Let’s Talk About the Changes We Women Don’t Always Talk About
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- Опубліковано 8 лют 2025
- I’m Lisa - a mama, ex-yoga teacher, and a lover of all things wild. I’m on a journey of healing beyond labels and expectations, navigating perimenopause, finding peace in nature and connecting with my truest self.
So happy you’re here with me - I’m beyond grateful for each one of you. You make this journey even more magical.
If you'd love to support my journey, grab me a coffee here: Buy me a coffee ☕
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#womenover40
#perimenopause
#perimenopausesymptoms
#womensmentalhealth
Hi Lisa, wow I'm at the same stage. I'm 43 this year and this last year has been hard. I feel I've lost my spark, mood swings and rage for no reason.
I'm going this week to see a HRT nurse and have a chat about my options. As I don't want to struggle anymore.
Let's hope by talking and reaching out for help we can start to feel more human again! Xx
@@amybingham4316 hey ✨ thanks so much for sharing ❤️ I find it so helpful reading everyones experiences .. sending hugs 🤗
When you said you can't believe you're 45 in July, I'm 60 in July and it feels insane, I'm still bimbling along not really feeling at all like I'm adulting.
My story - when I was 35, had a 2 yr and was 6 months pregnant my husband had a heart attack it was an incredibly stressful and difficult time. I'd wanted a home birth but my GP said it would be too stressful for my husband, but it turned out for the best because the birth was traumatic, my son didn't breathe, he'd strangled on the cord, crash team called to resus him. As soon as he was born I shook and continued to shake for 48hrs and then I started to sweat uncontrollably for weeks. I was looking after two small children and my husband was still trying to regain his health. He found just about everything stressful which meant constant angina attacks, crying children was a huge trigger, and I in my permanent state of 24/7 breast feeding was trying to keep the house as quiet and calm as possible - for years. I kept going to the gp saying how unwell I felt, she kept offering antidepressants. Eventually after six years of this I was finally diagnosed with Hashimotos thyroiditis after having dragged myself through the precious preschool years of my children's lives, often I could barely walk up the stairs, I'd have to crawl. Because of the gp my children's mother was a shadow of herself a zombie barely functioning but all the while trying to keep everyone calm for the sake of my husband's health.
Once on Levothyroxine my gp said I would feel better very quickly, I didn't. By the time I reached about 47 depression was taking a huge hold of me, my body was starting to seize up I had symptoms that could fill pages but it was continually dismissed as depression by my gp and finally I gave in and took the meds, I lasted 3 months before stopping them, it was awful. I'd asked about perimenopause and hrt, I'd asked about having my thyroid meds changed all to no avail, I was treated like a time waster a hypochondriac. By the time I reached 50 my weight had gone from just under 10st to 13 st, my body was so stiff I struggled to dress, as someone who loved long walks I could barely make it to the corner shop and back at times, I started to give up and stopped asking the gp for help, I was in constant pain.
In 2019 I found info online and paid for a private genetic test - turns out I have a faulty gene that means my body doesn't convert T4 into the useable T3 very well and I needed T3 replacement and not the T4 I'd been on for years for the Hashis. The NHS wont fund T3. I then got covid in March 2020 and long covid, if I thought I was on my knees before well this was below ground zero. Eventually after 18 months the long covid decreased but I was still a walking encyclopaedia of symptoms.
In February 2024 I finally had some money to see a private doctor about my thyroid. I was put on T3 only and low dose naltrexone for the hashis and all the other symptoms. A year on, I've lost weight without changing my diet, I'm much more mobile, pain free apart from the age related niggles, and I have more energy, no brain fog and all the other symptoms are pretty much gone. The LDN has been gradually lowering my thyroid antibodies, meaning my autoimmune system is not attacking my thyroid quite so aggressively. It's all costing a small fortune.
Why am I telling you all this? Well in terms of symptoms it's always been very difficult for me to pull apart what's what, as with most illness symptoms overlap and that goes for thyroid and menopause. I had my last period in my 52nd year, I was glad to see them go, they'd been incredibly heavy and debilitating - gps answer to that was to put me on the pill which I'd not needed because husband had a vasectomy. Turns out after a bleed 18 months ago (many years after my last period) I had multiple very large fibroids that had probably been causing the problems. When I say "my gp" I've seen many different doctors over the years and I'm convinced my records must say that I'm a depressive hypochondriac because I'm consistently treated badly.
