Hey there, my friend! If you’re reading this, chances are you’re either in the thick of perimenopause or menopause, or maybe you’re starting to feel those early signs creeping in. Either way, I want you to know—you’re in the right place.
And since October is Menopause Awareness Month🌸, there’s no better time to talk about something that affects us all but doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves. This time in your life can be a little unpredictable, but here’s the secret: managing stress is the key to easing a lot of the symptoms you might be experiencing. From hot flashes to mood swings, stress can make everything feel more intense. So now is the time to start putting yourself first and really nurture your body through this journey.
You deserve it—and I’m here to help guide you along the way.
What’s Really Going On?
Let’s break it down: Menopause itself is technically just one day—yep, one! It’s the milestone that happens when you’ve gone a full year without a period. But the real journey is perimenopause, which can start in your early 40s (sometimes even in your 30s!) and last anywhere from a few months to up to eight years. On average, women officially reach menopause around age 51. So, if you’re noticing those hormonal shifts, mood swings, and hot flashes creeping in, you’re not alone—it’s all part of the process.
But remember, stress is the real game-changer here. The more stress you’re under, the more intense those symptoms can feel. That’s why taking time for yourself and managing your stress levels is so important right now. Your body is asking for extra care, so let’s give it what it needs!
Managing Stress: The Key to Easing Symptoms
Your body is talking, and right now, it’s saying, “Slow down, breathe, and give me some extra love.” Stress doesn’t just make you feel frazzled—it can actually worsen symptoms like hot flashes, fatigue, and mood swings. So, what can we do? We slow things down, add in a little self-care, and let go of that stress!
Here’s where the fun part comes in: self-care isn’t just a buzzword—it’s your lifeline right now. Whether it’s a peaceful morning yoga session, five minutes of deep breathing, or simply a hot cup of tea enjoyed in silence, these moments of relaxation can help reduce stress and give your body the support it needs.
When you manage stress, you’re giving your body the green light to heal, rest, and feel more balanced.
Skincare & Self-Care: Treat Yourself
And let’s not forget about your skin. Hormonal changes during perimenopause can show up as dryness, sensitivity, or a loss of that youthful bounce. But the good news? With a few adjustments to your skincare routine, you can keep your skin looking refreshed and glowing.
This is where hydration, gentle exfoliation, and nourishing ingredients come into play. Don’t be afraid to switch things up! Your skin needs different care during this time, and trust me—showing your skin a little love can make all the difference.
Quick Tip: Off Duty Eye Masks for Under-Eye Love.
Here’s a little secret that I’m obsessed with:
Off Duty Sea Algae + Bio-Peptide Smoothing Biodegradable Eye Masks. These little miracles visibly smooth and firm your under-eye area while locking in moisture and reducing the appearance of fine lines. Not only do they refresh your skin, but they’re also fully biodegradable—so you can treat yourself and be eco-friendly at the same time!
Pop them in the fridge for whenever you need a quick pick-me-up—whether it's during a hot flash or after a restless night—they’ll leave you feeling (and looking) fresh and radiant.
Lesser-Known Symptoms of Menopause
While hot flashes and mood swings tend to steal the spotlight, there are some lesser-known symptoms that can catch you off guard. Did you know that joint pain, sore gums, urine leakage, and hair thinning can all be part of the menopausal journey? These are often overlooked, but they’re totally normal and can be managed with the right care.
Joint pain: You might feel more stiffness or aches, especially in the morning. This is due to the drop in estrogen, which can affect your joints and muscles.
Sore gums: Hormonal changes can cause your gums to feel more sensitive or even inflamed.
Urine leakage: As estrogen levels drop, the muscles in the pelvic area can weaken, leading to some unexpected leaks when you laugh, sneeze, or exercise.
Hair thinning: You might notice your hair becoming finer or shedding more than usual—again, thanks to hormonal shifts.
These symptoms might feel frustrating or confusing, but they’re part of the process. The good news? There are holistic ways to address them—whether it’s through diet, gentle exercise, or targeted self-care routines. And remember, you’re not alone in experiencing any of this. We’ll navigate it together!
You’ve Got This—And I’m Here With You
Here’s the thing: menopause is just another chapter in your incredible journey, and you don’t have to face it alone. By managing stress and focusing on self-care, you’re already taking huge steps to make this transition as smooth as possible. You’re strong, resilient, and capable of navigating this with grace—and I’m here to help.
Next week, we’ll dive into more specific skincare tips to help keep your glow going strong. But for now, take a deep breath, grab that cup of tea, and know that you’ve totally got this!
With love and support,
Verlena🌸
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