Menopause: The Dreaded Word

Menopause; most women hate the word, and for good reason. It’s not always a pleasant experience. So, what is menopause? It’s basically the transition in a woman’s life when she leaves the child bearing years. Menstruation often goes nuts, but it will eventually cease to exist; that’s the good news. This is also the time when a woman’s body slows down the production of natural hormones, like estrogen. It’s the slowing down of these hormones that cause so many problems.

The period leading up to menopause is called peri-menopause or pre-menopause. It can last from a few months to a few years. It’s also not very pleasant. It can start as early as the mid-thirties, so don’t let a doctor tell you that you’re too young. You know your body and what’s been normal up until now. What’s to come may throw you for a loop though; almost literally.

Many women go through this transition like it’s nothing, while for others; it’s the worst time of their life. They tell me there is relief is on the other side. I can’t wait to get there.

Over the next few weeks, Daily Health Now will be sharing some information relating to the whole subject; from symptoms, self-help, HRT, alternative help and whatever else we can come up with to inform you on this transitional stage in your life.

Menopause is not an illness; although it often feels that way. It is a natural process of change. There was a time, before menopause was understood, that women were locked up during this stage in life. Why? Because their behavior changed, they were moody; sometimes happy, sometimes sad, sometimes angry. The women themselves didn’t fully understand it either—it was new to them and at that time it wasn’t discussed with anyone—much less close friends or doctors. We do have it easier today as far as acceptance of this transition. But while you’re in this stage of your life, you may often feel all alone or that no one understands. Unless you have friends who have the same symptoms as you, you may very well feel alone. It’s true that another woman who breezes through menopause, will not understand your suffering if it’s not such an easy transition for you.

Remember, it’s not the end of the world. It may feel like it, but we can survive this. Millions of women before us have survived. We will too.

Stay tuned for more information on this often wonderful, often horrible stage in life.

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