My depression comes and goes now and is no longer constant, I'd been clear for almost a year but December and January I've been pretty bad, I don't think the constant grey skies help, I feel instantly better on sunny days, I do use a SAD lamp but not much effect but I bought a Flow Headset and that really does help. But there's been a lot of stressful stuff happening over christmas and new year so it's unsurprising it's bringing me down.
Oh boy, I'm really rambling. In short - thyroid sorted and it feels miraculous. It's very difficult to pull apart symptoms and assign things to one thing or another, but what I do know, from 50 when my periods were waning that was when I felt my absolute worst apart from when I had long covid and that really was the pits. I do feel like I've been given a new lease of life with my thyroid being sorted, I now walk every day for 1-2 hours with my beautiful rescue dog, I have more energy, my brain/mind has clarity and ease, life is incomparably better, I had believed I'd need a mobility scooter by the age of 60 but thankfully that's been crossed off the birthday list! 😂 Whatever you do, don't stop pushing for medical answers if you are starting to amass a Collins Pocket Gem dictionary of symptoms.
Oh my ,I'm sorry to hear about how difficult it was for you . I can only imagine , 2 year , pregnant and your husband having a heart attack ,gosh.. and then the period of time after. god bless you! You are so right.. I gave up really on docs 2 years ago... I know what's happening, life is stressful in amongst and if only I could run naked in the wild wild then be soothed to sleep at night by the sound of wild animals I would be fine... But alas there are many demands to be filled at this point in my journey... I'm so pleased to hear how good you are feeling now being able to walk with your beautiful dog makes is the result I bet you were looking for , just in the simple . Thanks so much for your in depth share.. means a lot ✨🌈hugs!
@@Lifewithlisa44 I don't want other women to struggle like I did for decades, I feel like my best years with my babies were stolen, due to easily resolved health issues. I'm thankful to finally have found the solution. I think on top of they thyroid stuff, when I asked my gp about peri-menopause and was dismissed yet again and told me to take antidepressants, the most shocking aspect of that response was that within the practice she is supposed to be the go to gp specifically for women's issues, it's in her practice bio online. I know I'm not the only woman to have been failed by her. I now wonder if HRT might still be beneficial for me at 60 if I try it again now my other issues are resolved. Like you I've always thought of it as a natural process and I'm not one to take pills unless absolutely necessary. My granny always used to say to me "Don't get old, it's horrible" like we have a choice. 🤣 It doesn't have to be though, I'm now looking forward to a more active autumn time of life than I could ever have imagined just a mere 18 months ago. Bring it on! 💪💪 Wishing you well on your journey through this thing called life. xx
I personally did a ton of research on Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy. (NGRT) years I go when I was going through peri-menopause. There is huge difference between them & synthetic hormones. Which can have terrible side effects. I’d suggest doing the research or finding a doctor, if possible that specializes in this field to get answers. It such a difficult time to go though. I am 61 now & feel like this past year I’m feeling like there’s some normalcy for me again. I wish u the best. Just know you’re not alone. ❤
Hello🌈 thank you so much for your comment ,really helps ❤️ also glad to hear your feeling human again ,hugs!
Aloha Lisa. I’m currently 44 (45 in April) my symptoms started around 41, debilitating anxiety/panic, joint pain/stiffness… was very scary not knowing what my body was going through, at that time! I’m currently irking through my symptoms and adjusting my lifestyle even more so to tailor this journey. I’ve focused more on protein (plant) tons of veggies and fruits… lots of resistance training and walking… my body has toned up beautifully… less is more! I’m currently applying wild yam cream and bio identical dhea cream,all over the counter… I’ve been told these formulas are not strong enough and would need to get a prescription for HRT to get the most benefits. I really want to avoid that due to the amounts of synthetic chemicals!
