How Can I Help Myself During Menopause? (And Also, Is It Hot In Here, Or Is It Just Me?)

That's the question many of us are asking, right? Menopause. It's a word that can evoke a range of emotions, from confusion and frustration to a sense of "Wait, this is what my mom was going through?!" Let's talk about it, shall we? Or, as I like to call it, "The Great Hormonal Shift." Because "menopause" sounds so…final. Like someone slammed the door on your youth and threw away the key. And let's be real, who needs that kind of drama?

First things first, let's bust a myth: Menopause doesn't mean you're old and weak. It means you're a warrior woman navigating a biological rollercoaster. Think of it as your body's way of saying, "Okay, we're done with the baby-making business. Time for a new chapter!" (Even if you never wanted to make babies, your body doesn't care. It has its own agenda.)

Now, I wish someone had told me this earlier: Perimenopause can sneak up on you like a ninja in the night. I thought I was losing my mind. Seriously, I was convinced I was just deeply unhappy, maybe even a little bit…crazy. My moods were swinging like a disco ball, I was crying at commercials for pet food, and my sleep? Don't even get me started. Turns out, it wasn't me. It was my hormones staging a revolt. It can start in your late 30s or early 40s, so if you're experiencing similar things, you're not alone!   

So, what can you do when your body decides to throw a hormone party and you weren't invited? Well, if you're able to and want to, hormone therapy is an option. If that's the path you choose, and you're unsure where to begin, Menolux cream offers a gentle and affordable way to try hormone relief for localized symptoms. Menolux is a topical cream containing bioidentical hormones, which are chemically identical to those your body naturally produces. They are typically derived from plant sources, such as soy or wild yam, and are processed to create hormones that have the same molecular structure as those found in the body. Because it's applied directly to the skin, it may offer a lower-dose alternative to oral hormone therapy. It's often used to address vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and sleep disturbances. Many women find it helpful. But what if hormones aren’t for you? No problem! There are plenty of other ways to tackle this.   

Here's the good news: Life isn't over! It might feel like it when you're sweating through your pajamas in the middle of winter, but trust me, it gets better. You can feel like your vibrant, happy self again, only without the monthly visit from Aunt Flo.

Here are a few things that have helped me, including some key supplements:

• Become a fan of the fan: Seriously, a small, portable fan is my new best friend. I carry it everywhere. It goes around my neck and I'm thinking of getting it surgically implanted.
• Embrace the chill: Layering is key. Think of yourself as an onion. You can always peel off a layer if things get too toasty.
• Hydrate like a cactus: Water is your friend. It helps with everything from hot flashes to vaginal dryness (yes, we're going there).
• Move it, move it: Exercise might be the last thing you want to do when you feel like a melting ice cube, but it really does help with mood, sleep, and overall well-being. Even a short walk can make a difference.
• Find your tribe: Social media can be a lifesaver. Connecting with other women who are going through the same thing can make you feel less alone (and less crazy). Google is great for symptoms, but your tribe will help you feel less like you are the only one feeling this way.
• Laugh it off: Humor is your secret weapon. Find the funny side of menopause. Because let's face it, some of this stuff is just plain ridiculous.

Supplement Support (Always talk to your doctor before starting any new supplements):

• Calcium and Vitamin D: Crucial for bone health, especially as estrogen levels decline.
• Magnesium: Can help with sleep, mood, and muscle cramps.  
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: May reduce hot flashes and improve mood.
• Probiotics: Gut health is linked to overall well-being, including hormone balance.   
• DIM (Diindolylmethane): May help balance estrogen levels by promoting healthy estrogen metabolism. Some women find it helpful for hot flashes and mood swings, but it's important to note that DIM can interact with medications, so discuss it with your doctor.
• DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone):This hormone, produced naturally by the body, declines with age. DHEA supplements may help improve mood, energy levels, and libido. 

Remember, this is a journey, not a destination. There will be good days and bad days. But you've got this! And if you ever feel like you're losing it, just remember: You're not alone, and you're definitely not old and weak. You're a warrior woman, and this too shall pass. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go crank up the AC and put on my cooling vest. Cheers to the Great Hormonal Shift!