Menopause is just another stage of life that a woman goes through when her childbearing years are over. Her estrogen and progesterone hormones are declining during this period and it causes health changes throughout her body during menopause. She is losing her ability to reproduce and the fertility cycle is closed. You no longer have your menstrual cycles and your feminine physical qualities from estrogen may fade. Facial hair may start to grow, and her voice may drop. These effects are due to testosterone becoming stronger as she loses estrogen.
They are a sign that you are approaching the golden years; the “life changing” markers you, and thousands of women before you, have endured. Some women deny them and try to cover them up, but others welcome the next stage of life with open arms. The way you react can help you take menopause in stride.
Some women experience depression around the time of perimenopause, partly because of hormonal changes and partly because of events that can occur in midlife, such as moving children, divorce, menopausal weight gain, difficulties with your sex life; and stress from missed periods. early, and so on.
Estrogen withdrawal causes the physical and mental changes you are going through. There are hormone replacement therapies you can take, creams you can use, and nutritional and herbal supplements that have historically been taken during this stage of life.
Having a trusted doctor or herbalist can make your path much easier. It’s okay to ask for recommendations from friends of those who watch. Some days you’ll feel crazy and other days you’ll be yourself again, so don’t take this stage of life too seriously. Many menopause jokes point out the absurdities you feel and make you want to laugh. In fact, laughing is just what you need to get you through a bad day. Also, a good support group, having friends who are going through the same thing as you will benefit you a lot.
During and after menopause, you are at increased risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. You can break your bones more easily and are at risk of blood clots. Be sure to check with your doctor and get tested. Start eating a healthy diet, take vitamin D3, and exercise every day. Walking is best, but you also need to lift some weights regularly to maintain muscle tone and strong bones. Once again, a group will help you stay grounded and have fun while you work out. Menopause is not the end, it’s just a part of aging and you still have the rest of your life ahead of you.