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Menopause: Navigating the Maze with Grace, Grit and a Splash of Humour

A light-hearted look at the complexities, challenges, and coping strategies for women experiencing menopause

By Donna Siggers (30th January 20260

Setting the Scene: Menopause as a Transformative Time

Let’s face it: menopause has a reputation, and not entirely for the right reasons. For many women, it’s that mysterious threshold you hear about in hushed tones, whispered warnings about your 'change and cryptic tales of hot flushes and mood swings. Yet, amidst all the chatter, few discuss the reality: Menopause is not just an ending, but a beginning—a transformative journey that can be confusing, frustrating, and, dare we say, sometimes downright hilarious.

As women, we’re often expected to glide through life’s transitions with effortless grace. But menopause is not having any of that. Instead, it arrives like a surprise party you didn’t want, bringing with it an assortment of symptoms, emotions, and challenges. And while it can be a bumpy ride, let’s approach it together with a bit of wit, warmth, and wisdom. After all, if we’re going to sweat (literally), we may as well laugh through it.

The Many Faces of Menopause: Symptoms and Complexities

Menopause isn’t a straight path—it’s more like a roundabout with a few unexpected exits. While every woman’s journey is unique, there are certain passengers that seem to hitch a ride for everyone. Let’s meet a few of these colourful characters.

Joint Pain: Suddenly, your knees and hips start acting like you took part in a marathon, when you only walked to the kitchen for a cuppa. Joint pain during menopause is common, and it has a knack for making you feel a bit creaky. Gone are the days of springing up from the sofa; it’s now an Olympic event requiring preparation and possibly a cheer squad.

Hot Flushes: These are the showstoppers of menopausal symptoms. One minute you’re fine, the next you’re radiating enough heat to power a small village. You may find yourself peeling off layers in public, fanning yourself with a magazine, or searching for the nearest freezer section in a supermarket. It’s unpredictable, intense, and absolutely unforgettable.

Fatigue: There’s tired, and then there’s menopause tired—a kind that makes you question whether you’ve been secretly jogging in your sleep. Suddenly, afternoon naps seem essential, and the idea of staying up past 9pm feels rebellious.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Menopause can also bring with it headaches, memory lapses (where did I put my glasses?), and changes in libido. But for now, let’s focus on the challenges that most often get swept under the rug: Weight gain and the quest for fitness.

Cake: The Gentle Struggle

One day, you’re delighted to treat yourself to a slice of cake, the next, you’re wondering if it’s possible to gain five pounds just by looking at it. The body’s metabolism slows, fat distribution changes, and suddenly, those favourite trousers become a distant memory. The struggle to stay active and fit is real—but it’s not hopeless.

The Gym Conundrum: Exercise feels less like an invigorating activity and more like a necessary evil. With joint pain and fatigue tagging along, the motivation to hit the gym dwindles. But remember movement doesn’t have to be strenuous. A brisk walk, a bit of gardening, or a dance to the radio all count.

Diet Dilemmas: Suddenly, food seems to have more influence over your body than ever. Carbohydrates become sneaky little saboteurs. But the key is balance—not restriction. Enjoy your favourite foods in moderation, and don’t let the scales dictate your self-worth.

Self-Image: Weight changes can cloud self-esteem and confidence. Shopping trips become epic quests for comfort rather than style. But remember, you are not defined by your dress size. You are defined by your resilience, humour, and ability to navigate life’s curveballs.

Let’s not pretend this is easy. But it’s also not the end of the world. With a little self-compassion and a pinch of humour, the battle with the bathroom scales can be less daunting.

Emotions: And Loss of Control

Menopause doesn’t just affect the body—it takes a swipe at your emotions, too. Mood swings, irritability, and a sense of lost control can sneak in like uninvited guests. Some days, you’re on top of the world and others might find yourself in tears over a particularly sad advert.

There’s a tendency to feel negative, especially when symptoms pile up. The sense of control you once had over your body and mind seems to slip away. 'Who am I?' you might wonder, 'and what happened to the old me?'

