22 Oct October is Menopause Awareness Month

October is Menopause Awareness month designated by the World Heath Organization, and it is time we spread that awareness, just by conversation.

World Menopause Day is October 18th , 2021.

It is time for discussion to open up and to spread awareness to men, women, health professionals alike.

I think “We’ve come a long way baby!”

I know my mom and her mother’s generation did not talk about Menopause

It just wasn’t done at the time.

Now, we are opening up about the difficulties as well as different ways to cope with and treat symptoms.

First, we must ask What is Menopause?

It is  natural process of aging. The stage when the ovaries completely stop producing reproductive hormones, and there are no monthly periods for consecutive twelve months. The menopausal transition most often begins between ages 45 and 55. It usually lasts about seven years but can be as long as 14 years. You may have this indication that you are in menopause, but doctors can check your hormones to determine your hormone levels.

Some blood tests to check-

FSH- Folicle Stimulating Hormone- This hormone increases nearing menopause.

Estradoil- This hormone tells how much estrogen your body is making.

Thyroid Gland- Your doctor can test this and if there are problems, it can mimic Menopause symptoms

It of course is a transitional time,  when many women may be “empty nesters”, thinking of a change in career, taking care of aging parents et al.

Very common Symptoms of Menopause are: ( but also note that some may be a cause of aging )

• Hot flushes & Night Sweats
• Stress & Anxiety
• Weight Gain
• Low Energy
• Brain Fog
• Skin Changes
• Mood Changes
• Uneven or missed periods
• Vaginal dryness
• Sore breasts
• Needing to pee more often
• Trouble sleeping
• Emotional changes
• Dry skin, eyes, or mouth

** credit https://www.nia.nih.gov

Oh, boy.. I am looking at this list, going uh-huh. Uh-huh, check…

Awareness is so important, because it is also about being knowledgable and proactive in what is going on with your body.

I have a different circumstance,  due to my EDS, with pelvic dislocations, I was put on continuous birth control, so there wouldn’t be the laxity I normally would experience during a period. The dislocations stopped and it seemed to help. However, I am pretty confident I have been through menopause.

Low energy certainly was a factor for me, and it was only exacerbated by the pain medication I was on.  I felt like a walking zombie some days.

As I get older, I value my sleep. Gone are the days until we party until dawn! Who am I kidding, they are long gone! Now, I often roll over in bed at 9 or 10 pm. A few years ago, my sleep was interrupted by Night Sweats.  I bought the Soma Cool Nights Nightgown a few years ago and it does help to keep me a bit cooler at night. I also have a cooling gel pillow that is washable, that keeps the temperature cool and you as well. Anything to help and make you feel more comfortable!

How many times do I go into the kitchen or step into my bedroom and say, “Now, what did I come in here for?” – now, this may just be natural aging!

This is me – 100%!!

In addition to the inward, some of  the outward changes as well. My hair has become “more fine”. My nails are rather thin, and I have to add a “glow” with makeup, as at times my complexion can seem dull. Much of this is due to good ole hormones.

What Can We Continue to Do to Help Others?

Tell your story. What have you found that works for you? Keep up the conversation!

HRT- Hormone Replacement Therapy. I am looking into this after years of continuous BC pills. Many HRT methods are lower than even the lower dose BC pills.

Estrogen Cream-Can help with vaginal dryness. I have shared a link to one on-line, or you can get a prescription from your doctor.

Continue a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables, proteins . Take a vitamin supplement as women are more prone to Osteoperosis after Menopause.

I’d love to hear from you – leave a comment or share your experience. What has helped you? 
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Have a great weekend friends!

Jess xx