What we rarely talk about during menopause

It is not always the hot flashes that feel the hardest.

Sometimes it is losing your train of thought in the middle of a sentence, becoming unusually irritable, or feeling that your body is not really working as it used to.

Maybe you notice the changes but have difficulty putting them into words. You may wonder why you feel different, even though life on the surface looks exactly the same.

Brain fog – when thoughts do not flow

Some women experience difficulty concentrating and remembering things during menopause. What is sometimes called brain fog can mean that you lose your train of thought, have more difficulty focusing, or need more time for things that used to come easily.

Sleep problems and stress can also affect concentration. The symptoms can have several causes and should not automatically be attributed to menopause.

When your mood changes

Maybe you feel more irritable, anxious, or low than before. It can be difficult to know what is due to hormonal changes, poor sleep, or everything else happening in life.

Regardless of the cause, it is important to take your well-being seriously. You do not need to dismiss your feelings or demand that you always function exactly as you used to.

A body that is changing

Menopause can also mean dry mucous membranes, changes in sexual desire, or pain in muscles and joints. Some also notice changes in weight or body shape.

This can affect both your self-esteem and your sense of being at home in your own body.

There is no right way to feel about the changes. You can accept that your body is changing while at the same time missing how you used to feel.

Why is it so difficult to talk about?

Symptoms that affect sleep, the body, and sexual health can feel private. At work, you may not want to show that you are tired or having difficulty concentrating. At home, it may be difficult to explain why you do not really feel like yourself.

When we do not talk about these things, it is easy to think that we are alone.

Sharing experiences with others can provide recognition and make it easier to seek information and support. You do not need to tell everyone everything – but you should have the opportunity to talk to someone you feel safe with.

You do not need to have all the answers

It can help to prioritize rest, simplify everyday life, and talk to someone you trust. If low mood, difficulty concentrating, or other symptoms affect your life, it is wise to contact healthcare.

Menopause can bring changes, but it is not the whole story of who you are.

Taking care of yourself does not have to be complicated. Sometimes it starts with listening to your body, lowering your expectations, and finding small things that make everyday life more pleasant.

Read more about symptoms and support at 1177.