“Discovering Perimenopause: A Journey of Enlightenment by Two Monks”
Nestled in a peaceful north Texas farming community, far from the hustle and bustle of Dallas, lies an ashram where two Jain monks and filmmakers, Sadhvi Siddhali Shree, 41, and Sadhvi Anubhuti, 42, are embarking on a spiritual journey unlike any other. A few years back, at the age of 38, Shree, a former Iraqi War veteran, began to feel a shift in her well-being. Struggling with sleep issues and difficulty focusing, she had a moment of realization that something was amiss. Anubhuti was also facing challenges, with her symptoms of fatigue and lack of concentration worsening over time.
Turning to social media for answers, the two monks stumbled upon the term ‘perimenopause,’ a concept unfamiliar to them both. Acting on the advice of their nurse practitioner, they decided to undergo hormone level testing. The results revealed that Shree had low progesterone levels, indicating the onset of perimenopause, the transitional phase before menopause. “It was a relief to have clarity,” Shree shared, “realizing that it was a medical condition and not a sign of losing my mind.”
Anubhuti’s test unveiled practically non-existent estrogen levels, leaving her feeling drained and melancholic. “Initially, it was disheartening to confront menopausal symptoms at this age. It wasn’t what I had anticipated,” she expressed. While the average age for menopause is 51, many women start experiencing perimenopausal signs between 35 and 45, with some even younger, as highlighted in a recent study. During perimenopause, lasting four to eight years, estrogen and progesterone production declines, leading to various symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, and sleep disturbances, alongside mood swings, intimate health issues, reduced libido, and bone density loss. Elevated cholesterol levels may emerge, potentially contributing to heart problems.
Struggling with sleep disturbances due to progesterone deficiency, Shree turned to hormone replacement therapy (HRT), known to aid in managing perimenopausal sleep disturbances. As filmmakers, Anubhuti and Shree chronicled their medical journey, capturing moments from medical consultations to insightful discussions with menopause specialists. “As monks, we prefer natural approaches, avoiding medication unless essential,” Shree remarked, emphasizing the need for unconventional measures during challenging times.
Addressing her symptoms such as fatigue, focus issues, and hair loss, Anubhuti sought guidance from a naturopathic doctor, who recommended supplements, plant-based protein intake, and omega-3 consumption. The early indicators of perimenopause may catch women off guard and disrupt their daily lives. Medical training on menopause might be lacking among healthcare professionals, as evidenced by a Mayo Clinic study highlighting the gap in knowledge and preparedness among medical residents.
In light of these
Anubhuti and Shree, known for their work with individuals managing anxiety and PTSD, have now taken on a new initiative to raise awareness about perimenopause. These Jain monks have embraced the role of filmmakers, capturing their entire medical voyage – from initial consultations with a nurse practitioner to enlightening discussions with esteemed menopause specialists like Dr. Mary Claire Haver, Dr. Vonda Wright, and Dr. Louise Newson. This insightful journey is shared through an online docuseries titled “Balance,” with snippets of it being showcased at intimate home screenings known as “peri-parties” across various locations worldwide.
Anubhuti expressed, “Part of our purpose is to alleviate and diminish pain and suffering in the world. We have discovered a silent struggle that many women face, unaware of the available treatment options and sources of support.” In early February, women’s health advocate Stephanie Collins in Dallas organized a screening for 50 women aged 33 to 60. The aim was to reshape the dialogue surrounding how midlife women are perceived and treated by medical professionals.
Collins noted, “Numerous women have been brushed aside by the medical community, being told that menopause is an inevitable aspect of aging that they must endure.” During the Dallas event, OB-GYN Dr. Lyndsey Harper highlighted, “Women’s health has historically been neglected and under-researched. We have been overlooked and underserved.”
Reflecting on their journey at a spiritual retreat in Windom, Texas, Anubhuti remarked, “Perimenopause and menopause are natural processes. However, the unnecessary pain and suffering that women endure during this transition do not have to be inevitable.” Shree concurred, emphasizing, “What’s truly remarkable is how this journey brings us closer together.”
