Menopause Matters

Menopause–One SIZE doesn’t fit all!!!

You’re right. There is nobody else who knows exactly what you are going through. Menopause is a highly individualized life stage. Just as no two pregnancies are the same, neither are any two menopausal experiences. Therefore, each woman views menopause differently and manages it differently. One woman’s approach isn’t better or worse than another woman’s approach -- just different. This is why a “one size fits all” philosophy doesn’t work. Every woman’s life plan should be tailored to fit her physical, emotional and spiritual needs. However, the way a woman enters menopause is either naturally or suddenly.

Natural Menopause...

When menopause occurs according to Mother Nature’s timetable, it usually happens between the ages of 45 to 55. To be truly menopausal means being without your menstrual cycle for one year. Peri-menopause refers to the years preceding menopause, when your hormone levels are fluctuating and declining. This hormonal roller coaster precipitates menopausal symptoms.

Sudden Menopause...

Sudden Menopause occurs prematurely due to hysterectomy with ovarian removal, chemotherapy, pelvic radiation, medication, disease or premature ovarian failure (inexplicably entering menopause early). Therefore, Mother Nature’s timetable is rudely interrupted and no transitioning occurs. Sudden Menopause is abrupt and hormone levels plummet over a period of days to weeks to months. Due to the early and sudden nature of this type of menopause, more aggressive coping strategies are required to alleviate symptoms.

A Wave of Change...

Menopausal symptoms, along with their onset and duration, vary from woman to woman. Commonly reported changes include:

* hot flashes
* night sweats

* urinary incontinence
* bladder infections

* mood swings
* irritability

* anxiety
* depression

* joint pain
* dry skin

* decreased attention span
* memory deficits

* difficulty concentrating
* palpitations

* sleep disturbances
* weight shifting

* vaginal dryness and infections
* headaches

* fatigue
* loss of libido

Keep in mind that while you may experience some of these changes, it is unlikely that you will experience all of them. Measures that result in relief may vary from woman to woman. Often, it takes a process of trial and error to find the key to restoring balance in your life. Also, since the above symptoms can be indicative of other medical disorders, such as thyroid dysfunction, blood sugar problems or depression, you should keep your health care practitioner informed of how you are feeling.

More information on managing menopausal changes can be found in my book Sudden Menopause. (Click on link to purchase book.)

For recipes that nourish your body and mind while balancing your hormones, click on Menopause Munchies. If you are interested in hearing about the concerns of other menopausal women, click on FAQ (frequently asked questions).

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