I'm sure there are more women out there who have had the same experience but are ashamed or unsure if they should share their stories. I have recently started listening to Dr. Mariza Snyder's podcasts at www.drmariza.com and she has helped me to understand a lot about my body, hormones and why things happen the way they do.
So to start, a little bit of background. I had some abnormal pap tests in my late 20s and my gynecologist and I decided, due to my biological mother's history of cancer, that I would have a hysterectomy. So when I was 31, just before my 32nd birthday, I had my hysterectomy. I was left with my ovaries which I think was a good thing because that meant I would not be spiraled into menopause and would still ovulate. I didn't miss my monthly menstrual cycle at all, which I'm sure you can imagine. Through the years though, I realized from time to time that my moods were changing, from crying to being pissed off at stupid things and every emotion in between. I would have night sweats randomly, literally waking up in a pool of sweaty sheets. Sleep problems, not being able to stay asleep, waking several times during the night. I actually had to, several times, go upstairs or in the next bedroom to get away from my snoring husband because I thought that he was the reason I wasn't sleeping. And a couple of years ago I had my first anxiety attack. It was building and I was super emotional, crying at EVERY little thing, from a comment from my husband that would normally make me laugh, to my stepson showing me a ring he had bought for his girlfriend who he was planning on asking to marry him. I sobbed at these things and more, songs on the radio, sad things or happy things on TV, some nights I just cried myself to sleep for no reason. I had dealt with depression once before in my mid 20s, but never to this level.
My bio mom passed away from colon cancer, when she was 51 so I didn't have her to talk to about her symptoms of menopause. She has 4 sisters to whom I looked for advice. I reached out to them to see what their symptoms were to find out if they had any of the same ones I had dealt with and also see what they did to ease them. Unfortunately they didn't have any significant information that I could use.
So a year goes by and my symptoms seem to be better, not as severe, no more anxiety attacks and I have my annual physical. My physician ordered, at my request, an FSH lab order. Follicle Stimulating Hormone, which tells if you are in menopause. YAY, mine came back that I was post menopausal, which meant that I wasn't going crazy!! My symptoms were legit and if I had realized that sooner, there may have been something I could have done to ease them a little. So without knowing exactly when I was in post menopause, because I wasn't having periods, I didn't realize what was happening.
From listening to Dr. Mariza, I realized what was going on with my body and that there are natural ways to ease symptoms of menopause and balance your hormones. From what you eat, to the beauty/skin care products we use and daily self care rituals to get in the right mindset.
I am now 49, turning 50 this year! I have created a place in my home where I can take care of my mind by doing some healing yoga, meditation and self love rituals. I also try to put in and on my body all the healthy food and non toxic products I can get my hands on. Diffusing essential oils which I haven't yet but will be subscribing soon to www.doterra.com and practicing in hygge when ever I can. I am getting through this stage of my life and embracing what will be the best years of my life. I would highly recommend any woman going through any changes that don't seem like normal or make you feel like you are not yourself, to talk to your doctor about menopause and ask all the questions, take care of YOU first, create some daily self care rituals and enjoy this next phase.
If anyone is beginning their journey into menopause and wants support, I would be happy to be that person. I am not a professional in this subject, I only have my own experiences to go by but it is nice to be able to talk to someone who has been through what you are going through and who doesn't judge you because they don't understand.
Take care of you and live your best life!
Carin
