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| source: shutterstock |
Yes, you read this right. I want to share about my menopause journey. Before people or women in particular are really not open in talking about this. But now I feel people are more open to talk about anything (especially menopause, let's admit this will happen to every woman whether we like it or not). I admit I transitioned to menopause early... Just a little background: I have a normal cycle (regular period) and I did not experience severe abdominal/menstrual cramps (all are tolerable). I am on my early 40's when I started to have heavy flows, irregular periods. To me, it's not normal. Honestly, I never thought that I am experiencing perimenopause that time. I felt I was too young. I decided see an OB-Gyne because I was afraid that I might have hormonal imbalance like my sister. I did the blood works.. and yes the results are quite above the limits. But the doctor told me that to be considered that you are on menopause - you should have no menstrual period for one (1) year. She asked me if I am open to HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy), I declined.. it's my personal choice because menopause happens to every women so might as well embrace it.
Honestly, at first I was in denial... but later on I tried to accept it.
One year after my last period: I went back to the doctor, yes it was confirmed. I asked her, why am I too young to be in menopause. She asked me if my mother had her menopause early because it also has something to do with the genetics. In a way, it's hereditary.
The Symptoms: Menopause symptoms differ from one woman to another.. Here are the common Menopause Symptoms.
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| source: One Woman Health |
I experienced tender breasts during the first few months of my perimenopause but luckily now I don't anymore. Almost all of the symptoms on the photo card posted I have experienced already. That's why I try my best to change my lifestyle: by eating healthy (more veggies), exercise and move more to at least counter these symptoms. And since our oestrogen levels starts to decline, women are more prone to heart disease.
Weight gain - I admit this came into me.. so bad. Even if I don't eat that much, exercise, walk.. still I am gaining weight especially on the abdominal area. Yes I know it also comes with age... but honestly it's really very hard to accept.
Bloating - When your hormones fluctuates our bodies retain excess water. So even if you have not eaten anything, we feel bloated. Stress and fatigue also cause bloating.
Anxiety and Depression - During the pandemic this hit me. I think the symptoms added with our pandemic experience. But that time, I am completely aware that I am having anxiety attacks... I prayed ,meditated and talked to my sister and cousin.
Joint Pains - OMG! This is unbearable.. now I have to apply medicated or essential oils more often than before. I wear socks when I sleep (my mom does this, now I understand). I do stretching, to lessen the pain and have fully body massage every 2 weeks.
Irritability - Test of patience... and yes I am guilty. Before I have tons of patience, now I easily get irritated.
These are some of the symptoms that I have experienced aside from the most common ones like hot flushes, night sweats, insomia, digestive problems, dizziness and etc.
Menopause is not easy because it's a big change physically, mentally and emotionally for many woman, and it's important to give ourselves some time to process this changes. But one of the best things to do is to talk to someone. I talk to my sister, friends and ask them their experiences, this also helped me to cope with my own. It made me aware that I am not the only one experiencing these things.
xo,
Chiq♥
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