Honoring Self Thru Menopause

Though the changes facing women as they experience menopause are physical, the ramifications run much deeper than that.

Old assumptions, illusions, and habitual patterns, including that of neglecting self to serve others, rise to the surface. They make their presence felt in ways that we cannot ignore - if we wish to thrive.

These emotional and psychological changes often start years before the 'official' start of menopause. Whilst menopause is officially defined as when periods stop completely, hormonal changes often begin anywhere from 40 onwards. Generally, these begin 2 to 8 years before menopause.

Because of these widespread and fundamental changes, menopause can affect the relationships within the whole family. Add to this mix the fact that men often undergo changes themselves as they hit mid life, and it's easy to see why this period can involve a lot of upheaval.

Perimenopause is characterized by irregular periods for several years, which leads up to menopause itself. Perimenopause is also called the climacteric. Heavy bleeding is also a possibility due to low levels of progesterone and higher levels of estrogen. This can be addressed by using a progesterone cream.

Symptoms of menopause can vary. Some women go through an early menopause, and this is likely to lead to a lot of symptoms. And sudden menopause due to surgery or treatment like chemotherapy leads to strong symptoms. But many women do not have a lot of symptoms, and don't need to take supplemental hormone pills.

"As my cyclic nature rewired itself, I put all my significant relationships under a microscope, began to heal the unfinished business from my past, experienced the first pangs of the empty nest, and established an entirely new and exciting relationship with my creativity and vocation."
- The Wisdom Of Menopause by Dr Christiane Northrup

What Are The Symptoms Of Menopause?

• Hot Flushes - Can last from 3 to 6 minutes 
• Sweating
• Difficulties in sleeping, including restlessness at night
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Forgetfulness
• Stinging and soreness during sex
• Increase in frequency of urination
• Osteoporosis - an increased risk of fracture
• A decline in sex drive
• Or more intense orgasms!
• Possible unfavourable changes in cholesterol levels in the blood
• Increased risk of heart disease and strokes
  
  

"If a woman's heart isn't in her work, she cannot express her anger about this, and she perceives that she can't leave, this conflict hits her right in the heart, an organ that is exquisitively sensitive to the effects of excessive catecholamines over time."
 - The Wisdom Of Menopause by Dr Christiane Northrup

Online women

Related to menopause and health