It’s nothing new to know that perimenopause can bring with it its fair share of challenges (think: hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and insomnia). However, is it time to think of this in a new way? Here’s some inspiration to step into the power of peri!
First up - for some background, have you read our earlier article Oh Hello Perimenopause? It offers some good background from a Chinese Medicine (CM) perspective, and just how much we can help! And now… what on earth? POWERFUL peri? Yep, you read that right! Here’s how:
Opportunity for personal growth and empowerment
As hormone levels shift (& shift some more) and menstrual cycles become irregular, many women experience changes in their energy levels, moods, and overall sense of well-being. This is yet another reminder on the path of adulthood to focus on self - another chance to make some positive changes to support our physical, emotional, and general health. Are we doing enough for ourselves? Do we have decadent rest or me time in our lives?
But for me, some of the biggest growth of this period was throwing off that heavy shame around periods that so many of us have. Sometimes, it feels like no one is talking about peri, and even going to my beloved GP I was let down because he just didn’t have much to offer me (don’t worry - I’ve got a great women’s health doc now!). I mean, half the population are going to go through this, yet we aren’t encouraged to understand it. Instead, we all want to avoid it.
Yet when I came to realise it's not a failure (even if I did have premature peri), and indeed that by owning it I can harness it, things began to shift. I felt ready, I felt strong, I felt capable. I felt like I had knowledge and wisdom, and like I was stepping into me. Weird? Maybe. Powerful? You bet.
Deeper connections with other women
We all know on some level that when we find someone going through the same things as us, it’s a great connecting point. Many women find this - and inspiration - in talking openly with others who are going through this intense peri roller coaster. Solidarity! At first I was a little put out and didn’t want to share it openly (again, that women/patriarchy shame), but in time it became like a secret society of strong women who were going through it… trudging through, and coming out the other side. Now what’s NOT to admire about that?
Increased self-awareness and self-acceptance
This kind of ties into both points above, but honestly, peri is proving to be a great time of ownership of ME. I’m so much better (too tired? too old? too experienced?) in accepting me for me and inhabiting my age, because all of this recognises my experience. I’ve been around! I’ve lived!
This isn’t uncommon either - often as women navigate the physical and emotional changes of perimenopause, discovering new aspects of themselves or coming to terms with aspects they previously struggled with is not infrequent. This all equals greater self-confidence and a stronger sense of identity, and that’s pretty awesome.
Freedom from Monthly Cycles
The literature says that ‘irregularity of menstrual cycles during perimenopause can provide a sense of freedom from the monthly burden of menstruation. And they’re not wrong! While heavy and flooding periods might signal the start of peri for many (🙋🏻♀️), in time, they’ll often get lighter, shorter, and you’ll likely start skipping months. Once you’re prepared for this (thank goodness for period undies!), there’s a lightness that comes.
A sense of accomplishment
Many women feel a sense of accomplishment after successfully navigating perimenopause and entering into menopause (that’s 1 year without a period). And so they should; Not only for overcoming this phase, but in recognition of a (first-half) life well lived.