Menopause

I received many messages to write about Menopause, so here we go!

In full disclosure, I am not a doctor, therapist, giving advice, or associated with any health facility. I am sharing my thoughts.

There are various stages of menopause and everyone’s story and body work differently.

The information provided in this blog will help with a better understanding of the new life changes during menopause. I will also provide valuable insight on accepting the new life by making necessary adjustments to continue enjoying sex and engaging in outings with family and friends.

There are four stages of Menopause,

1. Premenopausal
2. Perimenopause
3. Menopause
4. Postmenopausal

Premenopausal occurs before menopause. It is essential to pay special attention to health before entering menopause because many changes will occur, and losing weight becomes more challenging. Being proactive will be beneficial in maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle.

Perimenopause starts between ages 40-44 and sometimes in the 30s, which typically begins several years before menopause. The perimenopause ages may vary.

During this stage, the production of estrogen in the ovaries decreases, resulting in the body experiencing various symptomatic changes that could lead to mood swings that are similar to PMS experiences. The difference is that mood swings could occur sporadically any time of the day or night, unlike PMS, which comes at certain times of the month.

There may be changes in period patterns, such as light or heavy periods, skipping months. A good rule of thumb is to ask your mother or a woman in the family about their experience.

Also, irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and sleep issues could occur. The symptoms vary from person to person.

Perimenopause is the transitioning phase, which generally lasts 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, and menopause begins.

Possible yearly weight gain of 1 to 1.5 pounds yearly.

A friend of mine, who is 39 years old, is going through the perimenopause phase. Unfortunately, her experience has been challenging as she is dealing with heavy bleeding caused by the presence of large fibroids. The fibroid’s location is also causing pelvic pain and frequent urination.

She sought medical guidance to explore treatment options to have a better quality of life, but those options did not alleviate the symptoms. Another option presented to her was the possibility of undergoing a hysterectomy, but currently, she does not believe it is the most suitable choice for her situation.

Another friend experienced similar problems and decided to undergo a surgical procedure, which ultimately resulted in her entering menopause.

She had to navigate both the procedure and challenges associated with menopause.

How did she cope with all the changes? She started counseling and surrounded herself with positive friends and family as well as incorporated a 30-minute daily walk. Additionally, dietary changes were made by eliminating juice, soda, junk and began eating fish, salmon, and vegetables in her daily meals. These improvements had a tremendous impact on her mood, but it is essential to remember that everyone’s body responds differently.

Menopause begins between ages 45 and 55 and sometimes sooner. It lasts about seven years but could last longer depending on lifestyle.

It is common to experience symptoms that are similar to the ones we encountered during perimenopause, such as mood swings, Vaginal dryness, and anxiety leading to rapid heartbeats.

Hot flashes are common during this phase and are mild, moderate, and severe.

Mild – the body is hot but not sweating.

Moderate – the body is hot and sweating but tolerable.

Severe – the body is scorching and sweating at a level of discomfort.

Individual triggers vary, so paying attention to your body and making the best choices for you is essential. Always consult with a healthcare professional.

Knowing the temperature of foods and beverages consumed when experiencing hot flashes is important. Certain foods and drinks, such as hot drinks ((like coffee, tea, hot chocolate, hot water, etc.) could contribute to hot flashes. Additionally, spicy foods also raise body temperature and potentially trigger hot flashes.

Menopause belly, known as midlife belly, is characterized by the accumulation of belly fat due to decreased hormone production and muscle loss experienced during menopause.

Consuming sugary foods such as donuts, candy, and similar items can exacerbate hormonal imbalances. The body produces less estrogen and progesterone, which leads to physical and emotional changes.

Post Menopause is after menopause and a sign of completing the fertile years, the end of reproductive years due to the decreased levels of estrogen and testosterone.

Throughout the process, the body undergoes various changes, including a shift in the midsection. It is sometimes referred to as the menopause belly, known as the midlife belly, and characterized by fat accumulation around the abdomen. This could be attributed to the decrease in hormonal production and the loss of muscle mass that commonly occurs during menopause.

The skin could become drier, the hair finer and more delicate, and the posture may be affected due to changes in bone density. Additionally, we may notice changes in our skin, such as sagging and decreased elasticity.

Signs to pay attention to:

Sleeping better, energy levels are higher,

There are tests to determine you are no longer in menopause, and it is important to consult with a healthcare provider.

Tips on working through the new body changes.

Having regular sex keeps the vagina lubricated and helps maintain muscle tone down there.

Keep the bed room cool and enjoy the sensation of kissing, touching, feeling and holding.

1. Do Kegel exercises daily to strengthen the pelvic muscles, which involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic muscles.
2. Focus on the positive in life by not dwelling on the negative.
3. Practice trying to get good sleep if possible.
4. Managed stress by exercising (walking, yoga, etc.).
5. Practice deep breathing and prioritize self-care daily.

Accepting and enjoying life during and after menopause, first and foremost, is self-care by focusing on what brings joy to your life. It’s important to stay active; dancing or any

form of exercise will boost the mood and improve overall health. Connect with positive people or join groups.

Keep a diary to journal the new exciting life. Begin each writing by congratulating yourself on being healthy and accepting all life has to offer.

Please continue to share your thoughts and experiences and consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new routines.

Let me know if you would like more information on the topic related to menopause.

As always, I am here and listening. Thanks again for tuning in and sharing your thoughts