Written by Carolina Jarinova
Every woman will experience menopause at some point in her life. It's a natural stage, but for many, the symptoms can deeply affect the quality of life. Today, due to increased life expectancy and the growing number of women experiencing not only menopause but also years in post-menopause, we’re seeing more attention being given to this important phase of life. However, many women don’t realize that the signs of menopause can appear in their 20s and 30s.
As a pharmaceutical chemist, a mother of three, and a survivor of facial paralysis, my own health journey led me to specialize in lymphatic drainage, a practice that combines specific exercises and massages to enhance well-being. For years, I focused on taking care of my physical health to avoid a recurrence of the facial paralysis I survived. But I never paid much attention to menopause—mainly because it was never openly discussed in my family. When I heard the word "menopause," it felt like a taboo, synonymous with getting old. I never mentioned it to my friends, either.
In 2024, at 44 years old, everything changed for me. I started noticing changes in my body—I felt bloated, my belly looked like I was three months pregnant despite sticking to the same exercise routine and diet. I also felt exhausted, struggled with sleep, and experienced dryness in my skin and intimate areas. As a pharmaceutical chemist, I decided to get a hormone panel done. The results revealed a hormonal imbalance, which was triggering symptoms of early menopause. I have to be honest with you: there aren’t many experts in menopause, and doctors often approach it with generic treatments.
The lack of personalized care prompted me to further specialize in the endocrine system and become a Menopause Coach. I wanted to reclaim my life, energy, and overall well-being. Little did I know, I was unknowingly creating my own method—AGELESS—while combining my lymphatic drainage expertise with targeted practices for menopause.
Today, I’m living a life transformed. The symptoms I was experiencing were my body’s way of showing me that if I didn’t take action, my quality of life would suffer. That’s why I am passionate about educating and empowering other women to recognize and address early symptoms of menopause, so they can take control and experience this phase of life with ease.
7 Signs of a Challenging Menopause
Menopause is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. While some women may pass through it with minimal symptoms, others face significant challenges. If you're experiencing any of the following, you might be in for a more difficult journey, but don’t worry—there are ways to manage and even thrive during menopause.
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Oily Hair Hormonal changes, particularly an increase in cortisol levels, can cause excess oil production on the scalp. If you find yourself washing your hair more often or noticing your hair becoming greasy, this could be a sign of hormone imbalance.
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Belly Fat and Inflammation Abdominal weight gain is common during menopause, particularly around the belly. Elevated cortisol and decreased estrogen levels contribute to this, and unfortunately, this belly fat can be resistant to diet and exercise.
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Stretch Marks If you’re noticing stretch marks appearing earlier than expected, it may be due to a reduction in skin elasticity. Estrogen plays a key role in maintaining collagen production, and when estrogen levels drop, the skin becomes more vulnerable to stretch marks.
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Intense Menstrual Cramps and Abnormal Bleeding Many women experience irregular and painful periods during perimenopause, with heavier or prolonged bleeding due to fluctuating hormone levels.
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Acne and Skin Discoloration As estrogen declines, androgen (male hormone) levels rise, leading to oily skin and acne outbreaks. Skin discoloration and pigmentation changes are also common during this time.
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Cravings for Sweets Hormonal fluctuations, particularly with estrogen and progesterone, can disrupt your body’s regulation of blood sugar, leading to cravings for sugary foods. This is also linked to insulin resistance, which often increases during menopause.
- Insomnia and Sleep Disruptions Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep is one of the most common complaints during menopause. Hormonal changes, particularly drops in estrogen, can interfere with sleep regulation, leaving you tired and irritable during the day.
What You Can Do About It
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, you're not alone, and you don’t have to suffer in silence. These signs can be managed with lifestyle changes, diet adjustments, and health programs specifically designed to support women during menopause. Programs like *Ageless28* are tailored to balance hormones, reduce cortisol levels, and promote overall well-being. By addressing these issues early on, you can prevent long-term complications and improve your quality of life.
Join Me for a Menopause Healing Workshop
Are you ready to transform your experience of menopause? I’ll be hosting a Menopause Healing Workshop in Oakville and Toronto this January, where I’ll share powerful insights on using lymphatic drainage and other holistic approaches to address the symptoms of menopause and restore your vitality. If you want to learn how to take control of your menopause journey, manage symptoms naturally, and restore your health, I invite you to join me. Let’s glow through menopause with ease and confidence!
Connect with Me
Follow me on social media @thelymphaticqueen_ for daily tips, inspiration, and the latest updates on upcoming workshops and events. Together, we can embrace this powerful stage of life and thrive with the help of lymphatic drainage and hormonal balance.