If you’re over 50 and your period stopped more than a year ago, you’re in menopause. Maybe the symptoms crept up on you, or maybe they hit all at once. Hot flushes. Mood swings. Struggling to sleep. Gaining weight around your tummy. Feeling tired, flat or even teary for no reason. Sis, It’s a lot.
This time of year can make it harder. It’s hot. You’ve got Christmas shopping, family visiting, maybe end-of-year functions at work or with the kids. You’re expected to keep going, smiling, cooking, and showing up. But your hormones have other plans.
Your body is changing because your estrogen levels have dropped. This affects everything from your sleep to your energy to how your skin feels. Some days you might feel fine. Other days it feels like your whole system is off. That’s normal for this stage. But that doesn’t mean you must suffer through it.
Here are a few things that can help, especially over December and January:
- Stay cool. Choose light, breathable clothing and carry water with you. Hot flushes are real, and summer heat makes them worse.
- Eat what feels good. Enjoy the gammon, pudding and pap, but also try adding veggies, fruit and water to your plate. This helps with bloating, weight and mood.
- Move a little. A short walk after lunch or dancing to your favourite song in the kitchen helps your mood and bones.
- Sleep matters. Try not to overpack your calendar. Wind down in the evenings. Keep your bedroom cool. Avoid too much caffeine or alcohol at night.
- Talk to someone. Chat to a friend, a sister or someone who gets it. You’re not the only one going through this. You don’t have to do it alone.
Menopause is not the end of anything. It’s a shift. It’s your body asking for more care, more honesty and more support. At Sisterhood Redefined, we’re here to help you understand what’s happening and what you can do about it.