Most women are aware of menopause and what it means, but have you ever wondered the origin of the word? I had never really thought about it, although I had heard many comments about there being ‘men' in something that has nothing to do with them. The word Menopause is actually two Greek words - Meno, which means month, and Pause, which means to stop. Menopause by definition is defined as ‘the time in your life where your monthly cycle has stopped for one full year’. Sounds pleasant enough- right? Hahaha
In retrospect, menopause itself for me WAS a relief! I celebrated the event during a trip to New Orleans with my mother which also coincided with Mother’s Day- very appropriate! For me, menopause was a welcome event. An event that isn’t always celebrated as a milestone in your life, but as one that often brings out feelings of loss or regret.
For me, it wasn’t just the end of my cycle that I was celebrating, it was also the END of all the hot flashes, crazy mood swings, insomnia, etc that occurred for the 6 yrs prior to reaching menopause I mean, seriously, as if women didn’t go through enough with pregnancy and childbirth, by some twist of fate women also get to endure enough hormonal issues to drive themselves crazy for 8 to 10 yrs prior to this major shift in their body.
I remember my doctor asking me how I was coping with menopause. Not, are you menopausal? Any symptoms you are concerned about? I assumed as she was female, she accepted that menopause ‘is what it is’ with no opting out of the program. I was quiet for 20 seconds and said, "well…I know why women get called crazy and have mood swings. How can anyone be expected to function like a reasonable adult when you DON'T SLEEP? And I LOVE pretending that I am taking multiple daily trips to the Arizona desert." She laughed and told me to take Magnesium, continue to eat clean (she knew I already avoided processed food) and drink lots of water. She mentioned some other supplements that could help, but I didn’t pay much attention at the time.
I know that many women have a much harder time with menopause than I did. If you were, or are one of those women, I will send positive thoughts that it ends soon. If you need to, find someone to talk to. Check with your doctor if the symptoms are unbearable – search for ways to make life better! I know what worked for me, but you may need to try something different.
What surprised me is that I thought the crazy hot spells would stop once I had reached "menopause", and they did for four or five years. Then they returned and I felt like my thermostat was broken again. Friends, co workers and Dr. Google felt that it was common for menopausal symptoms to continue for years after reaching menopause. I felt betrayed by my own body and having a hard time believing this consensus. I started to research and found that other issues can cause hot flashes or random sweating as well - even a fatty liver! This made way more sense and I went back to the Dr. who ran some tests. I didn't have a fatty liver, but I was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism. My thermostat worked again, after I got my thyroid under control with the prescription drug, plus supplements and my essential oils for hormone support.
So now I am just crazy ..for life, for laughter and for adventure.
Wherever you are in your journey - perimenopause, menopause or post menopause, I wish you laughter as you time travel to your own hot spot…wherever that is!
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