Sending you some good energy and strength to get through this journey, we’re all in this together ❤️ sending my best from Hawaii
Hey ✨🌈 thank you so much for sharing! I love what you say adjusting your lifestyle accordingly.. I agree also on strength training, women over 40 defo need to it .. I'm quite sporadic with it .. i need to establish a routine.. I have found a local kettle bell class that I think would be a good commitment.. 🌈✨ thanks again ,love from Scotland! Hawaii!! Wow.. my daughter would love to go to Hawaii! ✨🌈
@ thank you! Your videos have been so inspiring and relatable… keep them coming… I’d love to link up if you ever take a holiday to Maui ❤️🙏🤙
@LisaGutierrez-jj4pn awe you think so . I'm glad you like them.. it's always quite uncomfortable putting them out! Sure will keep you posted on Hawaii! Same for you to Scotland!
@ absolutely… your light and wisdom is lovely.. I will consider Scotland as a destination in the near foreseeable future 👍
@LisaGutierrez-jj4pn Coolio❣️✨🌈 thank you.. you have given me hope from my destructive mind telling me to give up you tube today! 😭
Hi Iisa…gosh sooo much to respond to here!
So I’m 44 (45 in June). I’ve been having symptoms since 40 also. Though I’d say they’ve ramped up this past year….
Weight gain, hair loss, chronic insomnia , change of smell/taste…constant sense of impending doom (especially when it comes to my kids), night time itching (weird I know 😳) and a real sense of losing my identity.
In a way it’s kind of freeing (not as tied to things such as ‘putting on my face’… or bothering with looking ‘fashionable’). But on the other hand things that used to define me, no longer align so I kind of feel untethered. Both equally terrifying and exciting!
My dr keeps trying to me on anti depressants, and apparently my hormone levels are fine …I tel them I’m not depressed, I just need DEEP REST (hard when you work the 9-5 grind with family commitments).
I’m also hesitant about HRT as somehow I feel like this is a rite of passage and I don’t want to ‘dull’ my experience down. However, I also know it’s a life saver for some, so am conflicted about it!
Sorry for the essay, thank you Lisa for sharing your thoughts ✨✌️✨
Hey Rachel thanks so much for sharing✨🌈🤗 I hear you . Especially the impending doom ✨ the word untethered you used..I feel that too .. deep rest ..yes Im with you on that too.. also I forgot to mention about herbal supplements too ,I heard chasyeberry is helpful too .. and we continue on this road✨ thanks lovely for sharing ✨
Hello Lisa I’m a 54 menopausal woman who stopped bleeding 4 years ago I’d been a very heavy bleeder most of my life it was a strange feeling when it all stopped I’m not taking hrt I didn’t want to pump my body in man made chemicals but also we have cancer in our family sweats I’ve had big ones and small ones and I felt all my doctor wanted to do was give me antidepressants anxiety and brain fog can be horrible and hard so I’m trying alternatives to at least help me just a little bit I’ve started walking again and watching out for things that trigger panic attacks and feeling low look into everything for yourself and decided what is good for you blessings Gail 💐💜
Yes thank you ... Walking and being in nature is the best remedy at this point in the journey. I felt the same about HRT then when I listen to the podcast I was like oh this might be the golden ticket.. but does it really exist .I think its so varied for everyone and finding what works for you.. I once found a beautiful little book in the library , natural menopause or something, will see if I can find it.. I really enjoyed reading that.. gave me hope! Thanks so much for your share ,hugs ,Lisa xx
I definitely won't be taking HRT, I have a history of breast cancer in my family, and the doctor at the breast clinic said 'please don't' when I asked her about it. I think we need to have broader conversations about this life stage, undoubtedly hormones play a major role in what we experience, they are so powerful, but I think there's something more. In our culture we don't mark this important life stage of reaching the 'half way point' and all that entails psychologically and physically. I feel that we celebrate youth too much and older women have little role to play, they have long been ignored, we become invisible even. What effect does that have on us? I love what you're doing on your channel because you are being a voice for us who are reaching this point, and with your openness and intelligence, you are doing it very well. It's so important that we talk about what it means for us to get older in a society that continually tells us to cling onto youth.
