleeping, fatigue, or vaginal atrophy.

Now, picture this: once you reach puberty, your body is like a bustling hormonal factory, producing estrogen and progesterone-like nobody’s business. But as you enter the magical realm of menopause, the production line starts to slow down. It’s like those hormones are taking a vacation, leaving you to navigate this new hormonal landscape alone. The signs of perimenopause vary greatly. Many women experience unpredictable periods, weight gain, more belly fat, hot flashes, chronic fatigue, mood swings, or cold sweats at night. Talk about an adventure, right? 

The age when women start their perimenopause (the time before their final period) and when they reach menopause (once you haven’t had your period for 12 months) varies greatly. Perimenopause usually happens in your forties or fifties, but everyone’s journey is unique, so don’t fret if your experience is a little different.
And if you experience some symptoms post- menopause: That’s also normal. Just because you haven’t had your period for 12 months doesn’t mean all your hormones are done working, they’re just not that much in sync anymore.

Weight gain, chronic fatigue, hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. It’s like our bodies are throwing a wild party without an invitation. But fear not, we’ve got some tricks up our sleeves to tackle these symptoms.

The mysterious weight gain seems to sneak up on a majority of women during this phase. It’s like the metabolism decided to go on vacation and left you with a few extra kilos as a souvenir. It’s a common part of the journey, and your body is just adjusting to the new hormonal landscape. Focus on nourishing yourself with healthy, whole foods, stay active in ways that bring you joy, and remember that your worth isn’t determined by a number on a scale. Monitoring your blood sugar can help you understand what foods will keep your glucose levels balanced, without adding extra weight. 

Fluctuating hormones during perimenopause can affect your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar effectively, leaving you feeling drained and exhausted.  

You wake up in the morning, and it seems like someone stole all your energy. Or you may have difficulty keeping your eyes open during the afternoon. It doesn’t have to be that way. By choosing balanced meals and snacks that include a mix of complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats, you can stabilize your blood sugar levels and say goodbye to those energy crashes. So, load up on whole grains, fruits, and veggies and pair them with some lean protein. Staying hydrated will also help.

And hey, if you need an extra boost, reach for some nuts or a piece of dark chocolate for a tasty and energizing treat. Remember, you’re in control of your health, and by monitoring your blood sugar, you’re giving yourself the gift of sustained energy during this incredible journey of menopause.

Picture this: you’re casually sipping your coffee, feeling fabulous, and suddenly your body transforms into a furnace. It’s like someone turned up the heat to the max, and you’re left wondering if you accidentally stepped into a sauna. The key here is to stay cool (literally and figuratively). Dress in breathable fabrics, and layers, avoid spicy foods, and some women even swear by a mini handheld fan in their purses. Stress can intensify hot flashes, so keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels to understand your triggers.

You’re laughing one minute, and the next, you’re crying over a cute kitten video. Emotions on a roller coaster ride, similar to your blood sugar?

Our advice: Feel the feels, but don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s okay if you’re carving chocolate when you’re feeling down, but remember to cover it with some protein or go for a walk after to balance your blood sugar. Remember, you have control over your blood sugar and how you feel at least a little bit.  

Sleep disturbances such as night sweats, insomnia, or restless sleep are the last thing on our list many women experience in their menopausal transition. And while it was easy for your younger self to feel energized after 4 hours of sleep, it’s not that great in your forties or fifties. But it wouldn’t be us if we didn’t have advice for you on you you can find some more sleep again.
Establish your own relaxing bedtime routine by drinking some chamomile tea (because we can all improve our hydration game), writing down the thoughts that might bother you before bedtime, opening the windows for some fresh air to lower the room temperature, and avoiding heavy meals within 3 hours before bedtime. 

We’ve covered some of the most common symptoms, but keep in mind that every woman’s experience is different. Some may sail through the menopausal transition with minimal disruptions, while others may face additional challenges. It’s essential to listen to your body and seek support from your healthcare provider if needed. They can offer guidance tailored to your specific needs and help you navigate this exciting new chapter. Some may recommend menopausal supplements such as monk pepper or hormonal combinations to reduce the intensity of the symptoms. 

Remember, what happens in the body during menopause is one thing. But what we think and how we see things also significantly influences how we experience menopause and therefore how we feel. If you stay curious and know what’s happening in your body, what’s coming up, and what you can do to feel better, you’ve already taken the first important step.

Because from now on, nobody knows you better than you.