Menopause

Menopause, what does it actually mean for women?  Scientifically, it simply means hormonal changes; in everyday language it means adjusting to these changes and welcoming the new life with a positive attitude…life must go on. Women reach “the change” at different ages but generally between 45 – 55 years is the target age. Menopause symptoms and experiences can also be markedly different from woman to woman and can range from mild to severe. Some women in their sixties claim having missed symptoms completely while others report having symptoms for several years.

The key to dealing with menopause is to get informed and learn how to live with the symptoms; it is not a disease but a life change that can be managed. Understanding menopause can lead to a better quality of life, better relationships with those we love, and a healthier lifestyle. It is important for me to share my experience with menopause with both women and men. Men, as partners of someone going through “the change”, play a vital role in the support system of their loved one. Having a supportive partner is very important for many reasons as you will discover as you read on. Menopause can occur during a time when other dramatic changes in life-style are happening, including major markers as loss of parents, and since women vary greatly in their emotional response to these changes, a variety of symptoms may be attributed to “the change” which is actually the result of other factors, such as stress.

Many might think that menopause is the end of womanhood; I believe it is only the beginning of a new life or stage. Normally, this is what you will find in a text book as the definition of menopause: “it is when your reproductive system shuts down.” – NO MORE PERIODS.  Another definition you might find is: "Menopause signals the end of fertility and is the cessation of menstrual periods and the gradual shutdown of the ovaries’ production of estrogen. The physical and emotional symptoms of “the change” can disrupt your sleep, deplete your energy and at least indirectly trigger feelings of sadness and loss." So far, this all sounds negative to me.  I prefer to turn the negatives into positives, always.  Menopause is not a medical illness but a natural biological process. Keep in mind this can all be managed.

There are different approaches to menopause.  You could choose Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) or use natural supplements.  I personally prefer a natural approach in dealing with menopause.  But I recommend to do research, talk to your doctor and go with the one you feel most comfortable with. Hormonal changes cause the physical symptoms but myths about the transition are part to blame for the emotional ones.  Number one, menopause doesn't mean the "end is near" - we still have more than half our lives to live. Number two, menopause will not take away our femininity or sexuality.  As a matter of fact, you might just find liberating the idea of not having to worry about pregnancy or having a period.  We are free, liberated from periods.

Our emotional and physical state during menopause is fragile and vulnerable at times but if we learn to manage it appropriately by learning how to relax and take care of ourselves first and foremost, we won’t drive ourselves or the ones we love crazy.  We must learn how to balance our emotional and physical state and most of all we must be real and honest with ourselves and those around us. Let's take this journey together and we might be able to grow into the beautiful WOMEN we are meant to be.