Hi sally! Felt like doing you a voice note there! Thank you for your comment, completely agree ,this is a very potent time ✨🌈 I think we walk together us women along our life's transitions .. let's keep doing it as much as we can.. hugs xxx
@Lifewithlisa44 ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Im 52 my peri menopause symptoms started around the age of 47 ,had to eventually go private because my symptoms were so debilitating anxiety was off the scale and couldn't barely move a muscle without suddenly dripping in sweat . Symptoms are much better but do have spells were i feel absolutely freezing.x
Hey Vanessa! Thank you so much for sharing ✨🌈🙏
I’m almost 10 years older than u and I’ve been “premenopausal” for many years ( as I talk about in my “I Don’t Know What’s Going On“ video )…. I wouldn’t even know what “normal” was/is…. I’ve had roller coaster emotions for the last 40 years 😩😭 Right now I have a little bit of brain fog and a little insomnia but that’s it as far as those things…. The emotions are the worst!!!! 😩😭
@@CathieG hey Cathie ✨ thanks for your comment. 🌈
Hi lisa hope your well perimenopause is a horrible time and can go on for years, please don't jump to everything to buy because none it works long term ,I eat very healthy, walk for miles I do everything right eat everything organic, drink loads of bone broth, eat lots and lots of vegetables but none of that makes no difference. I done about 6 years taking nothing then went onto patches they definitely help but it doesn't take everything away went 3 years great then has come back with a vengeance as hitting menopause. Low moods the worst at the moment but out of my control, I just keep myself really busy. I have spent thousands of pounds on things to help but it really doesn't work .some people think that it's just hot flushes but there is many symptoms, you can have chronic headaches, frozen shoulders, low mood ,hair loss ,sore gums ,dry skin, hair loss aches all over the body, sore ears,sore feet, crippling fatigue, and many more but women aren't told any of this so women start getting scared thinking they are really ill I have studied menopause for years and it is heartbreaking that women are not told what can happen.if you want a bit of ease in symptoms I think patches work for some of the symptoms, but not all but I think patches long term would benefit our health. For our bones. Women should talk to each other to help guide each other never ever be ashamed our bodies fantastic what a woman achieves the thing that gets to me a bit is bloating, I have always been very slim my jeans and everything fits but I have got a little bloated tummy and I hate that but it is part of it I feel really uncomfortable in my own skin but it is part of it fingers crossed I am nearly finished lol every year I say the same I keep saying to my husband nearly the end lol . Antidepressants will not help the menopause and doctors should be ashamed for pushing them onto women anything you need to know just ask me keep your walking up and go on your own and enjoy it ,it helps with mood take care Sandra ❤
@@sandracoakley2833 thanks Sandra ✨ most helpful indeed xxxx
Thank you Sandra, I totally know where you are coming from, I am having a similar journey, I have been on patches for about 5 yrs now and I am about 6 mths into testosterone gel but have to admit some of my symptoms seem to be hitting hard again especially emotion, body aches low mood. Appreciate your openness as I was thinking something else was wrong and just not keen to go to a doctor again ❤
Hi Lisa hope your feeling better.
Women really go through it dont we. I have felt lost for years, thinking im losing tbe plot with moods, rages, sweats, forgetfulness and weight gain and more. it really affects me and im not going to lie i have had days i just dont wanna be here no more 😢.
I have tried HRT patches but didnt like it. I cant do the tablet form because of family heart problems, so im not allowed them for some reason.
I just dont know what to do now x
@@KellyC77 hi Kel , I think my making this video and reading everyone's comments is that I need to dig deep and truly find what works for me, to support myself gently and as graciously as possible a moment at a time.. yes it's a deep dive for sure 😊 I believe yoga definitely helps too ,have you tried it ? Hugs Lisa
I havent tried yoga properly but hear good things about it. Does it help with weight loss or just more flexibility @Lifewithlisa44
Can you lose weight with yoga? X@Lifewithlisa44
I’d do your research on HRT…. As for me I won’t be taking that
My best advice for you Lisa is to look up Dr Louise Newson, she explains HRT etc very clearly and how it can help I got the confidence to try once I understood we are just topping up the hormones we are losing.
thank you so much for your comment natalie! i shall x im sure your comment could help other women too