How the onset of menopause affected me
I always believed I would navigate menopause naturally. With years of mindfulness and yoga practice under my belt, I thought I had all the tools I needed to ease through this phase. But when it finally hit me, it was overwhelming – brain fog, aches and pains and emotional chaos. I used all my tools to power through, telling myself it was all part of the process.
At one point though, I realised I needed some help, so I turned to a functional medicine doctor. Together, we explored options, and I decided to try low doses of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) alongside supplements to support my body.
It’s okay to ask for help
I was fortunate to witness some friends going through this phase before me. Some were determined to manage it without hormone replacement therapy – and they did. Others, after years of struggle and suffering, ultimately turned to hormone therapy – and wished they had done so sooner. Their experiences helped me realise that it’s okay to seek support when your body needs it, and that taking care of yourself in the way that works best for you is key.
It turned out that adrenal fatigue had already drained my system, making this transition even harder. Where my body might once have handled menopause naturally, it simply couldn’t anymore – and that’s okay. These changes teach us to listen, to adapt, and to honour what we need.
Navigating menopause: What you should know
The symptoms of menopause can range from mild to life-disrupting. Hot flashes, insomnia, anxiety, depression, joint pain, and brain fog are just a few of the challenges women face during this time. Left unchecked, these changes can strain your relationships, impact your work, and affect your mental health.
Here’s how you can prepare and navigate this phase with more ease:
Know your options
It’s important to be informed. While many women want to go the ‘natural’ route, sometimes our bodies needs extra support. BHRT or HRT can be life-changing for managing severe symptoms. The key is finding a practitioner who listens and works with you to tailor an approach that fits your needs.
Try to support your health beforehand
The healthier your body is before and during (peri) menopause, the easier the transition will be. Focus on a balanced diet, regular movement (strength, cardio and yoga), stress management, and getting enough sleep. If you’re in your 40s, this is the time to start preparing.
Address adrenal fatigue
If you’re already depleted from stress, menopause can hit harder. Supporting your adrenal health through restorative practices like yoga, meditation, and supplements can make a big difference.
Build a support network
Menopause can feel isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Talk about it with the women around you. Seek out communities, retreats, or groups where women share their experiences and learn together.
Be kind to yourself
This is a time to lean into self-compassion. Your body is changing, and it’s okay to feel a little lost. The key is to listen to what it needs and honour those needs without judgment.
Menopause and the role of the wise elder
The transition into menopause offers us a chance to step fully into our wisdom and strength. It’s a time to let go of what no longer serves us and embrace the clarity that comes with this phase of life. The wise elder is someone who has faced challenges, learned from them, and now walks through the world with greater authenticity and presence.
Authenticity in this phase means being the author of your own life. You have to go through this transition in your own way, in a way that is good for you. It’s about honouring your own needs, listening to your body, and making choices that reflect your truth – rather than trying to fit into others’ expectations of what this time should look like.
By caring for yourself during this time – physically, emotionally, and spiritually – you prepare to step into this role fully. It’s not just about surviving menopause; it’s about thriving and showing others what’s possible.
It’s not just about surviving menopause; it’s about thriving and showing others what’s possible.
The power of love – 20 min meditation
This meditation invites you sit and be present with yourself with a kind and friendly attention. We scan our body with appreciation for its abilities and with compassion for its struggles. Next, we open ourselves to embrace compassion phrases, allowing them to settle within us. We observe how they resonate and unfold, and how they guide us to places that may need an extra dose of love and understanding.
For more practices, check out our Yoga for Menopause program.
An invitation to embrace this phase – May 2025 retreat
If you feel you could use some support navigating this transition, I invite you to join me for my Embracing Hormonal Change Retreat. Together, we’ll navigate this phase with tools like yoga, meditation, nervous system regulation, and hormone-supportive nutrition.
You’ll leave with practical insights, a deeper connection to yourself, and a supportive community of women who understand.
Dates: 16 May – 23 May 2025
Location: D’alijo Retreat Centre, Portugal
What’s included: Yoga, strength training, cardio, meditation, expert guidance, and nourishing meals tailored to support your hormonal health.
Let’s embrace this next phase of life – together. You can learn more about the retreat and sign up here.
With love,
Esther
