International Women’s Day is a celebration and an invitation to reflect on what it truly means to live in a woman’s body through all its seasons.
This year, as we gather for my Yin - Reiki - Sound event on March 7th, I would like to reflect on one particular threshold many women I know are walking through right now: perimenopause or menopause.
My first glipses of perimenopause were emotionally overwhelming, as if my internal filter broke. I could no longer stay quiet or swallow my truth. Previously, to maintain peace and calm, I chose not to voice my thoughts on unfairness, nonsense, and ignorance. During that period, I found myself blurting these things out before I could even think if it was okay to do so. But what was fascinating was that my saying those things did not result in an argument or defensiveness. Instead, my words landed powerfully.
During this time, certain patterns in my life became impossible to ignore. It felt as if declining hormones previously served as a veil, making living with those patterns bearable and manageable. However, now the veil was down, and those dysfunctions were exposed.
Eating habits. Movement. Rest. Emotional hygiene.
Things that I could previously tolerate or push through started to speak louder. The body was no longer willing to carry what wasn’t truly supportive. And in a way, I began to see this hormonal shift not only as a challenge, but also as a profound truth-teller, an empowerment, a rite of passage into matriarchy.
Menopause is often framed as an ending, but I’m starting to feel it can be a beginning.
A window. A revelation. A sacred moment where life asks us to pay closer attention.
I want to be clear that I fully respect hormone replacement therapy if that is the path a woman chooses. Support comes in many forms, and every journey is deeply personal. But I also believe that there is something precious in what is exposed during this transition.
An opportunity to list.
To adjust.
To choose with more discernment.
To step into the next chapter with intention, not just medically, but emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
Perhaps this is how we enter the age of wisdom. Not by bypassing the changes, but by letting them guide us home to ourselves. Raw. Unfiltered. Strong.
The things that helped me move through this first episode were:
Eating savoury breakfasts, prioritising proteins, fats, and vegetables (fibre)
A Chinese herbal blend with Dong Quai, Red Raspberry, Chaste Tree extract, and Red Clover.
Better sleep hygiene and more REST
Journaling and less screen time
I’m sure that everyone’s recipe will look different. I’d love to hear what has supported you, beyond hormonal remedies.
And if you feel called to soften, rest, and honour your womanhood in community, I would love to welcome you on Saturday, March 7th, at 4 pm - 5.30 pm.
With love,
Madina