Life After Sudden Menopause

Migraines and more with Dianne Williams, my menosavvy friend

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The wonderful thing about the perimenopause community online is that it’s filled with perimenopausal women and individuals. We come together to share our symptoms, offer valuable tips, provide 24/7 support, and send virtual hugs for hard days.

The only downside is that we’re all perimenopausal, so our perspectives can become skewed, leading us to feel trapped in a cycle of thinking, “This is never going to end!”

That’s why I’m excited to introduce a special guest for today’s article:

Dianne Williams

. Dianne is my menopause-savvy friend who reminds me that we experience menopause as our own unique journey. She entered menopause 12 years ago, so she has a lot of experience. We are about the same age (Fine! I’m a few years older), yet I turn to her as my source of encouragement like an older sister. She entered menopause through a different path than I will; her menopause was surgical, which gives her additional insight into this experience.

When I begin to freak out that I’ll never feel like myself again, I turn to Dianne for reassurance that one day, most of this will be a distant memory. Dianne consistently shows me kindness and patience. She takes the time to listen and offer support, making it clear that she genuinely cares about my well-being and our friendship. She’s one in a million! This unwavering strength in her character inspires me to approach challenges with a similar mindset. She’s also an amazing cook but hasn’t yet influenced me in this area.

Meet Dianne Williams, My Menosavvy Friend

My Journey Through Surgical Menopause: A Holistic Approach to Migraines, Night Sweats, and More by Dianne Williams

This is my story about going through surgical menopause and the symptoms that followed the surgery. I focused on treating my migraines, night sweats, and other symptoms in a natural way. By focusing on these natural strategies, I aimed to find relief and help support my body in the best way for me. I hope you find my story helpful.

As Shelby mentioned, I’ve been in menopause for 12 years since my hysterectomy, where I had my ovaries and uterus removed due to endometriosis. This put me into menopause immediately. I was 39.

Now in my 50s, and with all the recent discussions on perimenopause, I’ve had time to reflect on my journey through surgical menopause. While the surgery brought relief from the pain that plagued me for years, it brought on a whirlwind of new challenges.  Menopause was thrust upon me overnight, and with it came migraines, night sweats, brain fog, and joint pain.  It often felt like I was having an out-of-body experience – detached from the person I used to be.

“Endometriosis is a disease that affects an estimated 6 -10% of reproductive-aged women, totaling approximately 176 million women worldwide (Bulun, 2009). It is defined as the presence of endometrial-like tissue in extrauterine locations and is a chronic condition associated with debilitating pelvic pain, dyspareunia, dysuria, dysmenorrhea, and infertility.  Due to a lack of reliable diagnostic tools and non-specific nature of the symptoms, there exists a widely recognized delay in diagnosis of 8-10 years.”¹

Endometriosis occurs when uterine lining-like tissue grows in places it shouldn’t, causing many symptoms and issues.

The Impact of Surgical Menopause

Migraines were nothing new to me; I had dealt with them for years due to hormonal imbalances. But after the hysterectomy, they intensified.  The sudden drop in estrogen sent shockwaves through my system, triggering migraines that were more relentless and debilitating than ever.  They became a constant presence, disrupting my days and nights.  I had hoped that removing the source of my endometriosis pain would lessen the migraines, but instead, menopause had turned them into a new beast to battle.

What a Migraine Feels Like During Menopause:  

• Strange head sensations

• Pulsing in your head

• Throbbing

• Tight band around your head

• Buzzing

• Sensitivity to light or sound

• Nausea

• Fatigue

• Dizziness

Then there were the night sweats. They crept up on me at the most inconvenient times – mostly when I was trying to sleep. I’d wake up in the middle of the night, drenched in sweat, my sheets clinging to me. It wasn’t just uncomfortable; it stole my rest.  And when I did manage to sleep, the brain fog was waiting for me when I woke up.  It was as though someone had placed a thick, invisible veil over my thoughts. I couldn’t concentrate, couldn’t remember simple things, and it left me feeling frustrated and disconnected from my own mind.

On top of that, joint pain started to creep in after about six months, something I hadn’t anticipated.  My knees, hips, and even my fingers ached.  Some days, I felt like my body was aging years faster than it should be.  The physical discomfort, combined with the mental haze, made it feel like I was living in someone else’s body – a surreal, out-of-body experience that left me questioning if I would ever feel like myself again.

My Holistic Approach: Healing from the Inside Out

I felt so lost in the early months after surgery.  I had traded one set of painful symptoms for another, and I didn’t know how to navigate this new reality.  But rather than rely solely on medication, I chose to take a holistic approach to managing my symptoms. I knew that my body needed more than just quick fixes, it needed care, attention, and a way to find balance again.

