Lately, I’ve been feeling funny – joint pains, headaches, fatigue, irritability, and this overall “leave me alone” tiredness that I cannot explain. You know that kind of tiredness where sleep doesn’t fix anything? Yes, that one.
I was trying to explain to a senior friend why I missed a meeting and how my body has just been misbehaving. That was how she calmly said,
“My dear, it may be the onset of menopause.”
Meno… what?
I almost fell off my seat.
In my mind, menopause is something that happens to much older women. You know… aunties in their late 40s and 50s who have seen life. Meanwhile, I’m here thinking I still have like 6 – 7 years to prepare. In fact, I had even planned to enter menopause in grand style at 50. Maybe throw one small party join.
But that one conversation sent me into researcher mode. And now I’m just here wondering: how many women in their early 40s are going about their life, juggling work, marriage, children, business, ministry and feeling off… not knowing menopause has quietly tiptoed into the chat?
So ladies, let’s talk.
Let’s demystify this thing.
Let’s understand the what, why, and the symptoms we need to watch out for. Most importantly, what we can actually do to navigate this life-transforming season with grace, humor, and good health.
For the longest time, I thought menopause was something far away, a phase reserved for women entering their late forties or early fifties. But as I began to dig deeper, I discovered that Menopause is actually a natural transition where the body slowly reduces the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, especially estrogen and progesterone. It is officially marked only after a full year (twelve whole months) without a period.
But here’s the plot twist. Long before menopause shows up with its final announcement, there is perimenopause, the transition phase that sneaks in quietly. This is the stage where many of the early symptoms begin, often appearing in a woman’s late thirties or early forties – right when most of us are busy building careers, raising children, and juggling life.
So why does this happen? It turns out that as we grow older, the ovaries gradually slow down hormone production. This hormonal rise-and-fall creates a roller-coaster effect, which shows up in ways that can be confusing or frightening. It is not “you being dramatic.” It’s not stress alone. It is your body gently signaling that a new chapter is beginning.
And the symptoms? They show up differently for every woman, but there are some common characters in this story. Physically, you may notice hot flashes, night sweats, joint pains, headaches, irregular periods, or sudden weight gain – especially around the tummy. There’s also the kind of fatigue that feels as though you ran a marathon in your sleep, along with vaginal dryness, low libido, and disrupted sleep patterns.
Emotionally and mentally, the journey can be just as intense. Mood swings, anxiety, irritability, forgetfulness, and that frustrating brain fog can creep in unexpectedly. Some days, simply managing your thoughts can feel like an uphill climb.
Then there are the social and lifestyle changes, the ones that affect daily living. You may find yourself with less energy for work or home. Intimacy may shift. And sometimes, it feels as though your body has suddenly developed a mind of its own.
This is the hidden backstory behind menopause… the part many women never get told until they’re already in the middle of it. If you’ve been feeling “off” lately and can’t pin it on stress, kids, work or Lagos traffic… sis, perimenopause might just be creeping in through the backdoor.
So how do we navigate this season gracefully?
Let me share a few tips from my research, nothing complicated, just simple habits that make a real difference.
Move your body
We can’t all go to the gym but whether it’s walking around your estate, doing a quick Pilates video on YouTube, or lifting small weights at home – just move. Your joints, mood, and hormones will thank you.
Plan your sleep… and actually sleep
Not the “I’m in bed scrolling Instagram” kind of sleep. Real rest. Your body is doing a lot of internal adjusting, so give it the downtime it needs.
Cut down the caffeine, alcohol, and sugary/carby snacks
I know… that early morning cup of coffee that you feel you need to kickstart your day. I can’t relate because I don’t take coffee at all but I’ve read that too much caffeine and sugar can worsen mood swings, sleep issues, and hot flashes. Even small reductions help.
Eat more proteins, veggies, and whole foods
This is the season to nourish your body like it’s a VIP guest. More chicken, eggs, beans, fish, veggies, fruits, and foods that actually fuel you… not just fill you (I’m still Work-in-progress here).
Hydrate!
Honestly, I’ve come to realize that water does more for my hormones than I knew. It
It’s a habit I’m still trying to form so if you’re like me, keep a bottle near you and sip through the day. Your skin, energy, and brain will feel the difference.
Don’t worry, this season is not something to fear, it’s just something to understand, manage, and navigate with wisdom. Now that I’ve given you all the gist and the heads-up… Let me go and talk to myself, reassure myself, and convince myself it’s NOT menopause because im still enjoying my sweet sixteen life.
But if it is? At least I’m entering this thing informed, not confused.
Ladies, your turn. Have you been feeling ‘somehow’ lately? What have you learned about Menopause that I missed here. Let’s talk in the comments!
