The Overlooked Signs and Symptoms of Menopause
Exploring the often overlooked physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual symptoms of menopause. How to process grief and loss that comes with the physical and chemical changes of a new reality.
Table of Contents:
Physical Symptoms • Emotional and Psychological Symptoms • Spiritual Symptoms • Processing Grief and Loss •
Menopause is a natural and inevitable stage of life for all women, marking the end of their reproductive years. While it is a normal part of aging, it can bring a variety of physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms that can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life. Unfortunately, the symptoms experienced by women going through menopause are often overlooked, especially those related to the mind, body, and spirit. In this blog post, we will explore these often ignored symptoms and provide suggestions on how to process the grief and loss that comes with the physical and chemical changes associated with menopause.
Physical Symptoms:
Physical symptoms are often the most commonly recognized and discussed symptoms of menopause. These include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, irregular periods, and weight gain. While these symptoms can be frustrating, they are a part of the body’s physical transition and are not permanent.
If you read God is a Woman, we talk about how the relationship to the physical symptoms of having a period can sometimes lead to a detached way of relating to oneself and the purpose that the body is undergoing. This is no different in menopause. While women struggle with uncomfortable symptoms, the relationship we have with our body’s transition can significantly reduce our symptoms and put us in a state of receiving more.
Emotional and Psychological Symptoms
Emotional and psychological symptoms are equally important but are often overlooked. The hormonal changes associated with menopause can lead to mood swings, depression, anxiety, and irritability. Women may also experience changes in memory, concentration, and focus. These symptoms can be challenging to manage, and women may need to seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional.
Spiritual Symptoms
The spiritual side of menopause is often neglected, yet it is crucial to address. Menopause represents a significant life transition that can cause women to question their identity and purpose. The loss of the ability to create life can leave a woman feeling empty, like a new house without furniture. This loss can create a void that needs to be filled with new interests, hobbies, or pursuits. Women may also need to redefine their feminine energy and find new ways to express themselves.
Processing the Grief and Loss
The physical and chemical changes associated with menopause can create feelings of sadness, confusion, and grief. Women need to take the time to process their emotions and find ways to cope with these changes. Some suggestions for managing the grief and loss associated with menopause include:
With a significant life transition that brings such physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual symptoms, there has to be a better way.
If you know someone struggling through menopause or you yourself are done feeling like your symptoms are overlooked, read From Menopause to Meta-Pause. In this article I explain how women just like you find relief and clarity in their “meta” pause.
✨Happy Creating
~Hayley
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