Wellness Wednesday: Dealing with Menopause/Link Up Party
Hello, my friends! I am wondering how you are dealing with or dealt with menopause? Were you just as surprised as I was about all the changes your body went through during menopause?
I wasn’t prepared as well as I thought I would be when I went through menopause. I had heard references to the muffin top (weight gain) and hot flashes you may get during menopause because of the loss of estrogen but I thought that would be my only symptoms.
I really didn’t talk to other women about menopause because it is a very uncomfortable conversation to have with another woman. We all go through menopause differently and we may experience the same symptoms or none at all. Even in families, we cannot rely upon our mother or sisters for guidance.
I talked to my mother about what she experienced when she went through menopause and the symptoms she had were weight gain and migraine headaches.
What I wasn’t ready to accept was all the changes I was going through and I began doing my research on what remedies would help me through my menopausal journey.
I did experience weight gain and a thicker waistline, as well as my bra size, increased significantly. I was shocked when it seemed like overnight I had to get rid of blouses and bras that I loved but were now too small.
My blood pressure also went up and I increased my exercise routines to take care of the weight gain and to keep my heart healthy.
Blood pressure generally increases after menopause. Some doctors think this increase suggests that hormonal shifts related to menopause may contribute to high blood pressure. Others think an increase in body mass index (BMI) in menopausal women may play a greater role than hormonal changes.Menopause-related hormonal changes can lead to weight gain and make your blood pressure more reactive to salt in your diet — which, in turn, can lead to higher blood pressure. Some types of hormone therapy (HT) for menopause also may contribute to increases in blood pressure.
I have also experienced thinning hair and eyelashes also thinned out greatly after menopause. I was shocked at how thin my hair was getting and began taking Biotin supplements, washing my hair with hair products promoting healthy hair care. It helps if you stop coloring your hair and using heat damaging tools when styling your hair. I haven’t embraced going gray yet and will accept that I am causing my hair damaged by coloring it.
Some women will not experience hair thinning but there are women who will have a genetic link to hair loss. Talk to your doctor if you notice a significant amount of hair loss or a bald spot. Your hair stylist will help you if they suspect an unusual amount of hair loss.
Along with nightly hot flashes, I have experienced an increase in nightly leg cramps. They are always in my calf and are extremely painful. I have begun taking calcium/magnesium supplements. I have heard drinking a couple of glasses of tonic water (with or without vodka) may be helpful too.
The most significant and most surprising symptom I had was how dry I was and how extremely painful intercourse became for me. When I discussed this with my OB/GYN she bluntly asked me if having sex felt like glass shards up my vagina. Yup, that pretty much describes how dry I was.
This was such a painful reality for me and my husband completely understood how I felt. This came without warning as my vagina put out a “Going out of Business” sign and I supposed to accept the fact that I no longer could have sex nor did I want sex because it was so painful.
I started to try all sorts of vitamin supplements, lubricants, and moisturizers with no luck. After 6 months of failed attempts, I went back to my OB/GYN to begin treating my dryness with a low dose vaginal estrogen cream.
I also know that using an estrogen cream can be a contributor to my hair loss.
Part of making decisions on what matters the most to me is to research the pros and cons of each thing I do to maintain a healthy lifestyle after menopause.
It’s important for me to live my life as well as I can and not feel that menopause is the end of the road for being a vibrant 50ish woman.
Menopause is a part of my journey but I am living my best life now!!
What challenges have you faced with menopause, my friends?
What actions have you taken to get your life back on track again?
I would love to hear from you!
Come and join Nina and me today on our Wellness Wednesday Link up!
Here’s the 411 on the link up:
Don’t forget to hop over to Nina’s blog to check out what she’s had as a midlife wake up call.
Please share your diet, exercise, healthy living, good mental health, fitness, wellness and health posts. If you haven’t done a link up, or want to see the other linkups I participate in click here.
#WellnessWednesday
LINK UP PARTY
Every Wednesday at 7 AM EST through the following Tuesday, Bloggers, and Instagramers will be able to share their favorite HEALTH AND WELLNESS posts by clicking the blue Inlinkz button below. Adding your link will allow you to show off your hard work, make new connections, and gain new followers!
