Meno-pause****what is it to you?

Perimenopause.
Menopause.
Postmenopause.
All about hormonal transition, which can last up to a full decade. When you just beginning to think that making baby and getting painful periods end.
Estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, thyroid and testosterone.

You know the drill:
hot flashes and night sweats, anxiety / depression, fatigue, mood swings, sleep disturbances, disordered thinking/ brain fog, loss of energy and motivation, dry eyes, sore joints, headaches, tender breasts, nausea,heart palpitation, reduced muscle mass, low libido, incontinence, and weight gain (and possibly many more)

Menopause is a time of mental, emotional and physical upheaval. Mine started a couple of years ago and it is liberating to have dead ovaries. No more heavy periods, PMT and migraine, to name just a few. So much for being a woman. Specifically, it means speaking my truth and stopping that need to feel responsible for the happiness of others. I feel at peace with my age, with what I have done / accomplished, and with who I am.

Every woman goes through menopause differently. I was considering taking HRT and phytomone cream for the sake of keeping the symptoms at bay. My mom was lucky to ease through the stages with hardly any symptoms at all. She simply can't understand why I experience awful sadness and inexplicable weeping. There are days when nothing interests me and all I wanted is to sleep away the day as much as I can.

To combat the unpleasant symptoms, I am starting a high vegetable and fruit diet (mediterranean-style). Weight gain is another most common byproduct which can be resolved. Avoid food that increase insulin (especially when I am a type 2 diabetes) and opt for veggies and lean protein instead. I have to focus on portion control and have everything in moderation. Other ways include: avoiding long hours of sitting and getting up frequently. Hydrate regularly with cold water and go to the bathroom when you need to clear your bladder. Stretching or a quick walk work wonders if you are not into the gym.

I am not a breakfast person but for the sake of speeding up my metabolism, I tend to eat fewer high-fat food, less total calories and have frequent smaller meals during the day. I take Melatonin to sleep and I practise art and writing and listen to music to reduce stress.

Another term for menopause is 'midlife crisis'. To me it is more like an opportunity as it is about discovering the application of our greatness. I almost always discover motivation via inspiration from other women in their fifties who have found fulfilling work. Changing my perception of what is happening while turning a crisis into a transformation to a better me is what I am trying to master.

So how are you coping with your -pause?