CEZARYNA DZAWALA
Hi,
My name is Ceza. I am 42 years old. I moved to the United Stated from Poland and Salt Lake City has been home for the last 20 years. I love photography, trail running and reading.
The idea behind this project came to me after a conversation with Kim (who you will get to meet in the next interview).
I wanted to create a safe space for women navigating perimenopausal stage of their lives, a community where they can share and compare their experiences, understand this journey and above all, never feel alone during this stage of their lives.
I hope that by curating these questions and being the first one to answer, I will encourage women to share their stories, and allow an honest dialogue.
Photo courtesy: Dirk Badenhorst
When did you first notice signs of perimenopause, and what were the earliest symptoms you experienced?
Truth be told I am still not quite sure whether or not I am going through the perimenopause stage of my life. Technically (based on the average age description of this process) I am right there. So if I experience any symptoms, I automatically attribute them to perimenopause. But I can't be certain whether or not this is accurate. I am 43 and some of the symptoms I've noticed so far are: chronic exhaustion regardless of how much sleep I get, although that varies day to day. Another one would be emotionality/mood swings, but that again has been the case throughout my life while going through my menstrual cycle. Some brain fog, decreasing libido- these might be some other examples of this stage of my life.
How have hormonal changes impacted your mood, sleep, mental clarity, libido, or relationships?
I suppose I didn't realize right away especially because I wasn't paying close enough attention to those symptoms. I certainly noticed being more tired, experienced interrupted sleep, decreased libido. I am very lucky to have been able to talk to my girlfriends and to ask many questions and seek answers. I am grateful to have a very understanding partner and the fact that I am brave enough to be vocal about what I think is going on with my body.
What has helped you feel strong or grounded during this journey?
There have been quite a few things that kept me strong throughout this process (even though I believe I am in the beginning stages of it). Like I've mentioned before, my amazing friends who were open to talk about their experiences- this is how I came up with the idea of starting this blog to help other women in this very important stage of their lives. There were books, articles and podcasts I dove into. One book that guided me through a lot of technical aspects of learning about menopause was: "The Great Menopause Myth" by Kristen Johnson and Maria Claps. My dear friend Kim introduced me to it and I want to recommend it to every woman who has questions and would like to know more about her body the menopause journey.
How has your identity—how you see yourself—shifted during this phase?
So far I have not felt any significant changes to my identity. I am not planning on having children so this part of the transition from fertile to non fertile hasn't been too significant for me. And since I am still in the very beginning of this stage, I truly don't know how this will change as I continue on this journey.
What role does movement or exercise play in managing your symptoms or overall well-being?
Exercise is crucial for me. I have been active my whole life and I can't imagine being still. (As I am writing this I am currently injured and going crazy as I can't perform my daily routine). I believe that any form of movement will keep the body younger longer and will help with anxiety, stress and overall well being. So I would recommend to never stop moving regardless of what form that might be- walking your dog, morning yoga, running, climbing, swimming, biking. There are so many ways you can move and there is always enough time in the day to find at least 20 minutes for yourself.
Have you made any changes to your diet or nutrition that have helped you feel better?
Definitely. I gave up alcohol. Since then my skin looks better, I sleep much better, I feel more confident and happier, I save a lot of money and overall, my well being has improved.
What has been the hardest or most surprising part of this transition so far?
I guess the hardest (and also most surprising) was the fact how quickly I gain weight if I stop exercising, and how long it takes to lose it! And how fast I gain it all back again!! I just recently went through this cycle as I gained weight due to a sedentary winter job and then worked really hard to lose it. I successfully did, and I was so proud of myself. Well, shortly after I got injured and it all came right back, and very quickly. So this has definitely been a real struggle for me.
What would you tell your younger self to help her prepare for this phase of life?
Never stop moving! And also: be curious, ask questions, read and take notes. Don't take your youth for granted and make sure you educate yourself on all things health and nutrition.
