071- Menopause: lessons and layering

If you are a guy, this may not interest you. But, hey, you might just learn something. Ladies, some of you have experienced the --superfun-- life phase called menopause. If you haven't experienced it, you will! There are a lot of parts to it; not everyone experiences everything. Due to my breast cancer being estrogen positive, I had my ovaries removed in 2019 so it was instant menopause for me. Let's have a little chat about this topic.

Hot Flashes: This is probably one of the most talked about (and joked about) features of menopause. Imagine you're sitting in a meeting, calmly discussing whatever topic is on the agenda, when suddenly—bam!—it feels like someone turned the thermostat up to 95. My hot flashes start in my face but someone else I talked to said theirs start in their belly area. The solution? Layers and a fan! Lots and lots of layers, and multi-speed fan! Dressing in layers is like having a thermostat you can control—one minute you’re adding a jacket, the next minute you can't get it off fast enough.

Sleep Disturbances: Remember those nights of relaxing, uninterrupted sleep? Yeah, well, say buh-bye to that. Between night sweats and restlessness, it can feel impossible to fall or stay asleep. This is the perfect excuse to indulge in all those cozy sleep aids you’ve always wanted to try. Lavender-scented pillow sprays, white noise machines, ocean sound apps, and ridiculously soft sheets you've heard about. One other thing that helps me immensely is a few deep breathing exercises. When sleep does grace you with its presence, it will feel like a little victory.

Emotional Roller Coaster: Emotional ups and downs anyone? Wild mood swings? If you've found yourself crying over a sweet puppy commercial one moment and then fuming over a minor inconvenience the next, welcome to the club! Menopause is like the teenage years making a comeback, complete with mood swings and all. But here's the silver lining: it's a great excuse to practice self-care. Take that bubble bath, eat that piece of chocolate, get a pedicure, or indulge in that cheesy rom-com. Your emotions might be a wild ride, but they’re also a reminder to take care of yourself.

Brain Fog: Ever walked into a room and completely forgotten why you're there? Welcome to the wonderful world of brain fog. This happens to me almost daily. (Helpful tip- go back to where you started to help you remember). Menopause can sometimes make you feel like your brain is playing hide-and-seek with your memory. But instead of getting frustrated, try to see the humor in it. Keep a sense of humor, write things down, and enjoy the unexpected detours. After all, those "why did I come in here?" moments can lead to some pretty interesting discoveries around the house!

Embracing the Journey : In the end, menopause is just another chapter in the story of your life. It's a phase filled with ups and downs, but also with moments of clarity, humor, and self-discovery. Laugh at the hot flashes, cherish the good nights of sleep, and celebrate the newfound wisdom that comes with this stage. Plus, menopause often ushers in a new sense of freedom and self-confidence. It’s a time when many women rediscover passions, take up new hobbies, and embrace life with a fresh perspective.

There are countless women out there experiencing the same wild ride, and together, we can navigate menopause with grace, humor, and maybe even a glass of wine (or two). Here’s to embracing menopause with a smile, a laugh, and a lot of love.