I Moved to a New Country Mid-Perimenopause

Where I Started

At 44, my husband got offered a dream job in a different country. We'd been discussing it, but we thought we'd wait a few years. Then the opportunity came up, and we had to decide. Stay comfortable, or take a leap. We decided to leap. But I was also in the thick of perimenopause. Hot flashes. Mood swings. Insomnia. And we were about to move everything to a new country where I didn't speak the language, didn't know anyone, and didn't know the healthcare system.

The Turning Point

I was terrified. Moving would be hard enough. Adding perimenopause on top felt impossible. But I realized I had two choices. Let perimenopause stop me from living my life, or bring perimenopause along on the adventure. I decided to bring it along. I got comprehensive medical records from my doctor. I research the healthcare system in the new country. I found an English-speaking gynecologist before we even moved. I gave myself permission to manage perimenopause while also adjusting to a new country.

Here's What I Did

I prepared extensively. I had three months of all my medications and supplements sent ahead. I found a doctor in the new country before we arrived. I joined an expat group online so I'd have community. I was intentional about sleep and exercise during the moving process because I knew I was going to be stressed. I gave myself permission to not engage fully with the new country in my first month. I was gentle with myself. By month two, I'd settled into the new house. By month three, I'd built a community of other expat women. By month four, I had a rhythm in the new country. My perimenopause hadn't gotten worse, and actually, the adventure of the move had given me something to focus on besides symptoms.

When It Worked

The shift came around month three when I realized I'd done something hard. I'd moved to a new country while in perimenopause. And I was okay. More than okay. The adventure gave me purpose. My perimenopause was still happening, but I was too engaged with building a new life to be consumed by it.

What Changed for Me

I'm now 46, and I'm so glad we made the move. I'm managing perimenopause in a new country. I have my medical support system. I have a community. I have adventure. And I learned that perimenopause doesn't have to stop me from doing big things. I can do big things while also managing perimenopause. That knowledge is powerful.

For You

If you're considering a big change and perimenopause is making you hesitant, know that you can do hard things while managing perimenopause. Prepare well. Get your medical ducks in a row. Find community. Be gentle with yourself. But don't let perimenopause stop you from living the life you want. You can do both. You're stronger than you think.

This is one woman's personal experience and does not replace medical advice. Everyone's perimenopause journey is different. Consult your healthcare provider before making significant changes to your health routine.