I’ve been thinking about what information I wish I could share with a younger me. Not so that I could change the past, but so that I could save myself a lot of time, money, and struggle.
This information is in no particular order and frankly, should hit every woman’s inbox on her 35th birthday.
01. No one is coming
No one is coming to explain perimenopause to you or help you sort out your symptoms.
To get the care and support you deserve, you’ll need to get educated about your body and research the evidence-based options available to support your journey and healthspan.
Not sure where to start? Check out this podcast with Dr. Sarah Shaw. She’s one of the experts we wish everyone could have guiding their menopausal journeys.
02. Vaginal estrogen is safe
The majority of women will experience symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM): leaking urine, burning, itching, pain, and recurring UTIs are just the tip of this mo-fo of an iceberg. And these symptoms will not resolve on their own.
Vaginal estrogen is the gold-standard treatment. And it has a boxed warning (formerly called a black box warning) that overstates the risks, causing many to forgo the benefits.
Expert consensus is that the warning should be removed. Until that happens, don’t let the warning scare you. Vaginal estrogen will do wonders for your pelvic floor.
03. Wake after sleep onset (WASO) is a thing
Many women start waking up at 2 am and can’t get back to sleep in their late 30s and early 40s. Their periods are normal. They aren’t experiencing hot flashes. And they don’t have new stress that would explain this sleep disturbance.
The world is now waking up (pun intended) to the fact that WASO is a symptom of perimenopause. This is important, because without this information you’ll likely start blaming yourself.
This info will also help you find the solutions you need to start getting a full-night of sleep again.
Hint, it’ll be a combination of things like lifestyle changes, diet, exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and medications.
04. Your purpose is not to please others
There’s a reason you feel drained, unseen, and like you’re carrying the weight of every relationship. And it’s not just your changing hormones.
We all develop patterns or schemas that at one time served a purpose but are now keeping us small, and exhausted.
You need to meet Dr. Justine Corry. She’ll help you find clarity, get comfortable taking up space, and seize the opportunity to live your best life.
That’s It. 4 Things:
- Take charge.
- Your vagina and vulva deserve better.
- Here’s why you can’t sleep.
- Stop people pleasing.
Oh, wait. I’d also tell my 35 year-old self that the negative voice in her head is named ‘Celeste’ and that Celeste is usually wrong.
To enjoy her full eyebrows now because they’ll be changing soon.
And to trust that tiny, little voice that wants her to be vulnerable, take up space, and put herself first. Her name is Mikelle. And she’s amazing.
xoxo,
Mikelle
