Menopause and perimenopause are often difficult topics to navigate, especially when
you're in the thick of it. Mary Thomas, a 57-year-old trademark lawyer, shares her deeply
personal journey through this phase of life.
Mary, who leads an active lifestyle and enjoys reading and walking, first encountered
perimenopause without realizing it. For years, she had struggled with severe monthly cycles due to adenomyosis, making it difficult to differentiate between the symptoms of her condition and perimenopause. "I always thought perimenopause was just a prelude to menopause, a taste of what's coming," she recalls. It wasn’t until her symptoms intensified in her 50s that she recognized she had been in perimenopause all along.
“I didn’t know it was menopause until it hit me.”
When menopause officially began, it hit hard.“It was one of the toughest phases of my life. I didn’t understand what I had to go through,” she reflects. Despite hearing about menopause from others, the reality was far more challenging than she had anticipated.
Emotional Struggles and a Supportive Partner during Menopause
Mary’s emotional health took a significant hit.“I remember shutting myself in the toilet and just crying for no reason. It felt like I had a heavy burden on my shoulders,” she shares. This was out of character for Mary, a naturally bubbly individual, making the experience even
more disconcerting.
Fortunately, Mary was not alone in this journey. Her husband noticed the changes and
provided much-needed support. Together, they sought medical advice, which revealed that her estrogen levels were dangerously low.
Mary hesitated to begin hormone therapy due to fears of cancer, but after thorough research, she decided to give it a try.“I realized how beneficial hormone therapy can be to stabilize everything,” she explains, acknowledging that her preconceived notions had been shaped by misinformation.
The Unexpected Physical Changes
For Mary, the physical symptoms of perimenopause were just as surprising as the emotional ones. She experienced unexplained muscle inflammation and weight gain, both of which
were hard to manage. “I gained a lot of weight and suffered from muscle issues,” she says.
These symptoms disrupted her once-active routine, forcing her to adjust her exercise
regimen.
Now, Mary has embraced a gentler approach to fitness. "I do Pilates twice a week, go for lymphatic massages, and walk 2km when I can,” she shares. Adapting her routine has been key to maintaining her health and well-being during menopause.
Embracing Change and Finding Peace
“There are so many things that have changed compared to how I was before,” she says, acknowledging the emotional toll of aging. However, she emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance, adding, “We all need to embrace getting older, being menopausal, as part of the puzzle of your life.”
Her faith has been a significant source of strength, as well as the encouragement of friends
who have helped her navigate this transition. Sharing her journey has also brought her a sense of fulfillment, as she is now able to offer other women the support and wisdom she
wished she had.
Advice for Others
Mary has a message for women approaching or going through menopause:
“You are not alone. Be bold in sharing what you feel.”
She believes that sharing experiences can bring comfort, and urges women to seek support from their families, friends, and communities. Her own journey is a testament to the importance of solidarity during this life phase, and she hopes her story will inspire others to be open about their struggles and triumphs.
Mary Thomas' story is one of resilience, adaptation, and finding new ways to thrive, despite
the challenges of perimenopause and menopause. Through her experience, she encourages women to speak openly, seek help, and remember that they are never alone on this journey.
Join her and Surety in redefining the menopause experience—one story, one lesson, one empowered woman at a time.
Contact us at contact@suretysg.com to share your story!
Disclaimers: This article shares an individual’s journey and is not universal advice or experience. Content is for informational purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional for medical advice. We aim for accuracy but cannot guarantee it. Reliance on any information here is at your own risk. External links are not endorsed by us. This is not sponsored. Reader discretion is advised for topics on health challenges. Reader stories are personal experiences, not professional advice. Readers should consult healthcare professionals for personal medical concerns.