Let's talk Menopause

I'd like to say that the above image isn't representative of the menopause but sadly for so many women it really does seem to be the case. Personally I had more trouble with the Peri-Menopause than the menopause itself! Oh yes, dear girlfriends there are 3 stages of this nonsense; Peri-menopause starts anywhere from late 30's to early 40's. That's when periods start to be erratic and often heavy. For me, that was the very worst part and I had some awful embarrassing times when my periods were so heavy I was afraid to go into meetings or out and about in case I had 'an accident'!  Menopause and then there is the post-Menopause anywhere from 10 months to 4 years after where most if not all the symptoms come to an end. 

So -  The Menopause - generally starting around 48 - 50 years old - this is where periods stop! It's a natural part of ageing and happens because Oestrogen levels decline.  Common symptoms include all of the above in the picture but also depression, vaginal dryness (try putting that in a picture) and often reduced sex drive. 

For many women it's a relief to not have the bother of periods anymore, for others it's often seen as a loss - there is no longer any chance of having children.  There's often a sense of loss of femininity as well due to the physical changes we undergo. Because of the lack of Oestrogen there are also associated health risks; Bone density changes, hair becomes thinner etc, bladder loss of control etc, etc. 

If you read about menopause you will see a whole load of things you can do; HRT, natural remedies, vitamins, dietary stuff - interestingly Japanese women rarely have hot flushes or sweats as they traditionally have a low fat and high in soy products (tofu etc).

For me the Menopause and since has been ok'ish - I would say the mood swings were the worst but I've always been a crotchety prickly person, so not much new there! 

The hot flushes were probably the worst, but it's nothing to be ashamed of so I made fun out of them when other people were around me. As for sheets or duvets - who needs them! Windows open - windows closed every 2 minutes - so what! 

Interestingly I found that sweet things (including wine - 😢😢😢) made me worse.........??? 

I don't miss periods in the slightest - I was bloody glad to see the back of the monthly blighters! I have taken the opportunity to look at my diet and try to be healthier in my food choices.  I did explore HRT but chose not to go down that route.  I think you just have to remember that this is natures way of bringing a natural close to our child bearing age and on to the next exciting bit of our lives - free from periods, fear or pregnancy and a time to learn who we really are........... What do you think??