A Glasgow woman has spoken of the "whirling blizzard of dark thoughts" she experienced during perimenopause and is urging other people to learn more about the symptoms to help protect their own mental health.
Abi Judge, from Hyndland, want to help others who may be in the same situation and not know where to turn.
50-year-old Abi also spoke of her relief at getting through some of her darkest moments through the use of cannabis oil. She said she hopes women will feel more prepared when they begin to experience perimenopausal symptoms.
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The impact of perimenopause on Abi's mental health left her feeling angry, depressed and confused. Abi’s symptoms started during lockdown in 2020 and initially she put her mood swings, stress and anxious thoughts down to the challenges of living through the pandemic.
“Every morning I would wake up and dread the day ahead,” she said. “Before I even got out of bed, I’d have dark thoughts and feel confused and anxious. It was like I was unable to find the joy in my life any more.”
Over time and through her own research, she realised that she was potentially experiencing a number of perimenopause symptoms. Through her GP she started HRT, trying a series of different options over the next 6-9 months. But she was left feeling no real benefits.
“Like many women, I didn’t know much about the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause until I started to experience them myself," she said. "It got to the point where I wondered if I could continue doing my job. I had lost my confidence, I didn’t think I could cope with things I’d previously have done with ease, and I just questioned myself all of the time.
“And at home, my poor husband was on the receiving end of my moods, and my anger, which took a real toll on our relationship. There were times I would question my marriage every day. It was a horrible and scary time.”
Last year, Abi decided to look into the benefits of cannabis oil, and has been using it ever since.
She said: “Initially I tried another CBD brand but without much success. Then I found Nutrivive CBD oil through a friend and within a couple of weeks I noticed the difference. My mind had calmed, I wasn’t having crazy mood swings any more, my anger had reduced and I felt like I finally had the headspace to focus again.
“I was able to feel calm and clear-headed for the first time in ages and was able to re-build my confidence at work. Of course, I still have my ups and downs but overall, I am more present and most of the time I’m able to calmly take things in my stride again.”
Cannabis oil is reported to help in easing menopause and perimenopause symptoms including reducing hormonal imbalance, easing mood swings, improving sleep, alleviating pain, reducing brain fog, aiding digestion and reducing hot flushes.
“For me, the mental symptoms of perimenopause have been the hardest to deal with and have impacted my life most. And the worst thing was I didn’t know how to stop it or solve the issue myself,” Abi said.
“I know other women out there will be experiencing the same horrible symptoms and I truly sympathise. The advice I would give is to speak to your doctor of course, but also do research, go online, speak to people and learn to understand for yourself the symptoms and the things that can help alleviate them. And remember, there are always ways to move forward and feel better, even in the darkest moments.”
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