Some Red-Hot Truths (drenched in sweat)
This perimenopause gig is hard bloody work. I thought I was nearly in menopause, five months free of menstruation and I was looking at the technical transition to menopause (one year without your period) but on my recent 54th birthday I got an unexpected gift, and the clock starts again. I may end up being the oldest woman to ever go into menopause ever. (OK slightly dramatic but you get my drift).
My mind had already switched into the next phase, my body clearly wasn’t listening. There are lots of advantages to not being in menopause yet. It’s also nature’s way of saying you could still have a child (can you imagine?). It’s just this transition time is when the symptoms escalate and while I’ve had a pretty good journey so far (supported by HRT and natural supplements) – this last six months has been difficult. The symptoms are escalating. The hot flushes are visiting multiple times a day, my energy reserves are low (for me), my sleep is easily disturbed and the period that I did get was horrific. I also have a frozen shoulder (who knew that was a side effect of the transition) and I’m fighting the belly fat that seems synonymous with this time.
The worst symptom for me is the drenching when I work out. I did a weights class on Saturday morning and soaked through three towels as well as my underwear and gym wear. I drenched the seat driving home. I routinely change my pjs at night now as they are sweated through. Straightening my hair is an effort in futility and I have absolutely no capacity for bullshit. Grumpy old woman anyone?
My authenticity, which I wear like a badge since my SHINE metamorphous is now neon bright. I am still kind, and I care about people, and I put everything through my values and purpose lens – but I won’t tolerate or accept anything less than that from others. My circle is tightly woven around me (I could not be more grateful for my tribe) and have been amazing. I love having people who are comfortable enough to tell me the truth, to love me despite my flaws and work with me to be better versions of ourselves.
While difficult, the transition by its very nature forces the superfluous to rise to the surface and be washed away. It is like a force blowing out all the rubbish and leaving you with a strong, clean space in which to rebuild yourself. I have found this transition both challenging and liberating (and bloody long). Supporting each other through this transition is the most important thing we can do. Whether it’s our friends, our family or through coaching – let’s talk about it. We can’t avoid the menopause transition and education, as well as support is the key to managing it and using it to our advantage.
Our SHINE courses are specifically designed to support woman through this transition period. I’m delighted that we have just sold out the course starting on October 11, but a further course commencing on October 28 will open today. If you need individual support, coaching sessions are available and can be booked on the website www.donnagroves.com.au
