Menopause

You may have heard all the horror stories about menopause, also known years ago as "the curse" or "the change". From the time we were old enough to understand it, it was probably something we dreaded and hoped we would never have to endure.

You may remember when you were young and your mother went through menopause. It probably wasn't until you were much older that you even realized that she was experiencing menopause. When you would ask what was wrong with her, you may have been told she was going through "her change of life". Thankfully, we don't have to have the same outlook that our mothers did.

With so much help now available to us, menopause no longer needs to be a dreaded thing, but rather something to look forward to as we look forward to any change. When I went through menopause, it was surgically induced. I had ovarian and cervical cancer, so a complete hysterectomy was performed on me. I didn't really have the time to think about menopause or have the normal perimenopause symptoms that many women experience. For that, I was very lucky. However, at the same time, I was not fully prepared for the instant changes in my body. My doctor was wonderful about explaining as much of it as she could to me. For this, I will always be grateful to her. I remember when I had my first hot flash, I though I was having a heart attack! The next day I rushed to my doctor sure that something was dreadfully wrong with me. We had a good laugh when she explained that I had experienced my first hot flash. She then started me on hormone replacement therapy, which she felt I needed due to my lack of ovaries. I could not believe the difference it made for me.

She explained the importance of maintaining good health, getting plenty of rest and exercise and keeping my calcium level up to avoid osteoporosis. I have a German shepherd dog, Lady, which suddenly became my daily companion. I now take walks with her every day. Exercise is one thing that will make a big difference in how you feel during menopause. There is nothing quite as refreshing as fresh air. It does wonders for the disposition too. I'm not saying that going outdoors and walking is the cure-all. The medication helped prevent mood swings and depression, but I believe my new activity level played as big of a part. Have you ever seen someone come back from a walk without a smile on his or her face?

There are support groups available as well for women that go through a difficult period during menopause. It is so helpful to be able to talk with others that understand what you are going through because they are going through the same things. I was also lucky to have a husband that let me know that he still found me attractive in many ways. Not having to worry about pregnancy increased my sexual drive, too.

Far from being the end, menopause can be the start of a completely new phase of life for women. With proper care of their body and regular checkups with their doctor, the woman of today can lead the best life she has ever had.

Menopause And HRT |