There are many changes that occur as women go through their reproductive years. However, once those years are over, many of the same hormonal fluctuations that accompany a woman throughout her life now come to an abrupt halt.
That’s the thing about menopause – it’s not something that anyone can prepare for ahead of time. In fact, it’s safe to say that almost no one is ready for this natural change in their lives. In this article, we’ll explain what menopause is, why it’s so difficult to deal with, and how you can best navigate this one of the most challenging times of your life.
What is Menopause?
The average age at which women reach menopause is 51 years. However, this can vary greatly depending on a woman’s individual age and health. As you get older, your ovaries will slow down and stop producing eggs. Eventually, this will cause your ovaries to stop regenerating the hormones they make. However, when a woman reaches menopause, she’s not simply stopping menstruation. Instead, she’s entering a new phase of her life in which her hormonal balance changes drastically.
Why Is It So Difficult to Deal With?
The hormonal changes that occur when you enter menopause can be positive. For example, your periods will likely become lighter and shorter, and you may experience better sleep. But there are a lot of negative feelings that accompany menopause as well. So it’s not a stretch to say that this is one of the most difficult times in your life.
While some women can expect to feel what is referred to as peri-menopause, others will experience a sudden onset of menopause. Both scenarios are complicated, but the latter can be particularly challenging as it comes without any warning. Most commonly, you’ll experience a massive decrease in your sex drive. This is completely normal, but it can be hard to deal with. You also have to deal with the fact that your body is going through a lot of change. Your body is adjusting to these changes, and it will take time to fully get used to them.
Navigating Menopause
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by menopause, you can do a few things to make the transition a little bit smoother.
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Talk To Your Doctor
The last thing you want to do is be ignorant about your menopause. Talk to your doctor about what’s happening to your body, and ask them to help you learn more about menopause. They can be a great support and point you in the direction of online hormone replacement therapy if you want to take that path.
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Take Care Of Your Health
As we mentioned above, severe hormonal changes during menopause can signify that something isn’t right. One of your first priorities when dealing with menopause is to investigate what might be causing these drastic hormonal shifts.
- Take Care Of Yourself Mentally
There’s a reason that experts often refer to menopause as a “mental challenge” instead of just a “physical challenge.” In this phase of your life, it’s essential to do everything you can to keep your mind healthy.
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It’s OK To Feel Emptied Out
When your hormones are suddenly dropping, it’s normal for you to feel a bit “emptied out.” This may sound strange, but it’s absolutely accurate. You may feel like you have very little to offer the world during this time. In fact, you may find that you have very little to offer even to those you love the most. The good news is that this feeling is completely normal.
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Encourage Your Spouse To Support You
As you’re going through menopause, you might feel angry. This is normal and a sign that you need to express your feelings. But in a healthy way. If you feel angry, try to take a few moments to express your feelings to your spouse. Doing so will not only help you to release your emotions, but it will also help to ensure that your spouse knows that you need support during this time.
- Remember: Change Is OK
As women, we go through a lot of changes in our lives. And it can feel like a constant battle trying to lead a healthy lifestyle when your body and mind are constantly morphing. During menopause, your entire world may seem to be turned upside down. But, it’s important to remember that this change is normal, and that’s OK. So, while you might be experiencing some serious changes in your life, you’re still exactly who you’re supposed to be.
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