Menopause And The Two Sides of a Very Ancient Coin
Menopause And The Two Sides of a Very Ancient Coin
One of the many times I went through dramatic changes in my “theatre” was when I came to this fork in the road and there was no question which way to go…No, wait a minute, there were many, many questions and no answers that were completely satisfactory. Crazy, crazy time!
When we’re young we hear of certain inevitable life events that we are to prepare ourselves for in passing but who wants to think about body changes when they are years away? So, when menopause came crashing into my life at 50 the idea went through my mind that I would give up my first born to start over (and thank goodness I never had children so that choice didn’t count).
I know most of my readers are older however their children/grandchildren are probably at this age so tag along for a minute where I will refresh your memory around this fun time.
Here is a short recap of the highlights:
· Hot flashes
· Sleeplessness
· Loss in muscle mass
· Depression
· Memory-freeze
Between the ages of 40 and 45, most women are unceremoniously introduced to a physical unfolding known as perimenopause. Along with this prelude of unwanted surprises are a plethora of body changes. For instance, hot flashes which are brought on by the fluctuation of estrogen levels in the body. Our hormones are taking us for the ride of our life. Include a drop in muscle mass starting by our mid 40’s and we can look forward to an additional 30% decrease over the following 20 years. As that muscle mass, which encases and protects our bones is slipping away, we can also look ahead to the prospects of a decrease in bone density! And then there’s the potential of vaginal dryness, ouch! Oh joy and rapture, this ride just keeps getting better!
Since I was taking a medication recommended by my oncologist for post breast cancer treatment, I was told that this med could make things like hot flashes etc. even a bit more complicated and it was true to its word. I asked my doctor picturing my finger pointed at my temple like a toy gun just how long it will take to remove at least one culprit off of my list…menopause or medication. Her answer? Medication is for up to 5 years/menopause is for life.
OMG, anything else?
A big question I was then faced with was how do I go about making what feels like “the morning after the night before” into “a sunny day at the beach” every day for the rest of my life?
What are the positive effects of menopause of which there really are plenty…thank God.
*Hormones get balanced
*Your monthly period stops
*Sex without fearing pregnancy and you can stop taking a medication that prevents pregnancy…one less pill!
*Fibroid cysts start shrinking
*Confidence rises and a feeling of empowerment takes charge. Once your hormones finally stabilize you are able to feel more peace and be clearer and more determined to take on life from a whole new perspective.
*Talking about menopause isn’t taboo any longer. Friends, doctors and clinicians are super encouraging.
I absolutely embraced the idea that a more defined perception about my life started at 50 as it added more clarity and commitment to the future. We are not being tossed around by hormonal changes anymore but the real us with a new kind of refreshing willingness to shake things up for the betterment of Self and those around us steps right on in like it’s just been waiting in the wings to be given permission.
Being more understanding, that this is now our life going forward and the responsibility is up to us alone as to what we make of it. Women are rising daily, and we have our own big shoes to fill and though this seems like it’s a lonely road I feel that it is another reminder that we don’t have to do this life along! Finding like-minded women who can relate and support each other is a big key to a much happier and fulfilling life going forward.
So, “Thank you menopause?” I think the gift is in the giving to ourselves.
With heartfelt and full-bodied blessings,
P.S. Jude Luttrell coaches with full-on wisdom and enthusiasm. She is an ordained minister, a Graduate of the University of Santa Monica with certifications in Consciousness, Health and Healing, Spiritual Psychology, and Soul Centered Life Coaching, a 50 year meditator of TM and Mindfulness, an Author of the book "Over 40 Fit and Fab. An Empowering Guide Designed to Assist Women in Fulfilling their Fullest Physical, Mental and Spiritual Potential" and a Breast Cancer Survivor.
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