Every time I read one of your posts, I’m validated. Drinking tea and knitting in the mornings, instead of emails? Yes. Pursuing old friend and trying to pretzel myself into someone she needs (which also involves a lot of guessing)? No thanks. Working out and feeling good about my body, despite the pounds I’ve gained post menopause? Heyall yes! Replacing my wordrobe for body appropriate sizes and styles? Another yes. Thank you Ellen. You’ve been behind each of these shifts. I’m so grateful for your support through this platform. I hope someday you’ll write a book. 😃
This is such an important aspect of the menopause Transition. I think it’s one of the major factors that leaves male partners confused. It can often be mistakenly seen as a “personality change”. Certainly men I’ve interviewed saw it that way until they learned more.
Thank you so much for posting this. I wish I was privy to this information when I was going through menopause. But now I can pass this information on to my daughter. I knew that my ability to finally be able to say no, to be able to put myself first and to stop people pleasing had something to do with menopause. This information will help a lot of women.
I have sent this to women in my life. They are very appreciative. And the men I sent it to wondered if you would write one focused on the depletion of our golden Testosterone and rising replacement with Estrogen. I’m deeply interested in the unity of masculine/feminine as part of the role of returning to our True Self. But this isn’t just a mystical journey. It’s also biological. “When two become one.” What say, Ellen?
Totally fascinating and daunting. I can almost feel myself enjoying the process whilst it’s happening to me at speed. Due to health reasons I had to come off HRT about 8 months ago.
I wonder does HRT delay the upgrade or slow it down perhaps?
I’ve started to feel the disconnect and the letting go with my family, speaking my own mind and definitely saying no to lots of things that don’t align.
However this piece has really highlighted needing to choose what comes next rather than let life wash over me.
One thing that’s suffering is the housework. After decades of doing it all. I would rather read a book. Its liberating.
I do think more of the psychological aspect of menopause need to be talked about and love this perspective of brain/attitude changes. But as a dietitian I advocate for the exact opposite with regards to diet. We need to make sure we are giving our brains a regular supply of its primary fuel:glucose to make us feel better. Our bodies make ketones as a survival mechanism- why would we task a system that is already overloaded? Get good quality carbohydrates regularly and reliably thru the day. I look forward to reading more on the psych-social impacts of midlife here.
Hi Lisa, I have been a diabetes educator for over 20 years, so yes. And for many the hormonal fluctuations thru perimenopause is brutal on their sugars😟 but all bodies still need a steady fuel source.
Wow I fuckin love this...by my language no doubt you can guess I'm 58 & feeling all the above intensely. I've strangley become obsessed with all the Yellowstone Netflix series...wild women, old women.. shooting...cussing...drinking...telling the cowboys to do one...I feel this inside...I'm alone...single...solo...you putting it all into words has brought great comfort. I'm buying my plane tkt to mid west America to learn how to horse ride on a ranch. I'll meet a cowboy who will say "Yes Mam", & honour my age...well, not really, but I can dream. Thank you.
Every time I read one of your posts, I’m validated. Drinking tea and knitting in the mornings, instead of emails? Yes. Pursuing old friend and trying to pretzel myself into someone she needs (which also involves a lot of guessing)? No thanks. Working out and feeling good about my body, despite the pounds I’ve gained post menopause? Heyall yes! Replacing my wordrobe for body appropriate sizes and styles? Another yes. Thank you Ellen. You’ve been behind each of these shifts. I’m so grateful for your support through this platform. I hope someday you’ll write a book. 😃
This is such an important aspect of the menopause Transition. I think it’s one of the major factors that leaves male partners confused. It can often be mistakenly seen as a “personality change”. Certainly men I’ve interviewed saw it that way until they learned more.
Thank you so much for posting this. I wish I was privy to this information when I was going through menopause. But now I can pass this information on to my daughter. I knew that my ability to finally be able to say no, to be able to put myself first and to stop people pleasing had something to do with menopause. This information will help a lot of women.
I have sent this to women in my life. They are very appreciative. And the men I sent it to wondered if you would write one focused on the depletion of our golden Testosterone and rising replacement with Estrogen. I’m deeply interested in the unity of masculine/feminine as part of the role of returning to our True Self. But this isn’t just a mystical journey. It’s also biological. “When two become one.” What say, Ellen?
The one I love is when you say something and a person one generation younger says, "Jeez, read the room!"
I did read the room and I said what I said. This isn't me making a mistake. It's you, not having outgrown the need to please everyone.
Totally fascinating and daunting. I can almost feel myself enjoying the process whilst it’s happening to me at speed. Due to health reasons I had to come off HRT about 8 months ago.
I wonder does HRT delay the upgrade or slow it down perhaps?
I’ve started to feel the disconnect and the letting go with my family, speaking my own mind and definitely saying no to lots of things that don’t align.
However this piece has really highlighted needing to choose what comes next rather than let life wash over me.
One thing that’s suffering is the housework. After decades of doing it all. I would rather read a book. Its liberating.
I often do read a book. Dusting is overrated. 😉
I wonder if you have known of other women with Type 1 diabetes and are menopausal, when you mentioned the glucose factor.
Ive struggled terribly with managing diabetes since menopause.
Thanks for the info 💐
Was a wild ride over the past 10 years. Waking up one day to clear mind... Made the whole process worth it.
Thank you
If it's not a hell yes, it's a no. Pure gold!
I do think more of the psychological aspect of menopause need to be talked about and love this perspective of brain/attitude changes. But as a dietitian I advocate for the exact opposite with regards to diet. We need to make sure we are giving our brains a regular supply of its primary fuel:glucose to make us feel better. Our bodies make ketones as a survival mechanism- why would we task a system that is already overloaded? Get good quality carbohydrates regularly and reliably thru the day. I look forward to reading more on the psych-social impacts of midlife here.
Thats interesting, have you helped women with Type 1 diabetes and menopause?
Hi Lisa, I have been a diabetes educator for over 20 years, so yes. And for many the hormonal fluctuations thru perimenopause is brutal on their sugars😟 but all bodies still need a steady fuel source.
I love the software update analogy.
I wish I had this information at 40. At 75, I can pass it forward tomorrow my daughters who are in their 40’s and trying to it all. Thank you.
This is wonderful! I'm looking forward to the next era. Can I ask - what is your opinion on HRT and how it effects all these changes and shifts?
Thanks Ellen, this is encouraging. The only research I'd found on brain impacts so farreally were (as you mentioned ) quite terrifying.
But this makes sense to me, and seems to marry with my experience.
I'm into menopause by a year or so and feel I'm just starting to find my sea legs again.
And honestly? There is still quite an intimidating mess of things to work out, but I'm finding myself with renewed courage and optimism.
Thank you!
Wow I fuckin love this...by my language no doubt you can guess I'm 58 & feeling all the above intensely. I've strangley become obsessed with all the Yellowstone Netflix series...wild women, old women.. shooting...cussing...drinking...telling the cowboys to do one...I feel this inside...I'm alone...single...solo...you putting it all into words has brought great comfort. I'm buying my plane tkt to mid west America to learn how to horse ride on a ranch. I'll meet a cowboy who will say "Yes Mam", & honour my age...well, not really, but I can dream. Thank you.