Perimenopause
As human females we are all pretty much built in the same way with the same bits and pieces that make us female, but we have our own uniqueness in many ways. From our body shapes and hair colours to our values and beliefs to our ways of coping with life, we all have our own unique touch. Yet we can all come together and share and enjoy our unity as women.
Perimenopause is something nearly every woman undergoes, but it’s also one of those journeys in our life we all experience differently, whether that is on a physical level or a subjective level. It’s something we can and should talk about to share our experiences, to support each other, to listen, to understand, to provide camaraderie and community.
There some women sail through the perimenopause with barely a symptom and there are others who grapple with a range of challenges. The intensity, kind and duration of these symptoms can oscillate mainly due to our fluctuating hormones.
Factors affecting the Perimenopausal Experience:
Let’s delve into a few things that can contribute to making our transition different to others:
Genetics: Our genes play a pivotal role in how our body reacts to changes, including hormonal ones.
Environment: Where and how we live can have a considerable influence.
Culture: Cultural attitudes towards ageing, womanhood and health can influence one’s experience and outlook.
Previous use of birth control: The hormonal impact of birth control can have lingering effects.
Historical trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences: It has been shown that past traumas can have long-term health implications and might affect one’s menopause journey.
Stress: Chronic stress can make symptoms worse.
Other Medical Conditions: Existing health issues such as thyroid disorders or diabetes can influence perimenopausal symptoms. They can either make the symptoms worse, or just make them more challenging to manage.
Medications: Some medications can affect hormonal balance or have side effects that mimic perimenopausal symptoms
Surgical History: Women who’ve had surgeries, especially those related to their reproductive organs may experience a different menopause transition.
Body Weight: Body weight can influence hormone production and metabolism, which can, in turn, affect perimenopausal symptoms.
Tobacco and Caffeine Intake: Smoking is known to potentially induce menopause at an earlier age and can exacerbate some symptoms. Similarly, excessive caffeine might aggravate certain symptoms for some women
Support Systems: Having a strong support system be it through partner, family, friends or community can make a big difference on how one gets through the transition. Being able to talk to someone is very important.
Mental Health: Exisiting mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety can overlap with with perimenopausal symptoms, affecting both their intensity and how one copes with them.
Socioeconomic factors: Whether one has access to healthcare and information can play a big role. Women in lower socioeconomic brackets may have an entirely different experience due to little access to treatments and support.
Here’s a good one:
Education and Awareness: Being informed and having a proactive approach to managing your symptoms can make a big difference.
Conversely, myths and misconceptions can cause a world of angst. Be careful where you find your information.
Conclusion
As we manage our way through this path of hormones and life experiences, it's essential to remember that what each woman goes through is valid and unique. While we might not all walk the same path, understanding and support can bridge the gaps. By sharing our stories, offering advice based on personal experiences, and simply listening, we can create a community where no one feels isolated. After all, perimenopause is just one chapter in our lives, leading to the next chapter of womanhood filled with wisdom, perhaps a new-found freedom from certain responsibilities, caring less about what people say or do and more time for self-care, relaxation and having fun.
If you’re currently navigating menopause, or feeling there maybe ways to manage the post-menopause phase (ie the rest of your life) in terms of nutrition, exercise, bone health etc you are not alone please do not hesitate to reach out to me, or personalised guidance and support. Let's embrace this chapter together.
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