Unless you’ve experienced any or all of the symptoms of menopause, you have no idea what hell on earth is like. To men, it’s the source of a joke. But to the women experiencing it, there’s nothing funny about it.
Menopause is defined by 12 consecutive months without a period. But the decline in ovarian function starts way before that. In some cases, up to ten years earlier. This transitional time is called perimenopause…or as you might like to think of it…jumping into a volcano and hoping you make it out.
Each woman is different when it comes to the perimenopausal stage. You may have a few symptoms or you may get the whole kit-n-caboodle. The list of possible symptoms reads like a horror movie. Of course, there is the well-known hot flashes and sweats. That’s like being in a sauna that can come out of nowhere and at the most inconvenient moments. The flashes are bad enough but they can also affect cognitive function. Many women experience a reduction in focus and instant recall. With all the sweating and fireballing, there’s the added pleasure of fatigue. But who wouldn’t be tired after all that? Sudden and fierce mood swings might decide to join the party, along with pervasive dryness in skin, nails, throat and eyes. This includes vaginal dryness. Doesn’t his sound like a load of fun?
What can a gal do about all that? The only recommended therapy is hormonal therapy to replace the loss of estrogen. Here again, the value of this therapy depends on when the perimenopausal begins and how severe it is. For women in the 40’s/early 50’s, hormone therapy is usually recommended because the benefits out way the risks. For the ladies over 60, the therapy is usually not recommended because the risk has gone up with age.
What’s good or bad about hormone therapy? Hormone therapy replaces the estrogen that’s being lost due to menopause. By doing this, the body basically replicates its natural state, thus avoiding or lessening the side effects of menopause. That is a good thing. However, it’s not for everyone. Because of a study in 2002 that stated hormone therapy increased the risk of endometrial cancer and other cancers, as well as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, there was a notable decline in the use of hormone therapy. Later, researchers found that adding progesterone inhibited the growth of cells, thus reducing that risk. So again, the therapy was recommended when appropriate. Bottom line to all this…all medications come with benefits and risks. Each woman should consult with her doctor to determine if hormone therapy would be for them.
For me, I got lucky. I didn’t have any symptoms until I suddenly started to hemorrhage every month instead of having a regular period. I kept telling myself it was happening because my periods were about to stop. I reasoned every month that this was the last one, but then the next would be just as bad if not worse. After several months of this, I became so weak I could barely function. My doctor was horrified at how much blood I’d lost and immediately put me on birth control pills to stop the monthly hemorrhaging and regulate the flow. Within three months I was done. To say I was thankful it was done is an understatement.
For all women entering into this phase of life, focus should be on maximizing your good health. Consume a variety of nutrient-rich foods, including plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean proteins which could aid in delaying menopause or reducing the effects. Also, there are over-the-counter supplements that can help with easing symptoms as well. And remember, menopause doesn’t last forever. Eventually, you transition into post menopause. Think of it as coasting downhill after a wild ride. You may still have some symptoms on a lesser level, but your body is now working to better regulate itself.
Life is rarely fair. And menopause is a perfect example of that! Men certainly don’t have to experience any of this mess which explains their lack of empathy about the subject. I mean, how could they possibly truly understand? But, then again, men will never know what it feels like to create a perfect, precious life. That’s a blessing reserved solely for us. And for me, being a mom has been the best experience of my life. I would not trade that part for anything. But let’s be real…we’d skip menopause in a heartbeat if any of us had the choice!
I don’t know who ever called women the weaker sex. I can’t imagine any man being able to handle menstrual cycles, cramps, labor pains, giving birth and menopause. Weaker sex my behind!
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