“Menopause, a rite of passage” – by Laura Casey

How grateful I am for this start to the day!

I go to the mirror and greet my lived- in face. I see my ancestors in the angles of my features, the moles, the uneven skin, the ‘imperfections’ I think how lucky I am to have been gifted this DNA. I have looked at this face for 52 years and have seen the treasure map of life’s journeys being filled in with each new life experience. The map is getting wrinkly, discoloured in places- so many stories to tell! There is constant evolution. I am glad for it and resist the urge to define myself by how I think others should see me. I look at my hair turning from black to white and find it fascinating. Our bodies are amazing! I notice my once luscious lashes seem to have relocated to my chin, apparently loving it there, as they are growing even more lusciously! I try to turn the magnifier mirror round to pluck the pesky usurpers and realise it’s already on the magnified side. I laugh again. My husband asks, ‘what’s funny?’ I decide to keep that one to myself!

I begin my morning ESPA skincare ritual for menopausal skin, which is never a chore but an absolute joy. I use:

• Hydrating Cleansing Milk which is so great for my dry skin. I love the coolness, the caring milky texture and the delicate rose scent. I prefer to apply with fingers and remove with cotton wool. Sometimes I like to splash off with water but not today, I need the extra love.
• The Hydrating Floral Spafresh Mist reminds me of my dewy run as the aroma-mist lands on my skin giving me much needed hydration and a moment of calm as I inhale the Rose Damascena and Neroli.
  

I walk into my home office and forget why I’m there. The hormonal rollercoaster pauses for a second to take on more passengers- welcome memory loss! I remind myself this is not early onset dementia- it will pass. I make a mental note to feed my brain with good food and cut out the sugar. I opt for smashed avocado on sour dough with smoked salmon and live yoghurt. I decide to enjoy a coffee knowing it will probably attract more passengers- roll up menopausal hot flush!

In my training room I go straight for the window. My eager and bemused students ask me ‘aren’t you cold, it’s winter?’ I think to myself Cold! You’re kidding- I have an internal furnace that could melt Antarctica. I make a mental note to find an alternative to wine with dinner later (no, unfortunately Gin has the same effect!) and include phytoestrogens; Tofu with a miso soy glaze sprinkled with sesame or flax seeds. Lemon and Ginger tea will go nicely!

Many of us, during this time, as well as working and looking after the home, continue to be responsible for children who are not yet able to be fully independent, while also caring for parents whose needs are increasing. It becomes even more important to carve out some space and time to restore equilibrium. Whether that’s an extra hour in bed, a blank day in the diary or a long walk. You could also check out the ESPA You Tube channel for great tips on positive thinking, mindfulness, sleep, yoga, self -care rituals and much more. If you’re looking for an instant teleportation to the spa then a soothing diffuser and candle is the button to hit!

Yes, the menopause can be a tricky thing to manage as it is so different for all of us and there is no right or wrong way to do it, but it will pass and there are many advantages to this time of life. In traditional Chinese medicine this is called ‘a second spring’ and celebrated as a gateway to an energetic older age. Some women find their libido surges. No more PMS and It’s great not having to book your holiday or a music festival around period dates or spending any more on sanitary products. Join the ranks of the wise and sexy older woman- think Helen Mirren, Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, where beauty is defined by depth and confidence, kindness and wisdom. This is our time, let us acknowledge and honour menopause as a rite of passage into freedom!