We NEED to Talk About It
Every person with ovaries will experience MENOPAUSE.
Therefore, it is imperative to educate & empower ourselves, our daughters, sisters, mothers, friends.
FACT: Menopause is technically 1 single day.
Medically it is determined that a woman is in menopause when she has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Then she is in post-menopause.
The average age of menopause is 50.
Perimenopause is the transitional period before menopause. During perimenopause, levels of estrogen start to decrease. The entrance into perimenopause may begin in the 40s or even the mid-30s. The average length of this period appears to be 4 years, with a range of 2 to 10 years (or more in some cases).
It’s more than just hot flashes…
There are over 60 symptoms listed in Dr. Marie Claire’s book The New Menopause.
Some common symptoms of declining estrogen include:
- Brittle nails
- Loss of libido
- Changes in body odor
- Cholesterol changes
- Decreased fertility
- Depression
- Digestive issues
- Dizziness
- Dry skin
- Electric shock sensation
- Fatigue
- Gum or dental problems
- Headaches
- Heart palpitations
- Hot flashes
- Anxiety
- Irregular periods/heavier periods
- Irritability
- Joint pain
- Loss of breast fullness
- Memory issues/brain fog
- Mood swings
- Night sweats
- Sleep problems
- Thinning hair
- Tingling extremities
- Tinnitus
- Vaginal dryness
- Vision changes
- Weight gain
Estrogen supports memory, mood and cognition. What happens when our bodies go through estrogen withdrawal?…
Mental health symptoms you might notice (compiled by Mandidixonlpc.com):
Anxiety
- Irritability – easily upset even over small things
- Restlessness – unable to relax or feeling on edge
- Increased worry – stressing over even the small things
- Difficulty sleeping – trouble falling or staying asleep
Depression
- Increased sadness – feeling down or hopeless
- Loss of interest – losing interest in things you used to love
- Low self-esteem – feeling bad about yourself or your body
- Fatigue – feeling more tired than normal
Brain Fog
- Difficulty Concentrating – struggling to stay focused
- Forgetfulness – misplacing items or forgetting appointments
- Mental fatigue – feeling mentally drained
- Confusion – difficulty organizing thoughts or recalling words
Relationship Issues
- Mood swings – heightened emotions can strain communication
- Decreased libido – drop in desire & rise in physical symptoms
- Increased stress – emotional changes can heighten stress
- Feelings of isolation – feeling misunderstood by partner
Where to get help:
You do not have to travel this journey alone.
*Seek out a medical professional who will LISTEN to your concerns for physical/hormonal treatment.
*Seek out a mental health professional if you are experiencing signs of anxiety/depression/mood swings.
Other Resources:
Healthcare:
Books:
The New Menopause by Mary Claire Haver, MD
The Menopause Manifesto by Dr. Jen Gunter
The Definitive Guide to Perimenopause & Menopause by Dr. Louise Newson
Grown Women Talk: Your Guide to Getting & Staying Healthy by Sharon Malone MD
Theresa “Terri” O’Banon LMSW counsels clients in our Denton and Lewisville offices. She has a passion for helping people with ovaries through the challenges of life transitions.