Add posts relating to self-care, working out, health, healthy eating, recipes, and fitness.
Here’s what to do . . .
Join Robin from Hello I’m 50ish and Nina from Sharing A Journey on at least one of their Social Media accounts:
Nina from Sharing A Journey on Bloglovin, Instagram,
and
Follow me on Bloglovin, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.
Be sure to tell your friends about this linkup so they can join in the fun too. The more the merrier!
Have fun hopping around all the Blogs and Instagram accounts that have linked up!
By linking up you acknowledge that you have rights to the photograph you are using for the thumbnail and that the thumbnail may be used on our group Pinterest board, featured in an outfit or look of the week or month, or a slideshow on other social media.
Thanks for stopping by today!
I hope you’re living your best life now!
Hugs,
Not only do you look great in these breezy oversized pieces but what an interesting and raw read. Thank you for sharing your journey. =)
I am doing a very special all-skirts week of collaboration posts this week on the blog, come take a peak. =) The new Thursday Moda linkup just went live too! Thanks.
http://eleganceandmommyhood.blogspot.com/2018/07/skirtmas-in-july-collaboration-day-3.html
Ada,
I am sorry for my late reply. I hope this topic is interesting to you.
I will check out your link up my friend!
Hugs,
Robin
Hi Robin!
For me, I recently went to my Gyne explaining some symptoms of night sweats, havng to change robes in the middle of the night, harder time getting to sleep, my hair is thinner than 10 yrs ago, and I am with you on the “glass shards” or what my doc saids, vaginal paper cuts! Either way you look at it, it isnt pleasant! My mom told me she went through menopause at 51, so I am probably there or close.
My doc suggested premerin cream, which sounds like what you are using. Not a ton of success with it yet. Thanks for bringing up the topic.
Jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Jess,
I use Estrace but it’s very simliar.
I used Premarin until I read about the main ingredient was pregnant mare’s urine. I saw the photos and then I switched. I get that it works but at what cost to an animal? Not to be political but I asked my doctor to find another source.
It works but you wil still need a lubricant if you’re really as dry as I was.
Glad you’ve joined the converation!
Robin
Robin, thank you so much for sharing this and being so open about it! I am 44 and I have been having severe premenopausal symptoms for the past few years. The doctors just tell me I am too young. My hormone levels indicate a slight change showing that I am on my way into menopause. I find talking openly about my symptoms has been so beneficial and so many women respond favorably and are so grateful that I have opened the conversation…because they have the symptoms and think there is just something wrong with them and they never talk about it…because they are apparently “too young” for menopause. But we aren’t too young at all. It is a reality that women are experiencing these symptoms earlier in our generation and we need to listen to our bodies. I have been tormented by a variety of symptoms including occasional vaginal dryness. So far lubricants have solved the issue for me but if it gets worse as time goes on…man oh man, I am going to be unhappy! But I am so glad that you are opening the conversation! It is an important one and we need to help each other through this crazy time!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Shelbee,
Thank you for sharing today and discussing what is going on with you.
It’s amazing what the lack of estrogen and hormonal imbalance can do to a woman’s body!
I am also happy you have also started the conversation!
Let’s keep sharing!
Hugs,
Robin
Hi Robin! You are an educator! Thank you for bringing this topic public. I started bioidentical hormone therapy about six years ago. I see a wellness doctor and it’s not covered by insurance. It’s expensive but worth it. It’s certainly not an easy fix as my needs change regularly. I do estrogen pellets and sometimes have to supplement with an estrogen patch. My body sucks up these hormones as if its dying of thirst. If you haven’t tried bioidentical testosterone for vaginal dryness/painful intercourse/low or no libido, it’s definitely something to research. I also get a testosterone pellet inserted and it makes a world of difference. And of course I take supplements.
Cindy
Cindy,
Yes I have heard of bioidentical hormorne therapy! Good for you in finding help!
I can imagine that it’s very expensive but glad youre finding relief.
I am going to research everyhtnig you have just mentioned!
Thank you for sharing!
