“I decided to look at it as life – I’m going through it because I’m alive.”
LINDA SMYTH
CREATIVE DIRECTOR AT BON LABEL / SYDNEY
In retrospect, the first sign I was going through perimenopause was my mood – I was getting weirdly angry and often would lose my patience, which is abnormal for me. I was 46 when I first started experiencing the symptoms, and once I discovered the cause, I was relieved. I hated being more grumpy and I was genuinely worried about losing my patience. I had a lot going on, my son had suddenly turned into a toddler and life was more demanding. It didn’t feel like ‘me’ but I assumed it was ‘life’ causing these emotional changes. Menopause didn’t even cross my mind as a reason. I didn’t connect the dots until I started getting hot flushes.
Knowing that it was menopause was a relief because that meant it wasn’t actually ‘me’, there was something ‘legitimate’ causing that change. From that point on, I felt like I had a bit more control over it – and it’s been instrumental in managing it.
I decided to look at it as life – I’m going through it because I’m alive. I don’t know why menopause is so mean (in terms of symptoms) but it’s what’s supposed to happen, and I like that I’m ‘normal’ and my body is doing what it’s supposed to do. I also meditate a lot more, and when I can’t meditate, I do a little deep-breathing sequence, which calms me down. I prioritise myself a little bit more. Menopause can be so draining, physically and mentally, so it’s actually more of a necessity to take some time to refill my cup. I also keep reminding myself why I’m impatient in the moment or super pissed off – just being aware and knowing why helps a lot. It gives me more patience and chills me out a bit.
Supplements wise, I take Menopauzzz (terrible name) sleep drops at night and they help me sleep. I make sure I stay hydrated because – for whatever reason – that really helps with
