Let's talk about Menopause!

I think of Menopause as a rebirthing. Let me explain.

In this blog post, we will explore what Menopause is, its symptoms, and how women can manage them.

Most, but not all, women have a partner, children, career, and a household to run or some aspect of them. Yet, she has given of herself selflessly, and she's in the middle of her life asking, "What about me?" Sound familiar.

Menopause is your time to rewrite the next phase of your life. Find and claim the missing pieces that were put aside for other obligations. I would encourage you to take a good look at what you want life to offer and how to get it. This is your time!

On the physical side, Menopause is a natural biological process that occurs in women when their menstrual periods cease. It is a significant milestone in a woman's life that typically occurs between the ages of 35 and 55, although it can occur earlier or later in some cases. While Menopause is a natural part of aging, it can also significantly change a woman's body and emotional well-being.

• Perimenopause can start as early as 35, 7-10 yrs.
• Menopause 45-55 yrs. old no period for one year
• Post-menopause symptoms decline, but some can persist.

What is Menopause?

Menopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. During Menopause, the ovaries stop producing eggs, and the body produces lower levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. As a result, women experience a wide range of physical and emotional changes. These changes can last for several years or longer and may affect a woman's overall health and well-being.

Symptoms of Menopause

The symptoms of Menopause can vary from woman to woman. Some women experience few or no symptoms, while others may experience more severe symptoms that can interfere with daily life. The most common symptoms of Menopause include:

• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex
• Mood swings, irritability, and depression
• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• Changes in libido or sexual desire
• Dry skin and hair loss
• Urinary incontinence or urinary tract infections
• Weight gain and slowed metabolism, including visceral belly fat
• Breast changes
• Palpitations
• Memory problems and difficulty concentrating
• Vertigo

Managing Menopause Symptoms

While Menopause is a part of every women's life, there are many ways to manage its symptoms. Here are some strategies that women can use to manage menopause symptoms:

• Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy can help alleviate symptoms by replacing the hormones that the body is no longer producing. However, according to a Canadian study that came out on 5-15-2023, hormone therapy benefits outweigh the risk. It suggests most every woman under 60 take HRT. New data is coming out consistently about HRT. Please discuss with your healthcare provider whether it is a suitable option. In addition, you can start it even before Menopause. HRT is systemic (goes throughout the body), and vaginal estrogen is local to the vagina. Vaginal estrogen will help relieve many symptoms, including dryness and soreness in the vagina, itching, redness, or soreness of the vulva. Every woman (person with a vulva) will be different, so it's essential to do your research. Please remember that all medications have side effects, and we still choose to use them. 

• Lifestyle changes: Making healthy lifestyle changes can help reduce menopause symptoms. Women should aim to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep each night. 

• Alternative therapies: Some women find relief from menopause symptoms by using alternative treatments, such as acupuncture, yoga, meditation, and massage. Whatever will bring relief because everyone is an individual. 

• Medications: There are medications available that can help alleviate specific symptoms of Menopause, such as antidepressants for mood swings or low-dose vaginal estrogen for vaginal dryness. Please make sure you're using lubrication for sexual intercourse at any age. It's a myth that women are instantly wet for penis in vagina sex (PIV). 

• Support: Talking to a trusted friend or therapist can provide emotional support during this time of change. It's essential to share all the new data about Menopause with our fellow people. 

• Emotionally: This is a time in a woman's life when she has to come to terms with the fact that she can no longer bear a child. Whether she wanted children or not, it still needs to be grieved.

Menopause is a natural part of aging that can cause significant changes to a woman's body and emotional well-being. However, there are many ways to manage its symptoms, and women should speak to their healthcare provider about which options are suitable for them. With the proper support and care, women can navigate this transition confidently.