What Every Woman Over 40 Should Know About Menopause

Menopause is a topic most women avoid talking about among each other, and even with their physicians! While I’m still in my 40s, I unknowingly struggled with menopause symptoms for over two years. The thing is that I was under the impression that menopause starts in our 50s. Plus, my menstrual cycle was normal and punctual as it was in my teens. Most importantly, I didn’t know much about this topic.

Meanwhile, I started to feel weird and didn’t know why. Firstly, my energy level plummeted. Secondly, I frequently woke up drenched in sweat. As well, I tossed and turned every night and was easily irritated. Hence, I couldn’t connect the dots and for a long time, I thought this was a physical burnout. Why did I think so? I had a full-time corporate job, an online business and a family to take care of. I woke up at 5:30 am and went to bed at around 12:30 am for 2 consecutive years. So naturally speaking, I was convinced this was a burnout.

The first signs of menopause

The signs were arising almost every day, I told my family doctor 24 months ago. She requested blood work to determine if estrogen level had dropped and surprisingly it was within the normal range. She suggested birth control pills to stabilize undetected estrogen fluctuations and symptoms which I didn’t bother to take. The symptoms include:

Hot flashes

Hot flashes were persistently happening at night, weekend mornings and late evenings. The worst timeframe was during the night because it disrupted sleep. I’d wake up multiple times a night feeling like I just came out of a pool, sweaty and hot. Luckily hot flashes don’t happen as frequently anymore and that’s probably because I adopted an adequate workout routine. Plus, last July, I stopped drinking alcohol since it elevated the instances of hot flashes.

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Irritability

This menopause symptom coincided with fatigue and tiredness. I was irritated by everything, including myself. There were times when I thought I had a mental illness and anger issues since it was one of the symptoms that started earlier and lasted longer. Again with the help of regular exercising and better judgment, I gradually started to take control of mood swings and irritability.

Brain fog

Last year was a total write-off because I could not figure out how to organize my thoughts and focus, nor could I resolve the ongoing memory loss (where is my phone?). I truly was worried that I was losing momentum, motivation and drive at work and at home. And, it wasn’t until I started reading about menopause and realized it was a sign, and a phase most menopausal women go through. I even wrote a blog about brain fog!

Last month, during an annual health check, the doctor said that brain fog is a result of interrupted sleeping patterns, not menopause. And since I struggle with sleeplessness, my brain was lacking the rest it needed to function.

Coochie Dryness

I wrote a detailed blog about this subject because I believe it’s important to address this silent problem most women are embarrassed to talk about. Elle Muse is a secure place for mature women to talk about life after 40 and I want to empower you to be open about it. Did you know that only 25% of women who experience vaginal dryness actually seek treatment? I highly suggest reading this blog and speak to your doctor about seeking alternatives such as local estrogen, and natural lubricants.

Changes in the menstrual cycle

Strangely speaking, the cycle continued to be normal and punctual until it abruptly ended a year ago. My period was not affected by perimenopause or fluctuating estrogen level and that was the one thing that made it hard for me to link the symptoms to menopause. So ladies, if you are in your 40s, and are experiencing any of the above symptoms, take my advice and speak with your doctor.

Summary

Menopause lasts on average 4 to 5 years and can start as early as 40 years old. If you are 40 or over and are experiencing night sweats, irritability, anxiety, low libido, and brain fog see your doctor and share how you feel with him/her. There are many online resources available to help you better cope with the changes. Check the Wellness category where I share insight from credible medical resources and libraries. Lastly, speak with your partner and best friends about how you feel. We all need a shoulder to cry on sometimes.

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