Stress and Menopause: The Not-So-Dynamic Duo
September 4, 2024
Before diving into today’s topic, I want to share something personal: I’ve always struggled with anxiety and the ability to let things roll off my back — like water off a duck, as they say. Whether it’s work or personal stressors, I often find myself holding onto worries, unable to shake them off. My husband frequently tells me, “You worry too much,” and he’s not wrong — this has been a lifelong challenge for me.
But when menopause hit, stress took on a whole new dimension. Before I started hormone replacement therapy (HRT), the menopause rage was real — waking up angry at the world for no reason at all. It felt like I was constantly on edge, and managing even the smallest stressor became a monumental task. I’m still learning how to better handle the daily stressors that come my way, but I’m definitely doing better than I was before. It’s a work in progress, and I’m still learning every day.
Let’s face it — stress is like that one friend who always shows up uninvited and overstays their welcome. And when you’re navigating the rollercoaster that is menopause, stress can turn a little hiccup into a full-blown circus. But don’t worry, we can kick this pesky duo to the curb with a little know-how and a lot of self-care.
STRESS = NO BUENO FOR YOUR HEALTH (Yes, You Already Knew That)
I won’t bore you with all the scientific mumbo-jumbo about how stress messes with your hormones, makes your neurotransmitters go haywire, and turns your immune system into a drama queen. We get it — chronic stress is bad. Really bad. Like, “I-should-probably-stop-ignoring-it” bad. And trust me, you’re not alone. Midlife women tend to carry the weight of the world on their shoulders — aging parents, teenagers who think they know everything, work demands — the list goes on.
Now, mix that with the delightful symptoms of perimenopause, and you’ve got a recipe for chaos. Night sweats, hot flashes, brain fog, weight gain — these symptoms don’t just magically appear; they thrive under stress like it’s their full-time job.
Why We Feel Like We’re Losing Control
Here’s the kicker: most of the stressors in our lives are out of our control. We can’t slow down time, make teenagers less teenagery, or suddenly find a way to add 10 extra hours to our day. And that feeling of being out of control? It’s the worst. Throw in perimenopause, and it’s like someone added extra chili peppers to an already spicy dish — chaos ensues.
But wait! Before you crawl under the covers and hope for the best, there’s good news. We can actually do something about it. Yes, really!
Take Back Control: Stress-Busting Tips for the Menopausal Woman
Acknowledge the Stress (Yes, That Thing You’re Feeling)
First things first — acknowledge that you’re stressed. Half the time, we’re so busy running around in a haze, we don’t even realize that we’re on the edge of a meltdown. Whether you’re stuck in paralysis mode or running around like a chicken with its head cut off, take a second to check in with yourself. Step one to fixing a problem is admitting you have one, right?
Breathe, Woman!
Sounds simple, but trust me, it works. When you catch yourself spiraling, just stop. Sit, stand, whatever — just take a moment. Close your eyes, take three deep breaths, and let your shoulders drop. Bonus points if you throw in a quick meditation. It’s like hitting the reset button on your brain.
Make a Date with Yourself
Now that you’re a little less frazzled, it’s time to plan. Find a quiet spot and think about your day, your week, your month — whatever feels manageable. Write down a self-care task to do. It could be as simple as taking a walk or as luxurious as a bubble bath with your favorite book. Self-care isn’t just a buzzword; it’s essential. (Check out my Instagram for more self-care inspiration — shameless plug!)
Survival of the Sanest
Let’s get real: I’m a mom of four with elderly parents. Self-care isn’t just a luxury; it’s a matter of survival. So, stop, breathe, and plan ahead. Think of self-care as an oxygen mask on a plane — you’ve got to secure yours before helping anyone else. You can’t pour from an empty cup, after all.
You’ve Got This!
Stress doesn’t have to rule your life, especially during menopause. Yes, life is chaotic, but with a few tweaks and a bit of mindfulness, you can take back control. It’s all about small, manageable steps — acknowledge, breathe, plan, and most importantly, take care of yourself. Because, let’s face it, no one else can do it quite like you.
And hey, if you need a little extra support, why not join my free Facebook community, the Hot & Bothered Cafe? We’re all in this together, after all!
