Menopause: A Journey Of Change, Resilience, And Self Discovery.
Menopause is often spoken about in terms of symptoms, hot flushes, brain fog, mood swings but what’s not always acknowledge is the emotional and mental shift that comes with it. For many of us, it’s a time of transition, a period of reflection, and sometimes, a battle to find balance amid overwhelming changes.
I went through menopause suddenly after having a hysterectomy. It wasn’t just a change, it was an immediate shift that left me reeling. My body felt unfamiliar, I felt less of a woman, My emotions unpredictable, and everyday tasks, like retaining information and keeping up at work, became huge challenges. Fatigue hit me hard, mood swings were relentless, and the frustration of memory loss weighed heavily on me.
Yet through all of this, I found ways to ground myself. The structured support of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) wasn’t a right fit for me, so I turned to holistic approaches ST John’s wart, reiki, mindfulness, journaling, and well being practices. Walking became essential, a simple yet powerful way to reconnect with myself, stabilise my mood, and carve out moments of peace.
The seaside became a sanctuary, The crashing waves, the salty air, the vast openness it all gave me space to breathe, to think, and to feel a sense of calm that menopause often disrupted.
But this journey wasn’t just about personal transformation. One of the most significant challenges was navigating work life while experiencing menopause. Brain fog, fatigue, and a struggle to retain information made daily tasks harder, yet workplace support was lacking. Over the year, I have had to leave multiple jobs because my employers didn’t understand, let alone accommodate, the impact of menopause on productivity and well being.
What I want is change. Not just for myself, but for all women navigating these shifts. We need workplaces to recognise menopause as a value health concern, that implement policies to support employees, that offer flexibility, and that foster understanding rather than dismissal.
Support makes an enormous difference, and i’m grateful to have that in my personal life. My partner has been patient and understanding, someone who listens, who makes me laugh even in the hardest moments, who helps me see the lighter side of things when exhaustion and anxiety take over. Self care has become more than a luxury it’s a necessity. Prioritising myself, embracing reflection, and reclaiming sense of identity have all been crucial parts of my journey.
But not everyone has this support, and that’s why open conversations and resources are vital. If you’re struggling, know that you’re not alone, and that there are places to turn for help.
*NHS MENOPAUSE SUPPORT
*AGE UK MENOPAUSE GUIDANCE
*BUPA MENOPAUSE HUB
Are here to help if you are struggling with the menopause and want some advice.
Menopause is not just and end it’s a transformation, a new beginning, an opportunity to reflect and embrace life differently. Yes, there are challenges. Yes, there is frustration, exhaustion, and some times isolation. But there’s also strength, growth, and the chance to find new to nurture yourself.
To everyone experiencing menopause, you are seen, you are heard, and you deserve understanding, support and self compassion.