Navigating Menopause: My Journey and What Helped Me Thrive

My journey through menopause began 11 years ago, at age 44. At the time, it felt surprisingly early, and I noticed profound changes in my body, mind, and emotions. Today, I want to share my experience and the strategies I’ve embraced to regain vibrancy and balance in my life.

The Physical Changes

The most immediate and obvious change was the end of my menstrual cycle—it simply stopped from one month to the next. At first, I thought I might be pregnant, but I soon realized I was entering menopause. Alongside this, I experienced:

• Hot flashes: These came in waves, sometimes multiple times an hour, leaving me uncomfortable.
• Fatigue and weight changes: I felt increasingly tired, even without major changes to my diet or routine. I noticed weight gain and muscle loss, which were new challenges for me.

The Emotional and Mental Impact

Menopause brought unexpected emotional shifts, including mood swings and heightened reactivity, despite years of self-awareness and emotional management. I also experienced:

• Brain fog: Lack of clarity, focus, and memory lapses became part of my daily life.
• Loss of creativity: I felt uninspired and stuck in a rut, which added to a general sense of dissatisfaction.

There was also a sense of grief—mourning the end of a phase of life and the closing of certain possibilities, like having children. It was a time of deep reflection and adjustment as well as a time of acceptance.

What Helped Me Reclaim Balance

Through trial and error, I discovered a variety of approaches that supported my well-being during menopause. Here’s what worked for me:

1. Seeking Professional Guidance
I consulted my doctor, gynecologist, and a homeopathic practitioner. While I initially opted against hormone replacement therapy, I found significant relief from hot flashes and mood swings with homeopathy. I have now decided to use HRT to help manage other physical symptoms.

2. Embracing Movement
I wanted to enjoy moving my body again, so I sought out activities that felt delightful:

• Aquafit classes: My first class was a revelation—it felt amazing to be in the water.
• Swimming lessons: I learned new strokes and found joy in regular lap swimming.
• Mindful walking & hiking
• Seasonal activities: Winter brought snowshoeing and cross-country skiing with my husband, while mindful walking and yoga became year-round staples.

3. Mindfulness and Yoga
Practices like mindful walking, where I focused on my senses rather than distractions, and yoga helped reconnect my mind and body. I also began meditating regularly, using resources like the Insight Timer app.

4. Learning and Creativity
Exploring new skills kept my mind engaged and stimulated:

• I took pottery and Italian lessons.
• I pursued professional training in sophrology, a mind-body technique combining somatic movement, breathwork, and guided meditation.

5. Social Connections
Maintaining and nurturing relationships became a priority. Despite living in a tiny village of just 40 people, I found joy in local social activities like Scrabble nights, group meals, and even storytelling events. These connections brought energy, support, and a sense of belonging.

Share Your Journey
Menopause is a unique experience for everyone, and I’d love to hear your story. Have you faced similar changes? What strategies have helped you? Let me know in the comments below!

If you’re looking for ways to boost your mood and energy during this transition, I’ve created a plan that might help—check out the Midlife Radiance Guidebook below!