My friend Michelle recently wrote about her experience with (peri)menopause. Since I’m currently dealing with it too, I thought it’d be helpful to discuss this topic on 40+Style. Menopause is a confusing subject with plenty of questions and challenges, affecting women over 40 in significant ways.
Many of you have already faced perimenopause and menopause. This article and the comments can become a resource for finding comfort, understanding, and maybe some remedies that might help.
Here’s What I’ve Been Going Through:
– Mood swings and a short temper
– Constant tiredness but difficulty sleeping my usual 7-8 hours
– Struggling with hot weather, which is getting tougher the longer I live here
– Finding it harder to concentrate and feeling more overwhelmed
– A noticeable increase in headaches
It’s often tough to determine if these symptoms are due to being too busy, having too much on my plate, or if they’re related to (peri)menopause. However, given that many women experience these issues, it’s fair to say menopause plays a big role.
A few years ago, I started looking into bio-identical hormones. Women like Suzanne Somers suggest not accepting these changes as just a part of life, especially in a world where women can live for 50 years longer. This makes sense to me. In the past, women were expected to bear and raise children, then their role was considered ‘over’ by around age 60.
Today, we live much longer and many of us feel active and have big plans. It’s frustrating when our bodies and hormones tell us otherwise.
Do Menopause Symptoms Still Have a Place in Our Lives Now? What Are the Benefits of Menopause Anyway?
There don’t seem to be many positives to menopause regarding how you feel, your energy levels, or even your appearance. Related symptoms include:
– Thinning hair
– Hair loss
– Accumulation of fat around the abdomen
– Dryer skin
Many women struggle with these outward changes, especially the fat around the abdomen. (Find ways to hide your belly with clothes here.)
Should We Accept It or Do Something About It?
As I navigate perimenopause (my period is irregular but hasn’t stopped completely), I wonder if I should just let nature take its course or be proactive about trying bio-identical hormone therapy or traditional hormone replacement therapy. I haven’t looked into it yet, partly because I avoid doctors and because I’m busy with my new projects and plans for this site.
But why should we accept this part of ‘nature’ when it seems meant for a time when women lived much shorter lives?
Women over 50 worldwide are showing they are strong, energetic, and capable of making a difference. Many of you have newfound confidence and the power to do what you love. You don’t want to be slowed down by outdated menopausal symptoms. In these times, we need active women over 40 more than ever.
I initially read a few books on this topic:
– The Menopause Makeover
– Breakthrough – 8 Steps to Wellness by Suzanne Somers
– What Your Doctor Didn’t Tell You About Menopause
Now, as I’m in the midst of menopause, I might need to revisit these books and decide whether it’s worth making an effort to ‘do something about it’ or just let nature take its course.
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please join the discussion and share your menopause experience. Your insights could be valuable for many women grappling with these changes and looking for coping strategies.
Please Share:
– Are you experiencing menopause or have you already gone through it?
– Did you have severe symptoms?
– Did you let it run its course or seek medical help through bio-identical hormone therapy or HRT?
– What helped you cope with (peri)menopause?
– Are there any books that helped you?
I look forward to reading your comments!