A practicing physician (Pulmonologist) by profession, here I’m writing a blog on a topic usually covered by gynaecologist friends. Writing helps me adapt to situations better. I also believe that sharing your suffering and joy may ease the journey for others in some way. So here I go, digging into this peculiar phase of my life. Reflecting on my 40 years on this beautiful mother earth, I’ve come to understand that women, as dynamic beings, experience numerous changes in their bodies with each passing decade. From the onset of menstruation during puberty to pregnancy, post-pregnancy, and now entering the perimenopausal stage in my 40s, the journey is filled with transformations.

Since entering my 40s, I have been continuously struggling to understand and manage the changes happening in my body. Each day brings new surprises. There are days when I feel lost, depressed, and anxious, adopted sleeping pills just to get a night’s sleep, and feeling unsatisfied to the point of it being unbearable. I often wondered if I am slipping into depression and even considered for seeking help from a counselor or psychiatrist. Yet, at other times, I feel completely normal, with my usual sense of self and my brain functioning brilliantly. 😍

Apart from the mood swings, I was alarmed when acne started erupting on my face along with patchy pigmentation—something I never experienced even in my teens. It took almost 7-8 months to get rid of them, thanks to my dermatologist for taking good care of my skin and restoring my glow 😊(https://drdiaries.net/wp-admin/post.php?post=222&action=edit). But the worst was yet to come 😢 when I started having abnormal and heavy uterine bleeding. This new development made me weak, frustrated, and anxious. As a doctor, my mind raced with fears of the unknown. Despite normal hormone level checks, the situation didn’t improve. I eventually realized these symptoms were part of entering the menopausal phase.

That’s when I visited my gynecologist (https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FDr-SutopaBanerjee-Clinic&e=AT20Q7_XRucto4KquDVP-EAlT5vzK7MmYgA2DuiRcmR5qS9np75vm6b4RiUZ_3TqfdmFg-ng5MMX0B8Pu3xTP-JYTaq1n1F0). She is a dear friend and an exceptional doctor, with a smiling face and an expert in the field. This challenging period of change has inspired me to write a blog on the topic. By gathering knowledge from credible sources and sharing my own experiences, I hope to help others who are going through this phase of life.

Peri menopause refers to the transitional phase before menopause. During this time, typically starting in the 40s but sometimes earlier, hormone levels—particularly estrogen and progesterone—begin to fluctuate. Our bodies change naturally as we age, especially for women. Peri menopausal period varies greatly from one woman to another. For some it may last few months, while others may have to go through it for several years, and sometimes even a decade. Woman faces a variety of symptoms like hot flashes, heavy periods, low energy levels, mood swings, irritability, and sleep problems, while for others, it’s as easy as a sunday morning 🌻. It’s a natural part of aging, but the experience can differ greatly among individuals.

For me, it has definitely not been a smooth journey. Despite adopting the best lifestyle practices for the past 2-3 years, which include regular workouts (both cardio and strength training) and healthy eating habits with a high-protein diet, nothing seemed to work when I entered this phase of life. So, I listened to my body and took a break to de-stress myself. I slowed down on all activities, stopped going to the gym to give my body more physical rest, and started taking long, leisurely walks daily after meals. I also joined a sports club to enjoy outdoor games like badminton and cycling with my kids, staying physically active in a fun way. Additionally, I began meeting old college buddies to share our experiences and de-stress emotionally. Below are few points which I learned and are helping me to pass this phase with ease.

Dos and Don’ts

Dos:

1. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle:
   1. Follow a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
   1. Engage in regular physical activity to boost your energy levels and improve mood.
   1. Practice good sleep hygiene to combat sleep problems.
2. Manage Stress:
   1. Incorporate stress-reducing practices into your routine, such as yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises.
   1. Make time for hobbies and activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
3. Stay Connected:
   1. Maintain strong social connections with friends and family for emotional support.
   1. Consider joining support groups or online communities for women going through perimenopause.
4. Consult Healthcare Professionals:
   1. Regularly visit your healthcare provider for check-ups and discuss any symptoms or concerns (such as getting a PAP smear once every 3 year after 40).
   1. Explore treatment options such as hormone therapy or other medications if recommended by your doctor.
5. Stay Informed:
   1. Educate yourself about perimenopause and its symptoms through reliable sources of information, such as medical professionals and reputable health websites.

Don’ts:

1. Ignore Symptoms:
   1. Don’t dismiss your symptoms as just “part of aging.” Seek professional advice to manage and understand them.
2. Self-Diagnose:
   1. Avoid relying solely on social media or non-professional sources for diagnosis and treatment.
   1. Seek professional medical advice for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
3. Neglect Your Mental Health:
   1. Don’t underestimate the impact of perimenopause on your mental health.
   1. Address feelings of depression, anxiety, or irritability with a healthcare provider.
4. Overexert Yourself:
   1. Avoid pushing yourself too hard physically or mentally.
   1. Listen to your body and rest when needed.
5. Isolate Yourself:
   1. Don’t isolate yourself during this challenging time.
   1. Reach out to loved ones for support and connection.

General Advice During Perimenopause

1. Stay Positive: Focus on the positive aspects of this life stage and embrace the changes as part of your natural journey.
2. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed, as extreme changes in hormones can make one easily slip into depression. Counseling or therapy can provide valuable support if one is facing such symptoms.
3. Educate Yourself and Others: Share your experiences and knowledge with other women to help them navigate their perimenopausal journey.
4. Self-Care: Prioritize self-care and make time for activities that promote physical and emotional well-being.

So lets celebrate and navigate through the complex and beautiful journey of womanhood with courage, resilience, and a positive outlook.