My Menopause & Wellness Journey Unfiltered
I don’t think I have ever written about my menopause journey, shockingly.
Shocking because I have written about almost everything else in my life so why not this?
I think I haven’t written about it because on its own, it wasn’t all that dramatic, or defining. However, at the same time and in many ways, it was the beginning of what has been my almost decade long health and wellbeing journey.
Menopause—a word that often brings a mix of dread and relief. For many women, it's a challenging transition filled with symptoms that can turn life upside down. Surprisingly, my own menopause journey was relatively mild symptomatically, but did bring about two significant lifestyle changes that transformed my health and wellbeing.
I recognize that every woman has their own unique menopause journey, not to be compared to one another. You are in control of your journey and have the right to move through it in any way that you want. I will share mine as an invitation to consider opportunities that you may or may not relate to or want to consider. You are beautiful, you are brave and wherever you are is exactly where you are supposed to be. What has worked for me may not work for you; but what I believe more than anything else is that in sharing our journeys with each other, we gain a sisterhood of love and support.
When I was 48, my period stopped abruptly. No gradual slowdown, no sporadic cycles—just a sudden, unannounced halt. By most standards, I was fortunate. I didn’t have occasional, unexpected periods, nor did I suffer from mood swings or night sweats. My transition was pretty easy except for occasional hot flashes, which, though manageable, were undeniably annoying.
But menopause did have two profound effects on my life.
Embracing Intermittent Fasting
The first major change was my body. Overnight, it seemed to shift and reorganize. I gained weight in unfamiliar places, leaving me feeling fleshy and uncomfortable. Despite exercising more and eating less, nothing seemed to make a difference. I’m not particularly body conscious so I was not beating myself up or feeling uncomfortable about how I looked. I was, however, aware that my body didn’t fell as good as it normally had. It felt like it was trying to tell me what it wanted but I couldn’t understand what it was saying.
As I always do, I reached out to my trusted friends and family to get their wisdom. Many of them suggested intermittent fasting, a concept I was unaware of and initially skeptical about. However, after some research and a good dose of curiosity, this dedicated breakfast eater decided to give it a shot.
Intermittent fasting was game-changing. I felt less bloated, more comfortable, and my body started to shift again. In so many ways I felt it was thanking me. I was not giving it less food, or different food; instead I was merely changing when I was eating. I was finally understanding what it wanted and I began building a more loving relationship with my most precious possession; my body.
But let me be clear, it wasn’t about weight loss—I don’t own a scale and I never, ever weigh myself. It was all about how I felt in my body. And I felt great.
The Sobriety Revelation
The second major change involved alcohol. For months I had been going out with friends and sending my glass of wine back, convincing the server that it didn’t taste right and had most likely gone bad. But like most things, after a while you have to look a the common denominator. No, it wasn’t the wine—it was me. My body’s reaction to alcohol had changed. Even a single drink left me feeling overly tipsy and hungover the next day.
Consulting my doctor, I learned that my hormonal changes were most likely to blame. Reluctantly, I decided to stop drinking for a couple of weeks. Those weeks turned into months, and now, eight years later, I’ve embraced a sober lifestyle. The benefits to my health and wellbeing have been tremendous, though if I’m honest, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges.
My Path to Wellness
These two significant changes marked the beginning of a bigger wellness journey. Over the past eight years, I’ve made numerous other adjustments to my lifestyle as I listen more deeply to what my body is telling me:
Diverse Physical Activity: bootcamps, hiking, walking, spin classes, yoga, skiing, and my newest, most favorite activity, NIA dance…I keep my body moving and embrace as many experiences to challenge myself physically as I can.
Moving to Colorado: After a failed move to Florida (the subject of a different blog!), I found my way here. to Colorado. This climate suits me perfectly, I can feel just how much this environment makes my soul and body happy.
Hydration and Diet: Drinking lots of water and transitioning to a mostly plant-based diet filled with many, many vegan smoothies and supplements, I found a rhythm of eating that my body absolutely loves.
Better Sleep: Prioritizing 8 hours of sleep each night, with an early bedtime, a focus on breathing and relaxing before sleep and no TV in the bedroom.
No Caffeine: Swapping coffee for tea has made a huge difference. Tea has become a new ritual and act of self care.
Each of these changes has been significant, and have not come without sacrifices. I’ve lost friends, faced judgment and criticism, and had to build a new community to support my choice in lifestyle. There have been painful moments along the way when I am criticized and judged as rigid or “not as much fun” as I used to be, and there have been many times when I have felt a significant amount of self doubt. But the way I feel now—stronger, healthier, and more vibrant—has made it all worth it.
New and amazing friends have come into my life, and I have redefined the ways that I have fun and create joy filled experiences and adventures. I am surrounded by a community that loves and embraces me for who I am, quirks and all. And, I have found new love, and a partner that accepts everything about me. I have more abundance in my life than I ever imagined possible and look forward with optimism and excitement to the next many decades.
For those of you who are in the middle of your menopause journey or who are feeling disconnected from your body, your wellbeing and your overall health; it is never too late. Every day is an opportunity to make a change, to try something new and to begin again.
While I’m not a health or nutrition coach, I’m always happy to share the details of my journey. If you’re navigating your own wellness path and want to chat, please feel free to reach out. Our stories and experiences can be powerful tools for support and inspiration.
Menopause may have been a surprise, but it led me to a healthier, happier life. By embracing changes like intermittent fasting and sobriety, I’ve discovered a new level of wellbeing. If my story resonates with you, I encourage you to explore these changes in your own life. Here's to health, happiness, and navigating the journey together!
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