From puberty to menopause and everything in between, there are many changes that a woman will undergo during her lifetime.
Dealing with the mental, emotional and physical challenges at every phase can be somewhat daunting and even overwhelming at times. Not to mention the impact that hormones have on our delicate psyche’s.
Feeling out of control and vulnerable seems to be par for the course when it comes to being a woman. Yet as woman we are also expected to transition from one phase to another with perfect grace and style.
But lets face it, more often than not our journey through life tends to be messy, clumsy, frustrating, and often confusing. So what’s a girl to do?
We can start by accepting our imperfections, and realizing that nobody does it perfectly. It also helps to know what we are in for. To begin with there are typically four major biological stages that mark the life of a woman. During these stages your hormonal cycle changes naturally. So cut yourself some slack if you are feeling out of sorts when you go through:
Puberty
Puberty generally takes place between the ages of 8 and 13 and lasts for several years. During this period the body develops and matures. This can be a challenging time for girls who are coping with peer pressure, comparison, male attention, and sexual awareness.
Pregnancy
A typical pregnancy lasts 40 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period to the birth of the baby. While pregnancy itself is a miracle, carrying another human being for 9 months can become physically and emotionally exhausting. And for many first time moms pregnancy can be a difficult rather than a joyous experience.
Breastfeeding
Despite being regarded as one of the most natural bodily functions, for most women breastfeeding is surprisingly hard to master. In fact more women today are opting to bottle-feed and bond with their baby in other ways as a result.
Menopause
Menopause officially begins 12 months after a woman’s last period. The hormonal changes associated with menopause can impact a woman’s quality of life. Woman often struggle with chronic health issues as a consequence of hormonal shifts. This can lead to
other emotional and mental health issues.
Whichever phase you find yourself in, know that your struggles to accept and enjoy your body are normal, and that this too shall pass.
By Cindy Harker
