For ten years, I had dedicated my life to missionary work. Serving in remote villages and urban slums, I had witnessed both the beauty and the harsh realities of life. My work involved leadership development, providing support to refugees and spreading the message of hope and love. It was a calling that brought immense fulfillment, but it also demanded physical and emotional resilience.

The Onset of Change

I was in my late forties when I first noticed the subtle signs of menopause. It began with irregular periods, a disruption in the once predictable rhythm of my body. At first, I dismissed it as a minor inconvenience, but soon, other symptoms began to surface. Hot flashes, those sudden waves of heat that left me drenched in sweat, became frequent and unwelcome visitors. Nights were often restless, with insomnia robbing me of the restorative sleep I desperately needed.

Emotionally, I felt like I was on a roller coaster. Mood swings, anxiety, and a sense of melancholy washed over me without warning. I found myself snapping at my loved ones, feeling irritable and out of control. It was as if my body and mind were conspiring against me, pulling me into a vortex of confusion and frustration.

The Struggle and the Search for Relief

During my missionary work, I often found myself in challenging environments. The physical demands of the job, coupled with the symptoms of menopause, tested my endurance. There were days when the hot flashes and fatigue seemed unbearable, but the smiles of the children and the gratitude of the communities kept me going.

Determined to regain control, I sought help from my doctor. I learned that menopause is a natural biological process, marking the end of my reproductive years. My doctor explained that the symptoms I was experiencing were due to fluctuating hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone. While this knowledge provided some comfort, it did little to alleviate the daily challenges I faced.

I tried alternative therapies, such as herbal supplements and homemade remedies. Each provided varying degrees of comfort, but there was no magic cure. The journey through menopause, I realized, was one I had to navigate with patience and self-compassion.

One particularly memorable experience occurred while we were doing maintenance work on the farm. The work was grueling. The heat was intense, and my hot flashes made it even more challenging. Yet, every evening, as we gathered for prayer and reflection, I felt a deep sense of peace. The Pnong people’s faith and resilience inspired me to push through my struggles.

A Spiritual Awakening

In the midst of my struggle, I found solace in my faith. Becoming a Seventh-day Adventist years ago taught me to always turn to prayer in times of need. Now, more than ever, I sought comfort in my relationship with God. I began to see my journey through menopause as a spiritual test, a period of refinement and growth.

I found inspiration in the Bible, particularly in passages that spoke of endurance and renewal. Isaiah 40:31 became my favorite verse: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” These words gave me strength on days when I felt overwhelmed and weary. When I didn’t think I would make it, that’s when Jesus carried me.

The Dawn of Post-Menopause

As time passed, the hot flashes became less frequent, my sleep improved, and the emotional turbulence settled into a calm sea—the post-menopausal phase, my new hormonal balance.

With this transition came a profound sense of relief and happiness and a stronger, more resilient version of myself. Menopause, while challenging, had been a period of deep personal growth and finding strength in my faith. I also recognized the importance of community—other women going through similar journeys who became a source of comfort and solidarity, lifting me out of what had felt like a solitary journey. Today I continue to nurture my body, staying active with regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet. Most importantly, I continue spending precious time in the Word, and I pray often.

My Prayer

Heavenly Father, please bless all women experiencing menopause with Your assurances found in Isaiah 41:10. May they find strength and comfort in Your presence, knowing You are with them, upholding them with Your righteous right hand. Give them your grace during this challenging and transformative time of growth, helping them to remember that they are not alone and others are willing to walk alongside them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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