If only life was as simple as song lyrics. You know if it were that easy then everyday would be great, but we all know that the process of life is not easy. Each phase we go through has its challenges. Don’t jump to conclusions before you know the facts.
As women we tend to go through phases of life every 5 to 10 years or so it seems. Our bodies are constantly changing, and as we age things can change dramatically. There are studies out there that tell you about perimenopause (premenopause). They explain what to expect once you get into the dreaded menopause. It’s sort of like telling a woman what to expect during pregnancy–no two are ever alike.
Then there are the studies that tell you what to expect while you are in menopause. They even write television scripts about it. Remember Edith Bunker? They tend to forget to tell you again that no two women experience the same things in the same way. Some people never know they have entered the dreaded menopause zone. They just know they are no longer having periods. There are no hot flashes, no night sweets, no mood swings, no heart palpitations–they don’t even know they are changing.
My doctor who is male gave me advice when I talked to him about certain symptoms. At least it was honest advice. He said no one had ever died from menopause at least to his knowledge. Life would get better.
Well I am here to tell you it does get better, but not the same. Some women still experience brain fogginess, you know not remembering directions while driving, but you get there–don’t panic, it’s normal for some. Reading and rereading is one that many women experience. It makes it hard when you are in a book club.
Weight comes from just thinking about food, and it comes in places that you never had it before. Don’t fret exercise and a well-balanced diet still can fix this–it just takes more effort and time than before.
Had oily skin when you were a teenager and hated it, don’t worry after menopause dry skin is normal for many women. Moisturizer becomes their best friend. There may be a need to switch to all new cosmetics.
The subject of hair is another subject. Depends on where the hair is or isn’t. My best advice is to invest in a good magnifying mirror and a pair of tweezers. Enough about hair that isn’t on the head, but on the face.
Some women even after menopause still have hot flashes. I know for a fact insomnia can continue on.
There are prescription medications that you can take to help with the symptoms, there are even holistic medications that are available. It’s up to you and your doctor to decide what course of action that you need to take. Remember what is good for someone else may not be good for you. Don’t jump into what others do, we are all different.
Remember “thisisyourbestyear” and “yes, there is life after menopause”. Now jump! Just look before you leap because no two experiences on this journey of life are the same.
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