Menopause. Just reading the word can make some women cringe. It’s one of the last remaining taboo transitions we don’t talk enough about. Periods? We’ve finally opened up. Pregnancy? Practically a group sport. But menopause? That still gets swept under the rug with a half-whispered, “she’s going through change.”
Real talk: menopause is messy, lonely and surprising. It can even be hilarious in a “you have to laugh or you’ll lose your mind” kind of way. Here’s the untold truth about what it really feels like — and how to navigate the realities of menopause without losing yourself.
The Menopause Ambush
The most frustrating part about the hush-hush nature of this topic? Nobody tells you it might show up early. You expect menopause to come knocking in your 50s like a polite but unwanted guest. But for some, like women dealing with endometriosis or other health issues, it crashes the party in their 40s — or even earlier. Surprise! You’re now on the express train to hot flash city, no stops.
You might start to feel like a stranger in your own skin. One day you’re fine, and the next? You’re standing in the produce aisle sweating through your shirt, raging over cucumbers and wondering if you’re losing your mind.
The Loneliness of It All
Here’s the kicker about menopause symptoms: they’re not always visible or relatable. You can commiserate with your gal pals about killer cramps and period woes, but hot flashes, water retention, feeling like a stranger in your own skin or gaining 40 pounds you didn’t sign up for? You’re flying solo, sister.
Let’s Talk Menopause Symptoms
Hot flashes and night sweats are the most looming menopause symptoms. And while those are real, the menu also includes:
- Brain fog so thick you forget your own ZIP code.
- Mood swings that make puberty look like a picnic.
- Weight gain that defies your calorie-counting logic.
- Sleep disturbances that leave you zombie-walking through your day.
- Vaginal dryness, low libido and a general “meh” feeling about everything.
While some days you might find yourself in a meeting feeling ready to cry over a PowerPoint presentation, it’s important to also put menopause into perspective: with aging and life experience comes wisdom, confidence and peace, too. It might help to remember that this experience is a natural part of life. You’re one of many women across the world and through time that has been through this. You’re truly not alone.
So, How Do You Deal With Menopause?
Truthfully, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to those pesky menopause symptoms. But there are ways to survive — and even thrive — during this hormonal upheaval. Here’s the real-world, tried-and-true advice from women who’ve been through it:
- Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. It may sound woo-woo, but sticking some needles in and drinking earthy, bitter teas has helped more women than you think. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce hot flashes and improve mood, and certain herbs (think black cohosh, red clover and evening primrose oil) may ease symptoms naturally. Always check with your health care provider before diving in, but don’t dismiss it outright.
- Lymphatic Drainage Massage. Swollen? Puffy? Retaining enough water to fill a kiddie pool? This gentle massage technique can help reduce inflammation and water retention, leaving you feeling less like a bloated balloon and more like yourself again.
- Get Serious About Diet. Sugar and processed carbs are, unfortunately, not your friends right now. Try cutting back on foods that cause inflammation or blood sugar spikes. Focus on whole, nutrient-dense options that support hormone balance. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about giving your body the fuel it needs to feel balanced.
- Sleep (Or Something Like It). Good sleep during menopause can feel like an uphill battle sometimes, but not all hope is lost. Keep your room cool. Cut out screen time before bed. Try magnesium or melatonin if it’s safe for you.
- Talk About It. Seriously. Start the conversation. With your partner, your friends or your coworkers. Normalize menopause the same way we’ve normalized talking about cramps, hormones and pregnancy. The more we talk, the less isolated we feel — and the more likely we are to find the humor in it all.
Embrace the Chaos (And Yourself)
Menopause is not a punishment. It’s not the end of anything. It’s a transformation (albeit a sweaty, moody, bloated one at times). This lifestyle shift can be a time of deep growth. You learn to listen to your body. To put your needs first. You stop caring what other people think and start caring about how you feel.
And somewhere in the midst of the madness, you find moments of power. You meet women who remind you you’re not alone. You realize that to experience menopause means you’ve lived — and that itself is a gift.
So yes, menopause can have its challenges. But it can also liberate you. And when you’re in-tune with who you are, there’s truly nothing that can stop you.
