Navigating Menopause with Confidence

Aman has heard this word going around—the big M word that makes most women uncomfortable. But not his mother or sister because they've been up-to-date on Kofuku's blogs, and apparently, that's all you need to gain a little more confidence in the knowledge of your own body! This blog aims to do precisely that for many women who are still shy from one of the most natural transitions of their lives—menopause.

It's a word that often evokes dread and despair. But fear not—Kofuku is here to dispel any and all misconceptions about menopause and provide the clean, hard facts.

Menopause is the final menstrual period, marking the end of a woman's reproductive years. The last hoorah, if you will. It typically occurs around age 51 but can happen earlier or later. A study by Nature was one of the first ones to truly understand menopause as an individual experience by both finding out that there were 290 genetic variants and drawing the spotlight away from European women by focusing on women of East Asian ancestry. With the help of 78,000 women, they figured out that although most of them had the same genetic variant, the difference between them and the European population was quite significant in how much menopause affected them.

The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. This is when hormonal fluctuations start to cause noticeable changes. The perfect time for a late teenage rebellion renamed into the household name we all know and love: mid-life crisis!

How to find out if you are, in fact, entering reproductive senescence, a fancier term for menopause? Well, here are some of the common menopause symptoms to get you started:

• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Mood swings and irritability
• Sleep disturbances
• Vaginal dryness
• Decreased libido
• Difficulty concentrating
• Joint pain

These symptoms can vary in intensity and duration from woman to woman. While they can be a bit more than a mild annoyance, it's important to remember that menopause is a natural process, and these symptoms are temporary. The hormone-specific ones, especially, usually simmer down two years into it.

Now that the nerdy bits are done, let's indulge in some Kofuku's very own speciality - busting myths:

Myth: Menopause is all about hot flashes

Truth: While hot flashes are literally the first symptom, they're just side characters with a huge wannabe main character energy. Only about 75% of people during the menopause transition stage even get hot flashes. We don't deny that the whole transition is a complex process affecting various aspects of a woman's physical and emotional well-being, but it cannot be watered down to one fear-mongering stereotype.

Myth: You'll gain weight uncontrollably after menopause

Truth: With women gaining close to half a kg every year after hitting their 40s, ageing in general is linked with weight gain. Menopause, in itself, does not contribute to weight gain outside of the hormonal changes that can influence metabolism. Because that's the crux of it. As we age, our metabolism slows down, leading to the much-feared aspect of menopause, which is technically not related to the issue at all.

Myth: Your sex life is over

Truth: Now, hold on there. Just because you don't get laid doesn't mean no one can! The main culprit is vaginal dryness. When you don't enjoy having sex, it naturally lessens the desire to have sex. Of course, the low estrogen levels also take some blame for that. But with proper care and communication, a fulfilling sex life is still possible. It's not the be-all and end-all that they try to scare us with.

Myth: There's nothing you can do about it

Truth: Technically, yes. It is a very natural process that is a byproduct of ageing more than anything else. But you CAN do something about the symptoms. Many menopause management options focus on alleviating symptoms and improving overall well-being.

With that being said, what are some of the management options that you can start investing in?

The good news is that women are unique and can be easily trusted to find the best possible solution. With menopause taking up what is supposed to be their peaceful years, they've figured out a way to say "Nuh uh!" to a seemingly immovable object once again. In fact, there are several ways to manage menopause symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.

Let's look at some of them:

Hormone Replacement Therapy: HRT essentially involves replacing hormones that decline during menopause. It can be highly effective in managing symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. However, discussing the potential risks and benefits with your doctor is essential. Only then can you decide whether HRT will fit your needs in life.

Lifestyle Modifications: Besides hormone therapies, healthy lifestyle changes can significantly improve your well-being during menopause. You know the usuals—regular exercise that focuses on regulating your moods and weight, a well-balanced diet that includes fruits and high-protein meals, stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, or one of those up-and-coming rage rooms, and getting long, restful sleep can do wonders to alleviate the symptoms.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies: Some women find relief through complementary approaches like acupuncture, herbal remedies, or biofeedback. Before trying any new treatments, it's essential to consult your doctor and determine which will best help you.

Over-the-counter Products: Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants can help with dryness, while products containing soy or black cohosh might provide some relief for hot flashes.

Menopause is an opportunity to focus on self-care, prioritise health, and explore new interests. It is your body's way of saying we are not done yet, but resting for a bit is not too bad.

Here are some tips for embracing this new chapter in your life:

Connect with other women: Sharing experiences with friends, family, or support groups can be beneficial. The women in Aman's family are tight-knit and would be all ready to star in the new Charlie's Angels movie if they so desired.

Set realistic expectations: Menopause is a transition, and like many changes, it takes time to adjust. Be patient with yourself.

Find a balance: Since it's time to look after yourself, prioritising self-care activities that help you relax and recharge is of the utmost importance.

Embrace your age and wisdom: We cannot stress this enough, but menopause is a natural part of ageing. And with growing old comes wisdom, which only experience can offer.

Embrace the fact that your 20s self didn't understand the nuances of foreplay, but the older you definitely do, or that cream biscuits are not that good, and it's perfectly alright to lose some biscuit while dipping it in your early morning coffee. It's all part of the elusive wisdom that comes with ageing. Welcome it like an old friend

You have to understand that menopause is not a disease; it's a normal stage of life. By accepting the changes your body is going through, seeking appropriate support, and making positive lifestyle choices, you can ace this transition with the grace and confidence your 3rd-grade self did with the school reciting competition.

You may stumble and stutter out an embarrassing word or two, but you're already brave enough to walk up to this stage, and that's sometimes more than enough.