How to Prepare for Menopause Like a Boss
The end of your menstrual period doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Here’s how to navigate this new chapter like a pro
While is a normal part of aging for women, the stage of a woman’s life when her menstrual periods stop permanently, and she can no longer get pregnant is often clouded with myths and mystery.
According to the US National Institute on Aging The menopausal transition, or perimenopause (the time leading up to menopause) usually begins in when you are in your 40s, but sometimes it can start earlier and can last for several years. Here are a few tips to help you navigate this with ease.
1. Stay Hydrated Like It’s Your Job
Hormonal changes can lead to dryness (yes, everywhere), so drink plenty of water. Your skin, hair, and body will thank you.
2. Get Moving!
Exercise helps prevent weight gain, mood swings, and joint pain. Plus, it’s a great excuse to buy cute workout clothes.
3. Eat Like You Love Yourself
More fibre, healthy fats, and calcium-rich foods. Less sugar and processed junk (but hey, a little chocolate never hurt anyone).
4. Sleep Like a Queen (Or Try To)
A cool, dark room, breathable pyjamas, and a bedtime routine can help with sleep disturbances. If all else fails, naps are a menopausal woman’s best friend.
5. Master the Art of Dressing in Layers
Hot flashes come and go, so be prepared. Layering means you can strip down when the heat hits and bundle up when it’s over.
6. Laugh a Lot (It’s Free Therapy)
Menopause can be a wild ride, but keeping a sense of humour makes everything easier. Find menopause memes, joke with your friends, and embrace the chaos.
7. Talk About It!
Menopause isn’t a secret society—talk to your doctor, your friends, and anyone who will listen. You’re not alone!
How to Confirm You’re Officially in the Menopause Club
Suspect ‘the big M’ but want official confirmation? Here’s how to know for sure
✔️ Track your periods – If you haven’t had a period for 12 months straight, congratulations (or condolences?), you are officially in menopause.
✔️ Check with your doctor – Blood tests measuring hormones like FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and estrogen levels can help confirm what your body is up to.
✔️ Assess your symptoms – If your body is throwing all the classic menopause signs your way, it’s probably the real deal.
Menopause on the Way? Signs, Confirmation, and Survival Tips
One day, you’re living your best life, effortlessly slaying, and the next, you’re wondering why you’re sweating like you just ran a marathon… while sitting still. Welcome to the rollercoaster called menopause!
If you suspect menopause is creeping up on you like a nosy neighbour, don’t worry—I got you. Let’s break it down:
Signs You Might Be Entering the Menopausal Zone
So how do you know if menopause is knocking on your door? Here are some of the telltale signs:
1. Hot Flashes That Feel Like You’re Being Slow-Roasted
You’re minding your business, then boom! You feel like you’ve been thrown into an oven preheated to 220°C. These sudden heat waves can strike at any time—during meetings, in the middle of a romantic dinner, or at 3 a.m. when you’re trying to sleep.
2. Your Mood Swings Have Mood Swings
One minute you’re laughing at a cat video, the next you’re sobbing because your coffee got cold. Hormonal changes can turn you into an emotional rollercoaster, so if you find yourself crying over spilled milk (literally), blame estrogen—or lack thereof.
You see, estrogen is like that one reliable friend who keeps everything in check—your mood, your skin, your metabolism, and even your ability to remember where you left your car keys. But when menopause hits, estrogen decides to ghost you, leaving chaos in its wake. With less of it around, your body throws tantrums in the form of hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain, and even forgetfulness. Estrogen is the glue holding it all together, and when it starts packing its bags, you’re left dealing with the ultimate hormonal breakup.
3. Your Periods Are Playing Hide and Seek
One month your period is fashionably late, the next it’s early, and then it disappears for months only to return when you least expect it—like during vacation. Irregular periods are a major clue that menopause is in the building.
4. You Suddenly Become Best Friends with Your Fan
Ceiling fans, desk fans, handheld fans—you now have a collection. If your air-conditioning bill has doubled, welcome to the club!
5. Sleep? Never Heard of It
If you’re tossing and turning all night, waking up drenched in sweat, or having the weirdest dreams ever, your hormones are likely the culprits.
6. Your Metabolism Has Slowed Down (Rude!)
Your favourite jeans suddenly feel snug, and your body seems to be hoarding fat like it’s preparing for a famine. Sadly, weight gain around the belly is common during menopause. Time to reconsider that second slice of cake (or not—your choice!).
7. Brain Fog: Where Did I Put My… Oh, Never Mind
If you walk into a room and immediately forget why you’re there, or you start calling your kids by the dog’s name, don’t panic. Menopause messes with memory and concentration, but you’re still sharp—just… selectively forgetful.
Important retirement questions people over 40 should think about
Thinking about retirement when you’ve hardly met your life goals, can feel overwhelming.
For many parents, retirement planning often takes a back seat to more immediate financial priorities like school fees, loan repayments, or daily household expenses. Yet, just like the oven analogy—where time waits for no one — it’s crucial to start asking the right questions now to secure your future. Here are key considerations to guide you:
1. What Does Retirement Mean to Me?
Retirement doesn’t always mean completely stopping work. It could involve farming, running a small business, or even part-time consulting. Define your retirement vision to align your plans with your reality.
2. Am I Clear About My Financial Gaps?
Analyze your financial standing. When you reach your retirement age, how much will you have saved through your private pension scheme, government pension scheme, or personal investments? Are there gaps in what you’ll need to sustain your lifestyle? Calculating this early helps you avoid surprises.
3. Can I Adapt My Lifestyle?
Retiring well often means adjusting your spending. Are you ready to downsize your living arrangements, move to a more affordable location, or cut back on non-essential expenses to stretch your resources?
4. What Income Streams Can I Build?
It’s common for retirees to explore multiple income streams, such as rental properties, agribusiness, or investment groups. Identify opportunities that suit your skills and interests.
5. How Can I Manage My Debt?
Entering retirement with debts, such as loans or bank overdrafts, can strain your finances. Develop a repayment plan now to free up your future income for living expenses.
6. How Will I Stay Active and Fulfilled?
Retirement isn’t just about money. Will you spend time farming, volunteering in your local church or community, or travelling? Staying mentally and physically active is key to enjoying your later years.
7. Am I Ready for Unexpected Challenges?
Life’s uncertainties — rising healthcare costs, economic instability, or emergencies — can derail plans. Build an emergency fund and consider public health insurance options or private schemes.
8. Who Can Help Me Plan Effectively?
Speak to a financial advisor or join a local pension scheme. These resources can help tailor a plan that fits your specific needs and goals.
9. How Will My Plans Impact My Family?
Retirement often affects dependents, including children still in school or a spouse relying on shared finances. Have honest discussions about what your retirement might mean for family dynamics and support.
10. Is Phased Retirement a Viable Option?
Rather than stopping work abruptly, consider options like freelancing, consultancy, or starting a small business. These can ease the financial and emotional transition into retirement.