Menopause affects everyone differently, but God has a blueprint for getting through it and you don’t have to suffer symptoms in silence

Picture this; you head into an airconditioned meeting room with beads of sweat running down your forehead, not to talk of your makeup going all over the place and everyone fussing wondering if you’re, ok? Or you are presenting at a very important proposal meeting and suddenly your mind goes blank, you can’t remember a thing, nada. Or you have to ditch your beloved lattes and cappuccinos because your tummy just can’t tolerate them anymore.

This was me some years ago, at the height of my perimenopause and my symptoms. Perhaps some of you can relate? As we hit midlife, which is anything over 40 (official definition) we know the havoc the loss of our hormones can wreak on our lives and I am aware of the many symptoms midlife women experience, me included. It’s said there are approximately 35 symptoms in total.

Despite the horror stories you may have heard, or perhaps you’ve had troublesome symptoms yourself. I am also here to tell you that midlife can be amazing. At least that has been my experience. This is the Vibrant Midlife perspective on menopause.

Women don’t feel you need to just soldier on and endure unbearable symptoms in silence, help is available.

In terms of mindset, my starting point always is this verse “Dear Friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” 3 John1:2 NIV.

My default position is, it is God’s intention that I am healthy and well in body, mind, and spirit. This informs how I approach my menopause and cope with my symptoms. I always try to maintain a positive mindset, outlook, and seek out solutions

Some of my symptoms have been:

• Poor sleep - With sleep, I use this verse often: “I will lie down, and my sleep will be sweet” Proverbs 3:24 NIV (paraphrased) as well as lavender oil & lavender pouches. I try to maintain a good sleep routine, keep my bedroom cool and use a summer duvet all year round to avoid disrupted sleep due to being too warm & night sweats.
• Gut issues – I’ve used a gut reset and a change to my diet mainly to cope with my gut issues to avoid the uncomfortable bloating & heartburn I previously had. My watchword has been: “…I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food.” Genesis 1:29 NLT. So, whilst I am not purely vegan/vegetarian my diet does have a plant-based slant which has been most helpful to resolve my gut problems.
• Joint pain – Midlife women experience joint pain due to lost hormones and as counterintuitive as this may seem, I have found that stretching, lifting my small weights, and walking have helped alleviate my body aches & pains. So, this verse is very apt for us “…Bodily exercise profits” 1Timothy 4:8 NKJV (paraphrased).
• Anxiety/Stress: I’m not one to typically suffer anxiety; but there are times when I experience pressure; it could be from a deadline, a family situation, a business, or work pressure. Then, I use this verse often: “Be anxious for nothing.” Philippeans 4:6 NKJV. When I feel “anxious”. I literally say to myself: “Bukky, be anxious for nothing.” I also use a breathing technique. I breathe in God’s peace & breathe out anxiety and literally take the breaths in & out as I speak. I find it extremely helpful and effective.

I have shared a few examples from my experience, but I’m conscious every woman’s menopause transition is unique. I would encourage women to not feel they need to just soldier on and endure unbearable symptoms in silence, help is available. Do your due diligence though. I would always suggest your own healthcare professional as a starting point and if not, research practitioners that use a holistic and evidenced based approach to menopause care.

As I said, I honestly believe this phase of our lives is amazing! It is my desire and prayer for us all that we have good health and wellbeing and live a Vibrant Midlife.