002- Perimenopause: Let's Start at the Beginning

Menopause can often feel like a solitary journey, a ship navigating through the mysterious and sometimes turbulent waters of change. 
But what if we could see it not just as a path to endure but as an opportunity for transformation and growth? 

In our latest podcast episode, we explore the various stages of menopause and the unique experiences that come with each. We also delve into the wonder that can be found in the ordinary, particularly in those quiet moments of the evening when the world settles down, and we can reflect on the magic that surrounds us.

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Disclaimer:  I am not a medical doctor. The information and recommendations provided during our coaching sessions are intended to support your overall health and wellness and are not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with your physician before making any changes to your medication, treatment plan, or if you have any concerns about your health. 

Transcript

Speaker 1 2:30

In this week's episode we're starting. Well. Let's start at the very beginning. A very good place to start. Quick name that movie, All right. So where do we truly begin?

Speaker 1 2:49

Well, there are actually three key stages to menopause, so let's start there. So, breaking them down to three stages, we have pre-menopause let's refer to this as the calm before the storm stage. In this stage, your periods are still regular, but behind the scenes, your body is slowly transitioning towards menopause, perimenopause, which is my forte, and this is where we're going to spend most of our time. We're going to call this the transition phase or, as I like to call it, puberty 2.0. And I'll share a little bit more on that in just a minute. But this is where things can get and start to get a little wild. Lasting anywhere from 5 to 10 years, perimenopause sees your periods become irregular and you might start experiencing those symptoms that we've talked about before hot flashes, mood swings, memory lapses, trouble with your sleep, brain fog. Wait, did you hear the frog? See if you can find it in the last episode. This typically starts perimenopause around mid-40s, but can vary between late 30s to early 50s. Let's go back to puberty 2.0 for a second.

Speaker 1 4:22

So about a year and a half ago, I started breaking out into really, really awful acne all in my chin area, and I tried everything I could over the counter, for you know, more than one or two times, like for a couple months at a time, switching between different things to see if something would make it better. And it would be like those deep cystic-like things, pimples that were. You couldn't see from the top initially, but they were so very painful. Well, long story short, I ended up going to a dermatologist thinking like what in the world? And she goes oh well, where it's located. It's hormonal and I'm like I don't understand, like I had breakouts as a teen, but I feel like this is like way worse and more in a defined area. So we tried some cream medication for the face and also a water pill which is supposed to help decrease the oil gland production, and it didn't really help that much. So I'm actually finishing up a six-month course of Accutane, and I'm not saying that's for everyone, but I am just saying that I finally have seen the light at the end of the tunnel for my face and I feel more confident in that area Now. Everything else is still going awry, but you know what I am very happy with the outcome of my phase.

Speaker 1 6:04

In regards to periods, my normal is 23-day cycle, which is kind of on the shorter end, but there's definitely been fluctuations between 17 and 29 days. And yes, I know I'm giving you some personal information, but I just want to tell you that I'm in this too, and you are not alone. Okay, moving on to that third stage menopause. This is the official end of what we call the reproductive years. So, after you've had 12 consecutive months without a period, you officially reach menopause. I think they need to give us like a certificate or something when this happens, like we need to celebrate or not, I don't know, but how about celebrating getting through the past two stages? All right, now it's important to remember that the three stages I listed above are just general guidelines.

Speaker 1 7:04

Every woman's experience through these stages are unique and different and not going to be exactly the same. So I want you to close your eyes for just a moment, but please not if you're driving Take a deep breath with me. Please not if you're driving, take a deep breath with me. We're in this together, okay? So now that we have a little bit of a better understanding of the stages, what about the symptoms.

Belief in Magic and Wonder

Speaker 1 7:36

Many of the symptoms that you might experience in perimenopause like the hot flashes, the dryness, air quoting down there, sleeping problems can actually intensify during menopause itself. However, there are things that you can do to manage these symptoms, starting now. That sets you up for greater success and empowerment throughout this transition. Number one lifestyle changes. Yes, I know it's easier said than done, but hear me out Exercising regularly, moving your body more intentional, eating a healthy diet, focusing on the foods that's gonna support our body through this transition, not the quick grabs of, you know, the chips in the bag, the candy. Actually being intentional in our eating and prioritizing healthy sleep habits. So these are the cornerstones of managing your systems, naturally, and I will be talking more about these in detail in the upcoming weeks.

Speaker 1 8:48

And number two talking to your doctor. Having an open and honest conversation with your doctor. One can give you that feeling of a weight lift just by talking about it, and two opens the door and creates a collaborative relationship between the two of you. Your doctor may discuss treatment options like hormone replacement therapy, but I won't be diving into that here. Just remember, though it's all about finding what works for you, all right. So here's my most important message I want to give to you today, and that's acceptance. Pre-menopause to perimenopause, to menopause is a natural part of life and it's nothing to be ashamed of. Embrace it as a chapter of change and growth to becoming a greater version of yourself, of change and growth to becoming a greater version of yourself. And the other key element is support. Talk to your friends, your family and healthcare professionals. The more we talk about perimenopause and menopause openly, the more empowered we'll feel as a whole and the more we can turn this conversation into a movement, a movement that can break down stigmas, share knowledge and advocate women transitioning through this phase of life.

Speaker 1 10:16

At the time of this recording, it is actually 9.30 at night ona school night. I just got my kids in bed and I am going to sit and relax with the husband for a little bit before I go and pass out, but I want to leave you with this affirmation the card I drew is magic. I believe in magic. I see evidence of it all the time and, though the tricks can probably be explained away by something sensible and ordinary, I'd rather not ruin the fun. Other people can fill their days with mere coincidence. I'll fill mine with holy crap. That's unbelievable.