My Perimenopause Journey Jodie Matthews
Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes
Do you need help to manage perimenopause symptoms? This article explores Jodie Matthews’ journey through perimenopause and discusses some of the strategies and solutions that worked for her.
Welcome to perimenopause
I have had a few challenges over the years with my pelvic floor area, undergoing numerous surgeries for my bladder and then surgery to correct Uterus prolapse at the age of 41.
Perimenopause!! If you are reading this then you are most likely experiencing what is nothing short of a total out-of-body and mind experience. A long and often lonely road, a journey that you would not wish on anyone. Women need support throughout this challenging transitional period and so in the hope I might help other women, I want to share my personal perimenopause journey with you. If you’re reading this and are also experiencing perimenopause symptoms, I want you to know you are not alone!
I have had a few challenges over the years with my pelvic floor area, undergoing numerous surgeries for my bladder and then surgery to correct Uterus prolapse at the age of 41. I never really had a normal natural cycle as for many years I was taking the oral contraceptive pill, a decision I now regret. I wish I was better informed as a young woman about the potential side effects of long-term use.
Seeking advice from a naturopath, I stopped taking the oral contraceptive pill at 37 and started to manage my cycle naturally. At about 44, I started to notice the first signs of perimenopause. I was experiencing some changes to my cycle, sometimes it would be 20 days, then it would be 3 months. My period was a little bit heavier and longer in duration than normal.
As I entered perimenopause, I started to experience some of the lesser-known symptoms. I didn’t recognize my unusual physical and emotional fluctuations as being perimenopause-related.
I was a confident, energetic, social, and easy-going person. I never had any problems keeping up a demanding job and busy lifestyle. I always had a smile on my face and the life of any party. Suddenly though, I found myself experiencing anxiety and bouts of depression. The anxiety would often keep me awake in the middle of the night, which led to broken sleep and a lack of energy the next day.
At times, I felt like I was losing my mind, but I forced myself to act normally and put on a brave face at work and around family and friends. I noticed that I was ageing and this added to my feelings of sadness. I was saying goodbye to my youth and was struggling with feeling invisible in a room, and lost a lot of my confidence. What was going on? I really did not recognize the person I had become.
My perimenopause symptoms
The anxiety and depression then started to impact my libido. Lack of energy and feeling less desirable contribute so much to a woman and her sexual enjoyment. Then there was the joint pain. Some mornings I would wake up and struggle to move and would rely on painkillers and anti-inflammatories to get me mobile.
Some of the other fun symptoms that also started to appear were headaches, and migraines and I also started to have ocular migraines for the first time in my life. The first one I experienced whilst driving, I was unable to see. I thought I was having a stroke.
Along with losing confidence as you age, I also started to lose confidence in my intellectual abilities. The brain fog is real. Some days I struggle to concentrate and I will ask the same question several times to my husband.
I started noticing that I would need time to really think about how to do something that I have done for many years, like creating a formula in an Excel spreadsheet, or a favourite recipe.
This has impacted my self-confidence in the workplace and after years of being in senior leadership positions, I now second-guess myself, my ability to make decisions and find the solution to a problem.
After stepping back from leadership roles, I understand why so many women give up working or take up lower level positions once they start experiencing perimenopause.
How I manage perimenopause?
After studying Ayurvedic healing, I introduced a few key rituals into my routine to help me balance my hormones naturally and navigate perimenopause a little easier.
There are more good days than bad and taking a natural approach to managing perimenopause is currently working for me. I have not had to use HRT yet. The approach I have taken included making a few adjustments; a change of career and a serious focus on health and well-being.
After studying Ayurvedic healing, I introduced a few key rituals into my routine to help me balance my hormones naturally and navigate perimenopause a little easier. My natural approach now includes:
Taking Ayurvedic herbs daily such as Curcumin to support inflammation, Ashwagandha for libido and Saffron for mood and mild anxiety, are some of the key ingredients in Re-Glow Perimenopause Relief Oral Powder.
Preparing my own meals using as many organic whole foods and not eating out as often. I no longer fast in the morning only having coffee, I eat during the day, having the smallest meal at dinner time to support my Agni (digestive fire).
Regular exercise and movement. I incorporate yoga, walking, paddleboarding, bike riding and reformer Pilates into every week, without fail.
Reduced alcohol intake. I realised that during perimenopause you need to be kind to your liver which is working hard to clear excess hormones, so avoid loading your liver with other toxins such as alcohol to process.
Sessions with a kinesiologist and counsellor to process the emotions I was experiencing around ageing, learning to be kind to myself and value the wisdom and experience that comes with ageing.
Always remember you are not alone.
I am now 4 years into my perimenopause journey and I am finding the natural approach is working for me. There are definitely still many days that I struggle but I am more prepared to handle the challenges as I become more in tune with my body and hormones.
I am so pleased that this subject is on the table and we are less afraid to discuss perimenopause openly. I have really benefited from connecting with and talking to other women.
Always remember you are not alone. Connect with your network of family, friends, or menopause groups. We are here for you too. If you have any questions or just need a chat, please reach out to me personally at Jodie.matthews@ashaya.com.au
Summary
Perimenopause can be a confusing time with challenging symptoms. After embracing the principles of Ayurveda and making some important lifestyle changes, I am able to manage perimenopause symptoms and feel more prepared, connected and positive about this important time of life.
