Menopause and Chronic Illness a Journey to Finding Relief

As a woman who has lived with chronic illness for many years, I thought I had a good handle on managing my symptoms. However, when menopause arrived, I found myself in uncharted territory. Ultimately, I was shoved into a whirlwind of amplified symptoms. New health challenges arose and a level of exhaustion felt insurmountable. I knew I wasn't alone in this, but the intersection of menopause and chronic illness often feels overlooked and misunderstood.

The crushing weight of overlapping symptoms

One of the most frustrating aspects of menopause for me is how it can exacerbate the symptoms of my existing chronic illnesses. For instance, my lupus pain intensified. The hot flashes transformed those familiar aches into searing flares. My diabetes going haywire, triggered by hormonal changes, morphed into a constant threat of high glucose levels one day. Low glucose levels the next. Sleep became even more elusive. The night sweats and anxiety compounding the insomnia that's a hallmark of many chronic conditions.

The interplay between menopause and pre-existing conditions can be a vicious cycle. Declining estrogen levels, for instance, contribute to sleep disturbances. That lack of sleep can exacerbate pain and leave many of us feeling drained. So, you aren't just dealing with your chronic illness symptoms. Now you are dealing with chronic illness and menopause symptoms on a daily basis. All at 100 times the rate. It's a frustrating loop that can severely impact our daily lives.

Finding paths to empowerment

While there may be no full-stop cure, I refuse to let menopause and chronic illness entirely dictate my life. It took time. For me it took a great deal of self-advocacy. I want to share some of the coping mechanisms I've found helpful during this challenging time:

Knowledge is power

First of all, I sought to educate myself about menopause. I had to learn how it impacts my specific health conditions. Understanding the physiological processes helped me feel less like a victim. I became a person more in control of my well-being. A conversation with my doctor further shed light on what to expect.

Lifestyle changes

Implementing some basic habits has yielded many benefits. These include prioritizing regular, gentle exercise, even short walks help! Establishing a consistent sleep routine and following a healthy balanced diet was key. While they're not magic bullets, I've noticed a positive impact on both my menopause symptoms, mood, and pain levels.

Self-advocacy first

I've become my own strongest advocate. Healthcare professionals may not fully grasp the combined impact of menopause and chronic illness on women. I realized it's up to us to clearly communicate our experiences and needs. Don't hesitate to ask about potential treatments, therapies, or lifestyle modifications.

Prioritizing self-care

Though sometimes my body screams in protest I move. I'm committed to gentle movement, particularly yoga and walking, as tolerated. Even small bursts of activity can improve my mood and energy levels. Additionally, mindful breathing techniques and meditation help me tame the anxiety that often accompanies both menopause and chronic pain. These techniques allow me to find moments of serenity in the storm. Taking time for mindful practices has become an indispensable tool for managing both my physical discomfort and emotional distress. Since we know stress aggravates chronic pain and hormonal imbalances prioritizing self-care is important.

The power of support

I wouldn't be able to manage without my support system.  My family and friends offer understanding. They give me the encouragement when I need it. I also actively participate in online forums and support groups for women with chronic illnesses. Knowing I'm not alone brings me a sense of solidarity. Realizing I'm not alone has empowered me tremendously.

It's a journey

Navigating menopause alongside chronic illness isn't easy. Some days are undoubtedly harder than others. It's a journey of adaptation. Of learning what works best for you as an individual. By arming yourself with knowledge it brings you clarity. When practicing consistent self-care, it really helps your esteem. And by leaning on your support system, it's possible to find a greater sense of balance and well-being. It's a challenging chapter of womanhood that can be managed.