1. Addressing Night Sweats and Improving Sleep:  One of the first things I learned was the importance of sleep. Poor sleep wasn’t just a symptom of menopause – it was a significant trigger for my migraines.  To reclaim my sleep, I transformed my bedroom into a sanctuary. I invested in blackout curtains to block out light, invested in a quality mattress and cooling sheets, and developed a bedtime routine that helped me unwind.   Slowly, the night sweats became more manageable, and I slept more soundly.

2. Nourishing My Body:   I also overhauled my diet, focusing on anti-inflammatory foods that nourished my body from the inside out.  I cut out processed foods and sugars, which were known triggers for both my migraines and night sweats. Instead, I embraced a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, and I made sure to stay hydrated throughout the day. Magnesium-rich foods like spinach and almonds became staples in my diet which helped reduce the frequency of my headaches. 

3. Easing Brain Fog and Joint Pain:  Yoga and meditation were lifesavers.  Gentle movement helped ease the stiffness in my joints, while mindfulness practices helped me cope with brain fog. Meditation also helped me reconnect with myself, bringing a sense of calm that had been missing since menopause began.

4. Environmental Factors:  I’ve noticed changes in weather, strong odors, bright lights or loud noises can trigger migraines.  Unfortunately, I can’t control the weather or these other triggers, but I can prepare for them. Tracking weather patterns helps to anticipate when to take extra precautions, like using Weatherx earplugs and their app that tracks weather in your area. 
   

   Staying hydrated and adjusting my routine to add in more rest and focus on reducing stress. Compression Cap on standby for when those migraine strike.  Remember to remove it from the freezer at least 10 minutes before wearing, no brain freeze here please.  The compression cap when applied cold can help numb the area where the pain develops constricting the blood vessels and slowing signals of pain that nerves send to the brain during a migraine. 

5. Managing Migraines Naturally:  Instead of depending entirely on medication, I turned to natural supplements like magnesium which helped reduce the frequency of my migraines.  Essential oils became my go-to for managing stress and symptoms. Bergamot and peppermint oils were especially helpful – bergamot helps to relax your mind and body and peppermint for soothing the tension.  I apply peppermint to my temples at the first signs of a headache, and I use bergamot in a diffuser at night to help improve my quality of sleep.

Finding Balance and Healing Holistically

My own menopause journey taught me that with a holistic approach, it’s possible to navigate this life stage with grace and emerge stronger. I’m living proof that it’s possible to say goodbye to the old you and embrace a vibrant, renewed self that awaits on the other side.

Now, as I look back over the years, I’m grateful for the holistic path I chose.  Managing surgical menopause and its symptoms at such a young age wasn’t easy, but I’ve found ways to regain balance in my life.  The migraines, night sweats, brain fog, and joint pain haven’t disappeared entirely, but they’ve become more manageable.   Through holistic practices, I’ve learned to care for my body in ways that go beyond just treating the symptoms.

Surgical menopause at 39 was a turning point for me. It was a time of upheaval but also a time of growth. My journey taught me that healing is possible, even when it feels like you’ve been disconnected from yourself. It takes time, patience, and a willingness to explore different approaches, but the results are worth it.

If you’re going through something similar, know that you are not alone.  There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but with a holistic approach and self-compassion, you can find your way through the fog and back to feeling more like yourself again.  Trust your body, explore holistic options, and give yourself the care you deserve so you can thrive in this new chapter of life. 

Be well,

Dianne Williams

More About Dianne
As a certified menopause educator and perimenopause coach, I’m dedicated to supporting women through perimenopause with compassionate, holistic care. I bring a deep understanding of the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of menopause. I believe in breaking that silence by providing menosavvy insights and natural strategies to manage symptoms. Educated in the use of essential oils and wellness products by one of the top leading essential oil companies, I integrate these natural remedies into personalized care plans. My approach emphasizes lifestyle adjustments – nutrition, movement, mindfulness, and stress management – to enhance overall well-being.

I am committed to creating a space where women feel understood, empowered, and supported. Perimenopause can be a time of transformation and renewal, and with the right guidance, it can lead to a deeper sense of self-discovery. My mission is to offer the education, tools, and support women need to embrace this journey confidently and gracefully, helping them thrive every step of the way.

Beyond my work as a perimenopause coach, I’m a proud wife, stepmother of two wonderful sons, and memom to three beautiful granddaughters. I cherish time spent cooking with my husband, using fresh ingredients from our garden, with a focus on healthy eating and nourishing our meals for our family. I also love watching my granddaughters play sports and nurturing my garden. Being a strong, supportive role model for my granddaughters is very important to me, showing them the value of resilience, self-care, and well-being.

As my beloved Nana would say about people she admired, “Isn’t she terrific!?” Dianne’s warm enthusiasm and authenticity shine through in her words. She offers a different perspective from her lived experience than I can and does it in such a gentle and caring way. Dianne, thank you for sharing your wisdom and story with us!

Until next time,

Be well, stay cool…

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1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5850813/#:~:text=Postmenopausal%20women%20are%20commonly%20treated,with%20a%20history%20of%20endometriosis.