Change is one such phenomenon that is feared and desired in equal measures. The best that people can do is be prepared and be open. I am sure you can relate where I am coming from. Now some changes in life occur suddenly whereas others are a result of a gradual process. One such gradual major change in women’s life is menopause.
Menopause the series finale that marks the end of menstruation cycle and halts our ability to reproduce. I guess that is common knowledge along with the few infamous symptoms like mood swings, hot flashes, and diminished sex drive, but limiting or trying to incorporate this stupefying chapter of our lives in just these variants is undermining its impact.
Menopause happens to women between the ages of 40 to 60. It means the ovaries produce lesser and lesser Estrogen and progesterone leading to our predicament. This doesn’t happen overnight, in fact, it takes place in stages.
Peri-menopause: The first stage where women start having irregular periods, varying in the flow and number of days. Women may also experience the symptoms mentioned before and others including vaginal dryness, difficulty sleeping, night sweats and others.
Menopause: Here the periods finally stop, and women continue suffering through the symptoms
Post-menopause: Finally, the last stage, which means a woman has gone without a menstruation cycle for a whole year, 12 consecutive months free of pads and tampons.
Depending upon female to female, symptoms may continue to still occur or stop. In fact, some women don’t have any symptoms during this whole cycle. Things don’t end here, the complications in life increase with more chances of osteoporosis, stiff joints & pain, weight gain, reduced muscle mass, urinary incontinence, hair and skin getting thinner. Sex can become painful because of the dryness. Although to be fair, I am not sure if they are due to old age or co-dependent with menopause. Menopause can’t be cured, however; its symptoms can be managed. Hormone therapy, lubricating gels are a few treatment methods that are applied by doctors.
Bottom line is, life changes with post-menopause, and the changes are not just physical but also emotional. Stress and depression can see a surge during these times. With so many changes happening, it leaves many of us vulnerable somewhere deep within, and that is why this phase is critical. Family & friend’s support becomes crucial to emerge from it. During this stage often as our emotions run haywire certain doubts and worries plague the health of women and their relationships. Opening up to family or friends may seem difficult but can provide the level of comfort and security that woman may need. Every person is different, so how much time is needed or how will one deal with it, becomes easier with family support. At this juncture you need to focus on yourself as well, maybe a little more than others, and having loved ones helping you take that time makes the transitioning sweet.
The thing is, it isn’t all bad, and there is a certain freedom that comes with this pause. A lot of women say they changed their outlooks towards life, enjoyed better sex free of worries. And it isn’t just about the sexual aspect, but a lot of other factors come into play, you learn to take the time for yourself, you are content within yourself. All it needs is your willingness to choose you, work on you and the aid of family and friends.