How Psilocybin Transformed My Menopause Journey

Helen Down, 51, had been feeling apathetic and listless for years. To find a solution, she traveled to the Netherlands to take part in a women-only psychedelic retreat. This is her story of how taking mushroom truffles at a retreat changed her perspective on menopause.

A Journey of Healing and Transformation

It’s a Tuesday afternoon in a forest near Utrecht. Helen Down finds herself lying on a mattress in a sun-dappled studio, part of a group of nine women, all about to embark on a journey where their bodies remain stationary, but their minds travel to other places and times.

The setting is the inaugural women’s-only program at Beckley, a five-day science-backed psilocybin-assisted therapy retreat. The group, ranging in issues from neurodiversity to grief, is here to heal old wounds and gain new insights by taking transformative doses of mushroom “medicine.” The drug, illegal and classified as a class A substance in the UK, is permitted for consumption in truffle form in the Netherlands.

The Shared Struggles of Menopause

Helen, navigating menopause at 51, has chosen this women-only retreat to address issues specific to women, such as motherhood-induced loss of identity and infertility. It’s easier to speak of such concerns in the company of women. As she munches her way through an alarmingly large portion of magic mushroom truffles, she feels safe knowing she’ll be watched over by Beckley’s five unflappable, altruistic facilitators.

The Invisibility of Menopausal Symptoms

Helen has been feeling gaslit by perimenopause. Without definitive symptoms like hot flushes, it’s been hard for her to know whether her pervasive ennui, which started sneaking into her life about five years ago, is due to menopause or life itself. Her symptoms have included crying at TV ads, snapping irrationally at her child, forgetting critical descriptors in meetings, and experiencing non-specific anxiety. It’s been challenging to determine why she feels like a 2D render of her 3D self.

The Menopause and Mental Health

Many women in their menopausal years juggle complex responsibilities, such as caring for parents and children while feeling crushed by decades of duties. Studies show that middle age sees us sink to the bottom of life’s U-shaped happiness curve, just as menopause adds to the mix. Society has become more open about menopause since Davina McCall et al made it an acceptable topic in 2021, but it remains notoriously under-researched.

The Promise of Psilocybin

Trials at institutions such as Imperial College London have shown psilocybin’s positive effects on depression, anorexia, addiction, OCD, and chronic pain. However, menopause isn’t yet a focus. Dr. Grace Blest-Hopley, a neuroscientist with 10 years of experience researching cannabinoids and psychedelics, is designing a potentially game-changing observational trial on the effects of psychedelics on menopause.

Her research is based on the premise that psilocybin and estrogen offer similar mechanistic effects, such as positively affecting serotonin signaling. She hypothesizes that psilocybin’s anti-inflammatory characteristics can help menopause-induced inflammation.

Anecdotal Evidence and Personal Experiences

Anecdotal evidence supports the idea that psilocybin can help deal with menopause. Fellow Beckley participant Lisa Evia, 48, reported reduced night sweats after her first retreat. Hannah Parker, 49, a biodynamic body psychotherapist and one of Beckley’s facilitators, shared that psilocybin has given her deeper acceptance and self-compassion, reducing her symptoms.

A Transformative Ceremony

Helen’s first psilocybin ceremony began with anxiety and fear, but soon transformed into a realization that life, at its essence, is pure, simple, and beautiful. This insight led her to an uncontrollable bout of laughter, lasting hours. By morning, the world appeared more vibrant and beautiful. This newfound perspective brought untouchable calm and joy into her life.

The Importance of Safe Use and Supervision

Psilocybin-assisted therapy isn’t for everyone. Clinical director Shari B. Kaplan emphasizes caution and consulting medical professionals before attempting to self-medicate with psilocybin. Neuroscientist Dr. Rachel Taylor warns that menopausal women should consider mental health issues before using psilocybin. Reputable retreats like Beckley employ qualified facilitators and ensure thorough psychological screening.

The Lasting Impact

Helen’s experience at the retreat left her feeling calm yet energized. Despite the challenges, the rewards were significant, particularly in the early days of post-retreat integration. While scientific proof of psilocybin’s effects on menopause is still lacking, Helen is confident in its benefits. The mycelium medicine has made her kinder to herself, others, and the world, providing a refreshing antidote to menopause.