Menopause. What's it like?

Laurel Finch wrote: Probably the biggest gyp was the vaginal atrophy: just when you don't have to worry about getting pregnant, sex becomes painful.  These things make me conclude the God truly is a man.  However, this is balanced out by a total disinterest in sex anyway, which is a big relief in a lot of ways.

This reminds that I actually experienced that when breastfeeding, which can cause the same atrophy and thinning. Topical hormones actually worked really well for that, and just knowing it was hormonal in nature and temporary (it stopped with weaning) also helped. The second time over, I was confident enough that nothing was broken that patience, a good sense of humor and plenty of lubricant was enough to avoid the hormones (which stink and can interfere with latex-based contraception, so a bit annoying)

But I'd certainly consider that option again if necessary; I'm more comfortable with hormones doing their thing just in the part of the body that needs a little help rather than through the whole system, and I saw no side-effects.

I just turned 50 and I’m doing just fine. I contribute more as a functional medicine practitioner. Your ability to detoxify estrogen is probably the main factor in having a healthy transition. This has to do with liver and adrenal function in equal measures, and therefore, with gut function.  In general, people who have been healthy — and have no history of hormonal disfunction — tend to have an uneventful transition whereas those with significant health issues— and/or those who carry an unmanageable load of stress— well, the transition gets tougher. In my 20 years of experience, over 50% of the clients I worked with were perimenopausal. Peri is the time to stop taking BS from anyone and get real with priorities. I’ve been fortunate to witness incredible transformations.

A Ram wrote:I just turned 50 and I’m doing just fine. I contribute more as a functional medicine practitioner. Your ability to detoxify estrogen is probably the main factor in having a healthy transition. This has to do with liver and adrenal function in equal measures, and therefore, with gut function.  In general, people who have been healthy — and have no history of hormonal disfunction — tend to have an uneventful transition whereas those with significant health issues— and/or those who carry an unmanageable load of stress— well, the transition gets tougher. In my 20 years of experience, over 50% of the clients I worked with were perimenopausal. Peri is the time to stop taking BS from anyone and get real with priorities. I’ve been fortunate to witness incredible transformations.

(I have a background as a Clinical Research Professional)

I will attest to finding loads of data on poorly functioning liver and kidneys. Although, excessive coffee drinking may also be a factor for some. An increase of magnesium and zinc were found highly beneficial in that case while Stinging Nettle, Dandelion Root and Lemon Balm teas supported the liver and kidneys.

I didn't go for labs (yet) to figure out my root issue. But I found that my acne immediately cleared after taking the list of herbs I mentioned in my earlier post but I did add the above mentioned supplements and started drinking detox teas daily.

I have not officially started menopause yet even though I am in my mid-50s.  Lifestyle or genetics I have no idea...  I did start getting random joint pain and insomnia in my late 40's, especially in my hands and elbows.  I could not get a diagnosis.  I gave up all alcohol and sugar (except for honey, molasses, date syrup).  No more joint pain or insomnia!

Jen Anderson wrote:I have not officially started menopause yet even though I am in my mid-50s.  Lifestyle or genetics I have no idea...  I did start getting random joint pain and insomnia in my late 40's, especially in my hands and elbows.  I could not get a diagnosis.  I gave up all alcohol and sugar (except for honey, molasses, date syrup).  No more joint pain or insomnia!

Glad to hear that worked for you. When I began having joint pain, I looked at all the recommendations for diet changes…and it was basically already how I eat. So I was like, I guess maybe it would be worse if I didn’t already eat well 🫤? Cutting out sugar didn’t make a difference in my joint, though I did drop 8 pounds over the course of a few weeks, then stayed at that weight since.

It has been a few years but one thing I remember is being told you are at that age (mid 40s early 50s) where you periods will get lighter and you will start to skip periods until they stop all together.   Sounds lovely for a person with PMS...  well what 99% or more folks won't tell you is the opposite can happen...  I started having 2 periods a month.  So for over a year I was in a constate state of emotional upset with rage being the most common feeling.  I flat out told my doctor she had lied to me.  This was not like anything I had ever read about menopause.  It was a horrid time.  But when they stopped it was a huge relief,  one month I was raging the next I was feeling more mellow...  no more periods no more constant rage.   I was more creative then I had been in a long time and finally at peace with no nagging fear that it was all going to blow up on me in a week or two or three.   I do take extra calcium and Vit D for my bones but that is all I have had to do.  No hot flashes, none of the other misery many people talk about.  but ya know it would have been nice if it had all happened before I turned 60...  currently 69 and looking forward to the next 30 years.