My Menopause Journey: Navigating the Hormonal Seas

In medical terms, I have officially embarked on the menopausal voyage two months ago. Join me as I recount the twists and turns of my body's profound changes during this transformative period.

A Sudden Hormonal Shift

About a year and a half ago, while on a road trip with my husband, an unexpected transformation unfolded me.

The vibrancy of nature dimmed, life lost its luster, and a profound sadness settled in. The winter streets held a different perspective, bringing tears with every encounter with a car guard out in the cold—a poignant reminder of societal inequities in countries like South Africa (where I live) and Brazil (where I was born).

Unable to ignore suffering and homelessness, especially those with furry companions, my emotions spilled over. I found solace only in giving – providing food for both humans and their four-legged friends. This was not the person I recognized within myself; a sudden struggle with life's daily challenges left me feeling adrift and unable to cope.

The Perimenopausal Revelation

Realizing something was amiss, I sought the guidance of a Functional physician. To my surprise, she calmly suggested that I might be in the perimenopausal phase, a notion that initially seemed at odds with my age, health, and active lifestyle at 46.

It was the awakening to the fact that my ovaries were gracefully preparing to retire from their hormonal regulation role, passing this responsibility to my adrenal glands, which were already overwhelmed with the demands of a bustling professional and personal life.

My doctor recommended discontinuing contraceptive pills and introduced me to a regimen of bioidentical estrogen and testosterone cream, and progesterone pills. Coupled with a detox diet lasting four weeks, this marked the beginning of my journey toward reclaiming hormonal balance. Initial symptoms included fatigue, mild depression, brain fog, and recurring hip pain during jogging.

The Detox and Its Aftermath

The detox proved successful, liberating me from a lifelong sugar addiction. However, the path was far from smooth. A rollercoaster of emotions, insomnia, and persistent fatigue followed, culminating in a bout of urticaria lasting several weeks. The incessant itching and scratching were likely linked to the process of my liver and kidneys detoxifying from two decades of contraceptive use.

Resisting the conventional corticosteroid treatment, I opted for anti-histamine creams to alleviate the discomfort. The roller-coaster journey continued, and after four months, it became evident that testosterone was not harmonizing with my body. Unruly hair, oily skin, and lingering fatigue persisted, prompting a shift in my hormone therapy.

The Present and Beyond my Menopause Journey

Today, I rely on estrogen cream and progesterone, complemented by daily doses of melatonin and vitamin D. Additional aids such as L-theanine, GABA, 5-HTP, and Valerian come into play as I navigate the intricacies of sleep disruption. Since officially entering menopause, my mood has improved, and I can engage in work without the need for frequent breaks.

At 48, grappling with the aging stigma attached to menopause is still a struggle, but it also offers profound wisdom and liberation from societal expectations imposed on women.

As we traverse this transformative phase, understanding our bodies becomes paramount. Menopause demands we pause, listen, and prioritize our health and well-being. Despite its challenges, embracing this journey has made me attuned to my entire being.

Insights into Peri- and Menopausal Choices

Throughout my personal journey, a sense of isolation and a lack of understanding about my own biology often overwhelmed me. The vast online information only intensified these feelings, leaving me in a sea of uncertainty. Drawing upon my background as a researcher, I endeavored to sift through knowledge, curating insights that I wish to share.

It's crucial for women to recognize that they possess at least four distinct approaches to peri- and menopause, each with its unique considerations:

1. No Hormone Replacement

• Some women opt for a path free of hormone replacement altogether, navigating the changes with a focus on natural adjustments.
  

1. Traditional Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

• The conventional approach involves the use of synthetic hormones to alleviate menopausal symptoms. It's a well-established method with its own set of benefits and risks.
  

1. Bioidentical HRT

• A personalized route involving hormones that mimic those naturally produced by the body. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy aims for a more tailored approach to hormonal balance.
  

1. Phytohormones (Natural Options from Herbs)

• Embracing the power of nature, some women turn to phytohormones derived from herbs as a natural alternative to manage the effects of peri- and menopause.
  

While these approaches warrant a more in-depth discussion, I provide a broad overview to shed light on the diverse options available. Each choice has unique considerations, and understanding them empowers women to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

In future posts, I'll delve deeper into each approach, unravelling the intricacies and nuances accompanying them.

Offering Hormonal Support as a Health Coach

I have learned so much during the last 2 years, and I cannot wait to share knowledge to help other women navigate their hormonal changes.

Together, let's navigate this intricate terrain, fostering a community where women can share experiences and insights to enhance their hormonal journey.

If you're navigating the complexities of hormonal fluctuations, peri- and menopause, I extend my hand as a health coach who has experienced and continues to navigate this journey.

Feel free to reach out, and let's support each other through this transformative phase.