Ah, menopause. The word itself used to make me shudder a little, like it was something that happened to “other women”—those mythical creatures who’d get a bit warm and suddenly be done with it. Little did I know that menopause would barge into my life with a suitcase full of surprises, most of them unwelcome. I’m 55 now, and after years of navigating this often-bewildering phase, I can confidently say I’ve earned my stripes. If you’re wondering how menopause affects the body, let me give you the full, no-holds-barred tour, with a bit of humour thrown in for good measure (because if we’re not laughing, we might just be crying).
Hot Flushes: The Walking Furnace
Let’s start with the classic: hot flushes. If you’ve heard of menopause, you’ve heard of these little fireballs of fun. One moment you’re fine, the next you feel like someone turned your internal thermostat to “furnace mode.” It’s not just a bit of warmth either. It’s the kind of heat that has you stripping off layers like you’re auditioning for Magic Mike—only to then feel chilly the moment it passes.
And they don’t come just once. Oh no, they hit like waves throughout the day, often when it’s most inconvenient. I’ve had them in work meetings, on the bus, even in the middle of dinner parties. Hot flushes love a dramatic entrance, but what they don’t love is letting you get any decent sleep. Which brings me to…
Night Sweats: When Hot Flushes Go 24/7
As if hot flushes during the day weren’t enough, we get night sweats thrown in for good measure. Picture this: you’ve finally managed to drift off after tossing and turning for ages, only to wake up drenched as though you’ve run a marathon in your sleep. Your sheets? Soggy. Your pyjamas? Clingy. It’s not a cute look. I’ve spent more nights flipping my pillow to the cool side than I can count. Honestly, night sweats feel like the universe is playing a cruel joke.
Of course, this wrecks your sleep, and with that comes the fatigue. You’re left stumbling through the next day like a zombie, except instead of craving brains, you’re just desperately seeking air conditioning and a strong cup of tea.
Mood Swings: Riding the Emotional Rollercoaster
Let’s not forget the emotional side of things. Mood swings during menopause are like being on an emotional rollercoaster you didn’t sign up for. One minute, I’m laughing at the silliest thing on TV, and the next, I’m on the verge of tears because I forgot to buy milk. My poor husband, Dave, has been the target of many a misplaced outburst—bless him. He’ll ask me a simple question, and depending on the day, it could result in anything from a casual answer to me declaring, “I can’t take this anymore!” (What “this” is, I couldn’t tell you.)
The lack of sleep from night sweats doesn’t help, either. It’s like the whole world is a bit brighter and more irritating when you’re exhausted. But really, the hormonal shifts affect how your brain processes emotions, and for me, that has meant feeling more irritable, anxious, or downright sad, often without a clear reason.
Body Changes: Weight Gain and Skin Issues
Now, let’s talk about body changes. One day, I woke up and realised my clothes didn’t fit the way they used to. I hadn’t changed much in terms of diet or exercise, but suddenly, weight was clinging to me like a toddler on a Monday morning. Particularly around the middle—where it loves to settle. It’s like your metabolism just decides to take an extended holiday during menopause.
Then there’s the skin. I went from having relatively clear skin to suddenly dealing with dryness, and fine lines became a little more, well, pronounced. My skin felt like it was losing elasticity faster than I could moisturise it. Oh, and let’s not forget hair thinning. It’s like everything is subtly shifting, and it’s honestly a bit disorienting.
Bone and Heart Health: The Silent Effects
While the visible symptoms are frustrating enough, there are some silent effects of menopause that don’t get as much attention but are equally important. The drop in oestrogen affects your bones and heart health. After menopause, you’re at a higher risk for osteoporosis, which is why it’s crucial to make sure you’re getting enough calcium and vitamin D. And as if we didn’t have enough to worry about, there’s also an increased risk of heart disease. So, staying active and maintaining a healthy diet is more important now than ever.
Vaginal Dryness and Libido: The Taboo Topics
Ah, the unspoken topics—vaginal dryness and low libido. These can be the most awkward to talk about, but they shouldn’t be. The hormonal changes in menopause can make sex uncomfortable, and in some cases, painful. For many of us, the drop in oestrogen also means a drop in libido, which can put a strain on relationships. It’s not exactly something you want to shout from the rooftops, but trust me, it’s a common issue, and there are solutions out there, from lubricants to HRT (which can be a lifesaver, by the way).
Finding Solutions: Getting Help
It took me a while to realise that I didn’t have to suffer in silence. After a particularly bad week, I finally sought out help. I booked a menopause consultation with my GP, and after discussing my options, I decided to try HRT. It’s made a massive difference in my symptoms—less sweating, better sleep, and my mood swings are a little less intense. Plus, you can even buy HRT online in the UK these days, which is a godsend when you don’t feel like trekking to the pharmacy.
If HRT isn’t for you, there are other options too. Some women prefer bioidentical HRT, which you can find at specialist clinics. Others manage symptoms through lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise. But whatever route you choose, the most important thing is to listen to your body and get the help you deserve.
Final Thoughts
Menopause is a whirlwind of changes, but it doesn’t have to knock you off course. Whether it’s the hot flushes, the mood swings, or the dreaded weight gain, know that you’re not alone. There’s a whole community of women going through the same thing, and there’s help available. So don’t wait as long as I did—talk to your doctor and figure out what works for you. Because at the end of the day, menopause doesn’t have to define you. It’s just one part of the journey.