But here’s the thing: these feelings are normal, and you’re certainly not alone. Menopause is a time of immense change, and it’s perfectly understandable to feel a bit lost or frustrated. The trick is to acknowledge these emotions, give yourself permission to feel, and seek out moments of joy—even if they come from a good cup of tea or a cheeky sitcom binge.

The Unspoken Truth: Stigma and Misunderstanding

Despite affecting half the world’s population at some point, menopause remains shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding. There’s a curious silence around the subject, as if talking about it might make it worse. Women are often made to feel embarrassed or ashamed of their symptoms, and the media’s portrayal rarely helps—either it’s depicted as a joke or not depicted at all.

This cultural reluctance to discuss menopause openly leaves many women feeling isolated. Friends and family may struggle to understand, workplaces may lack appropriate support, and society as a whole seems to prefer pretending it doesn’t exist. But here’s the good news: The tide is turning. More and more women are speaking out, sharing their stories, and demanding visibility. It’s about time the world recognised menopause as a normal, natural milestone—one that deserves understanding, respect, and a dash of empathy.

The Self-Help Minefield: Online Medications and False Promises

If you’ve ever searched for menopause cures online, you’ll know it’s a jungle out there. The internet is bursting with self-help medications, miracle supplements, and dubious weight-loss products, each promising relief from symptoms and a return to your pre-menopause self.

Unfortunately, many of these products are little more than snake oil. From expensive herbal teas to tablets with unpronounceable ingredients, the promises are grand—but the results are often disappointing. Women desperate for relief may spend considerable time and money only to find no change in their weight, pain, or fatigue.

The disappointment can be crushing. Instead of feeling empowered, women may feel duped, frustrated, and even more out of control. Remember: There’s no magic fix. Maintaining a healthy scepticism and consulting with your doc is always the safest route. The only miracle here is your endurance and ability to laugh at the absurdity.

Coping Strategies and Positive Steps

Menopause may not offer an exit ramp, but there are plenty of ways to smooth the journey. While the symptoms can be challenging, there are practical strategies that can help reclaim a sense of balance and wellbeing.

Keep Moving: Gentle exercise, like walking, swimming, or yoga, can reduce joint pain, boost mood, and support weight management. Find something you genuinely enjoy—if you hate running, don’t do it! Dancing in your living room absolutely counts.

Eat Well but Kindly: Focus on nutritious, balanced meals. Whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables all support energy and health. But don’t be overly strict—allow yourself treats and don’t demonise food.

Share Your Experiences: Chat with friends, join support groups, or simply talk with someone you trust. Breaking the silence helps combat stigma and creates understanding between loved ones, fellow menopausees (yup just made that word up), and even the wider community.

Self-Care Rituals: Prioritise rest, relaxation, and activities that bring joy. Whether it’s reading, gardening, or a bubble bath, self-care is vital.

Don't suffer in silence. The doc should have some advice and can offer effective treatments. Practice Patience and Humour: Above all, remember to be patient with yourself. Change takes time, and it’s okay to have tough days. A little laughter goes a long way—sometimes, it’s the best medicine.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but small steps can lead to meaningful improvements. Celebrate your wins, however small—they matter.

Embracing the Change with Humour and Grace

Menopause is undoubtedly complex. It brings with it a medley of physical symptoms, emotional highs and lows, and social challenges. Yes, you may lose control for a while. Yes, there might be days when you feel more like a dragon than a lady. But it’s also a period (maybe not the best choice of words) of growth, resilience, and, dare we say, rediscovery.

So, as you navigate menopause’s maze remember you’re not alone. There are millions of women with night sweats, aching knees, and stories to tell. Laugh when you can, cry when you must, and never forget to treat yourself with kindness. Menopause isn’t the end—it’s a new chapter. And with a bit of humour and a lot of grace, you’ll write it beautifully.

Here’s to you, to your journey, and to the glorious adventure of embracing change—hot flushes and all.