Let me start by saying…I’m not a doctor.
I’m not a nurse.
I’m not a healthcare professional.
I’m a ‘digital influencer.’
So…if you want expert information, I suggest hopping over to WebMD.
…You’re still here???
Okay, well, let’s do this then… let’s talk about the BIG M.
MENOPAUSE.
What the hell is it??
Well, my rudimentary understanding before doing some more formal digging was the following:
1) You get cranky
2) You stop getting your period
3) You get hot flashes a lot
4) You can’t make babies
Which is essentially ALL true, but for those who are interested, here is the text book definition:
men·o·pause
ˈmenəˌpôz/
noun
Why am I bringing it up?
You can watch the video above to hear more about my early menopause story.
How do you know you are menopausal?
According to my doctor, if your FSH level is higher than 24, and you haven’t had your period in a while (12 months) you are menopausal.
In order to be post-menopausal, according to my doctor, your levels are high AND you stopped menstruating for 12 months.
What are the Symptoms?
These symptoms come straight from WebMD…
Cause remember…I’m not a doctor.
-Irregular or missed periods
-Periods that are heavier or lighter than usual
–Hot flashes (a sudden feeling of warmth that spreads over the upper body)
–Vaginal dryness (the vagina may also become thinner and less flexible)
–Bladder irritability and worsening of loss of bladder control (incontinence)
-Emotional changes (irritability, mood swings, mild depression)
–Dry skin, eyes, or mouth
–Sleeplessness
–Decreased sex drive
Sounds pretty awesome, right???
Not really!!!
As if getting older isn’t hard enough, let’s add a whole fun bag of horrible symptoms to the mix!
Is there anything you can do to treat it?
HRT or Hormone Replacement Therapy is the best way to treat the symptoms of menopause.
I’m taking progesterone and estrogen.
I also have an estrogen cream for dryness.
HRT is quite controversial. Studies have shown a link between estrogen and cancer.
You can check out the pros and cons of HRT here.
I also uncovered this gem from JAMA Cardiology about early menopause…that it is linked to heart disease.
I really enjoyed reading this article about how you can make it a positive experience.
Why do some people go through menopause early?
For a variety of reasons…. hysterectomy, cancer, radiation, chemo, stress, genetics.
I think in my case, early menopause is the result of genetics.
Or as my husband sweetly joked… “You have NEVER been average.”
This is an incredibly personal post and video.
I felt compelled to share this with you all so that you have the pertinent and hopefully helpful information.
And, perhaps a community resource. I hope you will all continue this discussion among each other…
so menopause is no longer some hidden secret…barely discussed.
But, rather… a celebration of the next chapter of our lives.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
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