Menopause, what a relief ?

Menopause isn’t funny. But maybe laughing at yourself can ease some of the insanity. Our ovaries stop producing reproductive hormones when we are in their 40’s -50’s. The symptoms range from hot flashes ( Heat surges as I call them ), mood changes, stress, fatigue, vaginal dryness to name a few. Oh the Glory ! We all know it’s a natural process every woman goes through, but did you think it would happen to you ?

Funny, I still feel 20 in my head, but my body thoroughly disagrees !! I bend down to pick things up and find there are new noises coming out of me now. Notice, really notice, when you get up or get out of a car how many times this happens. I remember my parents moaning and groaning and I used to think that was staged. I’m sorry ! I’m turning into Rice Krispies, snap, crackle and pop !

There are treatments to reduce or control symptoms like Hormone replacement therapy, Oral Contraceptives and Antidepressants. I do NOT want to do that ! There are natural over the counter remedies like Black Cohosh. Anyone try that ? It isn’t FDA approved but neither is anything that isn’t a pharmaceutical. Don’t get me going on that as that will be another full discussion ! I hear some of the menopausal symptoms black cohosh could help to reduce include:

• hot flashes
• excessive sweating or night sweats
• pain during intercourse
• sleep disturbances
• mood changes, such as nervousness and irritability
• decreased sex drive or motivation
• heart palpitations
• bone density loss
• reduced mental performance in postmenopausal women

Let me know if anyone uses this and it has made a difference. I’m curious ! For the most part, I just tolerate the symptoms as best I can, and bring one of those personal fans with me wherever I go. I am 61 and still have these, f@#$ things ! Is it ever going to end ? I would have liked to talk to my mother about this but she passed fairly young, 53. Please make sure you have these discussions and others with your family members before you can’t ! Life goes by in a blink of an eye.

On a lighter note, I recently came across this hysterical woman on video talking about her experiences with menopause. Grab a beverage and comfy seat and join me in a good laugh. It’s perfect !!!! I almost peed my pants ! Of course, that’s easier to do now at my age ! Enjoy !