Dr Wen_Chronicles

Hello, Menopause and Midlife Crisis! 

Let’s think of it as life’s colorful M&Ms — not the sweet chocolate ones, but the tangy, dry lemons that sometimes turn into refreshing lemonade.

About a year ago, I was sitting at my kitchen table, sipping black coffee and soaking in the bright morning sun, when a wave of emotions hit me. It was a mix of anxiety and excitement. I finally understood: “Menopause is my new normal. I have two choices — embrace it or let it control me.”

I’ve heard countless women share their journeys, sharing similar stories filled with denial, grief, and ultimately, acceptance. While each story is unique, they all share one thing: the unwelcome guest called Aunt Meno!

But here’s the truth: menopause is one of women’s ultimate life challenge that redefines our lives while being a powerful opportunity to grow, learn, and take charge.

Menopause can bring hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia, fatigue, and low energy — all of which can feel like a personal battle with our own body as it declares war on us. It becomes a time when we are caught in a never-ending battle with the thermostat. I mean, one moment you’re feeling like a cool winter breeze, and the next, you are feeling your own personal inferno!

But what if we saw this phase through a lens of possibility?

Menopause can be a wild rollercoaster ride—challenging, sometimes nausea-inducing, but also thrilling depending upon our outlook. Embracing this transition means viewing it as a rite of passage—an invitation to reflect on our wisdom and to look ahead to exciting new opportunities.

This transitional period is a perfect moment for self-discovery. It’s an opening to explore new interests and cultivate self-acceptance. Instead of dwelling on negatives, we can focus on positives, such as freedom from monthly cycles, opportunities to explore new possibilities while prioritizing mental wellness, and fostering a new sense of belonging.

Rather than letting menopause define us, we can choose to redefine it by setting achievable goals aligned with our vision for today and the future. Prioritizing ourselves is the cornerstone of thriving through this period.

Turning menopause into a manageable adventure begins with emphasizing aspects we can control. Menopause can undoubtedly bring about a myriad of physical and emotional changes that may seem overwhelming. Still, by prioritizing self-care, we can influence the awareness and attention we devote to our health and overall well-being. 

When we talk about awareness in the context of menopause and midlife, we mean a heightened understanding of the body and mind, which includes recognizing and acknowledging the symptoms and emotions that come with this stage of life. By becoming more aware, we can understand this transitional time by responding with kindness and compassion towards ourselves.

Practicing daily mindfulness can play a key role in developing this awareness. Incorporating meditation and breathing exercises can be a game-changer, allowing us to focus on the now without feeling anxious. One good example is practicing deep breathing while experiencing the inevitable hot flash moments, which tends to reduce anxiety and calm our internal thermostat.

Additionally, awareness can empower women to recognize the social and cultural narratives surrounding menopause and midlife. Many women may feel societal pressure to remain youthful, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy. However, recognizing these external voices for what they are allows us to rewrite our own narrative. 

Menopause is undoubtedly transformative, but it doesn’t have to be the end of living our best and healthiest life. By accepting the changes and laughing at the quirks, we can navigate this chapter with positivity and purpose.

Stay mindful🧘🏽‍♀️