Gabi (59) works as an office assistant and has two adult children. Although menopause is well behind her and she experienced relatively few issues during perimenopause, there is one thing she can’t seem to shake: "Every night, I sweat buckets. It’s getting worse, even though my last period was years ago. Sometimes I really wonder how long this will last."
At around the age of 52, Gabi noticed the first signs of menopause. "My mood could shift suddenly, and I occasionally had a hot flush. But honestly, I got through the first phase of menopause relatively easily."
Because Gabi had a hormonal IUD, she doesn’t know exactly when her last period occurred. "I only know that when I had the IUD removed at 56, I didn’t get my period anymore and thought: I got off lightly," she laughs.
"I talk very openly with my friends about topics like menopause. I heard all sorts of stories, from sleep problems to migraines, and I was glad that things went so smoothly for me. But I celebrated too soon. The symptoms came with a delay of a few years."
Years after her last period, when Gabi was already in postmenopause, she began sweating more and more at night. "Because I wasn’t sure if this was normal in postmenopause, I consulted my gynaecologist. She explained that hot flushes can also occur after menopause."
Night sweats affect more than 80 per cent of women during perimenopause. What Gabi is experiencing is therefore (unfortunately) normal. Like Gabi, some women only develop menopause-related symptoms later on, even after their last period.
Gabi still sees something positive in her situation. "I hardly have any symptoms during the day because my hot flushes mostly occur at night. So, I don’t have to worry about sweat stains or body odour at work, for example. I know other women do struggle with that. I’m glad the night sweats don’t affect my daily life as much."
But it remains exhausting to wake up drenched in sweat every night. "Usually, a hot flush lasts only a few minutes. Still, it wakes me up and affects the quality of my sleep."
What does Gabi recommend to women in a similar situation? "Treat yourself to something nice on days when you’re particularly tired, and most importantly: keep track of what worsens or alleviates your symptoms. That way, you’ll get to know your body even better. I’ve learned that alcohol worsens my night sweats, while regular exercise and alternating between warm and cold showers reduce them. And I avoid pyjamas made of cheap fabrics."
"Don’t compare yourself too much to others. Just because a friend has more severe symptoms doesn’t mean you should dismiss or endure your own."
Gabi is now on the road to recovery. "I waited for years, hoping the hot flushes would go away on their own. I kept thinking: menopause is long over; it has to get better eventually. In the end, I waited too long. I should have sought help earlier; hormone therapy might have helped."
She is now consulting with a menopause expert about possible dietary supplements to reduce her hot flushes and improve her sleep. "My advice to other women is: don’t wait too long to seek help. There are plenty of tools and treatments to relieve your symptoms. You certainly don’t have to let them hold you back."
Perhaps you recognise some of the symptoms in this story. Are you wondering if you might be going through menopause? The menopause test can provide you with some initial answers.
