In 2015 or 2016, I’ve lost track, I was officially in menopause. It took me awhile to figure it out. I was at a friends for dinner. My daughter was about 6 years old by then. I had her later in life. I figured the rollercoaster of emotions and rage were due to hormones and lack of sleep. My ‘to-do’ list was all over the place and I couldn’t remember the usual things. I blamed exhaustion and being a new-ish mom.
During our dinner conversation, we turned the topic to sex, whoopsie pregnancies and health issues -as women do when you give us wine and a good meal. It was then it hit me like a ton of bricks. I hadn’t had my period in…. well, who knows? I’m not one to keep track with an app or mark it in my calendar.
So, I went upstairs to the bathroom and borrowed not one but TWO EPT tests from my host. I was terrified. How could I be? I hadn’t had sex in … again… who knows? Surely I wasn’t pregnant. I’d be on the cover of Newsweek if I was. At my age? Without sex?
It was starting to make sense – the mood swings, the irritability, the sudden bouts of depression and then anxiety. Where was it all coming from?
Then someone said the word ‘menopause’ ....
There was no.way.in.hell. I was in my mid 40s! As the months went on though, it turned out to be true. That meant that all the years leading up to this day were my time to journey down the runway called ‘perimenopause’. Instead of understanding and being able to use that time to course correct my health, I was completely unaware of it. Looking back, it was likely the big culprit behind my fertility issues and many other things.
Since then, I have made it my mission to understand perimenopause and menopause. I chose to interview and partner with experts to learn more so I could share more. I want all women to be in the drivers’ seat of their own health.
I’ve been so fortunate to meet some incredible women in this space and I’ve been honoured to have brave and courageous women trust me with their stories and their feelings. It’s not something I take lightly. I remember how hesitant I was to even accept menopause into my life.
Being in this stage of my life has brought so many great opportunities and insights. I see the world differently. I see me differently. I respect my body more than I ever have. I am passionate about women feeling the way I do. I am disappointed in the lack of information out there for us.
So why is this day so important for women around the globe? Because menopause is the 100% club. We’re all going to go through it – if we’re lucky. Isn’t it time it earned a top spot on life’s agenda? It’s time for the media, society, and the world to recognize, honour and support women as they journey through menopause.
What are the risks of not understanding menopause?
- We are at risk for cardiovascular disease – the number one killer of women over 50.
- Symptoms can mask other potential health concerns.
- We suffer silently and unnecessarily.
To all of you, you are not alone. In fact, you are in great company. Please keep sending your questions, your comments, your suggestions and even your criticisms. I use all this feedback as learning tools to continue to optimize the information I bring you.
So go kick back, put yourself at the top of the to-do list today and toast yourself.
Happy World Menopause Day!
Jacquie. x