I was reading a post and the author encouraged the woman to share their experiences of menopause. Endless signs and symptoms were recorded by countless woman who were peri and post menopausal. Symptoms as obscure as not being comfortable driving at night, itchiness and ringing in the ears to the common feelings of the gloomies, anxiety, and loss of libido. Many comments were written by women describing their confusion about what was happening to their bodies and the frustration that followed when they tried to find solutions. Why do so many women experience such different ailments or inflictions? After all, isn't this just about loss of estrogen?
Your menopause symptoms aren't related to one specific issue. It took 40-50 years to get to this point. By the time a woman reaches mid-life, she has probably been on birth control, taken medications, had surgery, disrupted her microbiome, used endocrine disruptors such as plastics, perfumes and detergents, gone through periods of intense stress, had sleepness nights, consumed too much sugar, caffeine and alcohol, all of this altered her chemistry along the way. Hormones are produced by glands like the thyroid, adrenal, pancreas, pituitary, ovaries and hypothalamus, to name a few. These glands work together, in systems or teams, to keep us alive. As we enter our 40's, some of the team members start thinking about retirement and delegating the responsibility to other glands. This is when the marathon begins.
We all have a weak link, an area in your life that needs to be addressed first because it is putting extra stress on other areas or systems. For some women, it is the musculoskeletal system showing up as pain and achy joints. Maybe you've never been a great sleeper and menopause made it worse. Or you've been a bit of a worrier and now you're experiencing debilitating anxiety. Now is the time to put yourself first. In order to do that, you have to decide where to start. Our physical body needs optimal nutrition, movement, sleep, lifestyle correction and good gut health. Our psychological health craves knowledge, meditation, spirituality and meaning. We also need community and a sense of belonging. Now is also the time to evaluate your environment and how your career and home life are working for you. It's time.
It's time to switch the focus from estrogen to oxytocin. It's time to say good-bye to the Rushing Woman and get your cortisol under control. It's time to cut down on sugar and balance insulin levels. It's time we changed our belief that life as we know it is over and embrace the fact that there is a life buried inside you that is waiting to come out. Develop new routines and habits. Stop doing the things that no longer serve you or don't enhance your health. Throw the kitchen sink at it! There will always be life, stress, death, anxiety, missed opportunities. Breathe, do yoga, ride your bike, learn to dance, meet some friends, talk, chant, meditate, research HRT. It's time to find joy, meaning and connection. Start doing the things that will ultimately make your body and your life the best place for you to exist.
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