Hugs,
Robin
Hi, I also don’t know what to expect with perimenopause or menopause. My mother and sister both struggled with fibroids and had hysterectomies. I will be 54 next week and for the last 4-5 years have struggled with horrible PMS that never bothered me when I was younger. There doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to my symptoms. Last year, my periods were lighter than normal and unpredictable. Sometimes there were over 50 days between them. This year, I am back to a more predictable cycle. The dryness you mention is also been an issue, not for sex (I am a lonely old maid…oops that sounded pitiful!) but I like to use tampons and they seem to be more difficult to use than they used to(TMI?). I would have love to have been married and had children, but now at my age I am ready for the baby making parts of me to just be finished. *one uterus,never used, mint condition*
Robin,
I really appreciate your comments my friend!
Yes, I hated using tampons for the same reason you mentioned and was glad to stop using them. But the dryness caused extreme pain during intercourse. Which is very confusing for both partners because it just seems to happen to most women.
I think most women need to discuss their issues honestly with their doctors and see what the doctor suggests is best for you. I also enjoy reading up on alternative solutions to dealing with menopause.
Hugs to you Robin and I hope to hear from you again!
Robin
Thank you for sharing Robin. I am experiencing hot flashes, a thicker waist, and thinning hair for sure. I told my husband it’s gonna be a long road ahead because all of this is just starting and I’m still getting a monthly period. It is a difficult conversation but one we need to have – thank you!
xo,
Kellyann
Kellyann,
Thank you for commenting today. I really ppreciate you joining us in this conversation.
We all go through menopause diferently and it’s nice to have some information before you join me in menopause.
I remember how dry I was before I was perimenopause and couldn’t use a tampon anymore. I was getting dry before the hot flashes.
Anyway, sharing our journeys through midlife is a wonderful way to connect with each other!
Hugs,
Robin
I was through menopause at 49/50….my symptoms were similiar…hot flushes, difficulty sleeping, but I found that phyto soya worked for me and got rid of heat. I also suffered from dryness and found intercourse painful. The normal lubricants did not work but I find coconut oil excellent. I wrote a post on my blog about menopause about two years ago and I will add it to the link . Super post xx
Hilda,
I can’t wait to read your post!
I just mentioned to Jodie that this is a great way women can connect and share their healthy lifestyles after 50. Menopause happens to all of us and I appreciate you sharing your post with us on this link up.
FYI- I did pretty good on the ocean course the other day! I will be ready to golf with you when I drag my husband across the ocean!
Hugs,
Robin
Looking forward to it Robin. xxx
I love how frank you are, Robin. I haven’t tried the estrogen cream but I think I need to—I mean, who wants to give up their sex life when they finally have a great partner??
I’ve always had thin hair, so that doesn’t seem worse for me right now, but I also stopping coloring it about 4 years ago. We will see how long that lasts.
Luckily my hot flashes aren’t super bad. I’ve started drinking flax seed oil lately to see if I can diminish them more…I’ll let you know!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Jodie,
I really think it’s important to be open about what we experience as women in midlife as a way to help each other navigate through menopause.
It was important to me to maintain intimacy with my husband and not give up on us. I am not ready for the “Club Closed” and asked my doctor for help.
I am also going to read Hilda’s blog that she posted in this link up too.
Nina and I created a Wellness Wednesday because we want to talk about healthy lifestyles as women over 50.
I am so happy you stopped by to join my conversation!
Hugs,
Robin
Thank you so much for your honesty!
I think I am most surprised by how long menopause lasts – first perimenopause and then menopause and finally postmenopausal.
I first started with symptoms at 50 and now at 60 still having a few hot flashes and night sweats.
My best advice to anyone is to talk and talk some more to your doctor!
I actually feel stronger now at 60 than I did at 50!
Deborah,
Thank you for joining the conversation!
Talking about menopause with other women and sharing our experiences will help others too afraid to talk to their doctor about their eperience.
I didn’t know what to expect when I went through menopause and purchased books and googled the heck out of the subject.
If we all share as a tribe, we all will have the tools to make the right decisions for ourselves.
Hugs,
Robin