Menopause

Don't be terrified. The changes I experienced were gradual over time - sketchy periods that finally stopped (yay), some hot flashes mostly at night (boo) and very few during the day (yay). Some mood lability but not as difficult as happened monthly. I finished the transition by the time I was mid 40s. In my early 60s I noticed my fat was re-distributing - thicker waist, more back fat, less derrière. So after a time, I decided to eat at a deficit and step up consistent weight training and I found my waist again. Wild yam preparations help immensely with the "drying out" of the lady parts and a good moisturizer for the other parts I need fewer calories now, and am more mindful of what they consist of. My advice to you, OP, is to continue to do what you're doing to maintain your health.

I started noticing symptoms of being perimenopausal at 44 which is on the earlier side of normal. I am now 47 and haven't had a period for 9 months, so am not quite at the point where I could be considered menopausal. This is much earlier than the norm though. Things I noticed during this part of my life
1. Sleep difficulties
2. Hot flushes
3. Irregular and shorter periods
4. Incontinence
5. No libido
6. Irritability
7. Vaginal dryness

In saying all that I did suffer a significant trauma during this time and some of these can be attributed to that as well. I didn't experience any weight gain. This would be because I was making an effort to be more active and watch what I was eating. Your metabolism will slow down a bit with the drop of oestrogen and muscle loss but not significantly. If you are mindful of this and keep an eye on both your food intake and your weight, while keeping active, you will not have problems with your weight. Many that experience that weight creep during this time do so because they become less active, or continue to eat as they did when they were younger, not accounting for that slightly slower metabolism. It might only be 10-20 or so calories less a day required but over the course of a year it adds up.

If your mother is still alive, ask her. Chances are your menopause experience will be very similar

AK2AZ wrote: »

I’m just turning 49, no signs of menopause yet. I’ve heard from other women younger then me they are already there. I’m terrified of any changes it will bring, wondering why I’m not showing any signs yet??? Ladies...what age did you start and did you notice any major changes with your body? I’ve worked so hard for the last 4 years to be where I am and I’m terrified when it gets here what’s going to happen with my body. Would love to hear your menopause experience.
Thank you

I finished menopause at age 52. I have not noticed any major changes because of it. In fact, I am in a better place post-menopause because I no longer have to deal with monthly hormone fluctuations and all of the cravings, PMS, etc. associated with having periods. Then there is the fact that I can travel without carrying sanitary supplies (not to mention how much money I am saving not having to buy all that stuff).

Really, all I can say is "Yay for menopause!!!" It might be a bit of a nuisance while going through it but the other side is glorious!

I had a hysterectomy when 32yo. Had 1 ovary left and now at 62 I still get hot flashes. Nothing to be scared of....just another season in a womens life.
You will adapt and you are not handicapped because of menopause!

At 52, I just went a year without a period! Hooray! For me, the annoying part was the hot flashes. My periods stayed regular, just lighter, and then nothing since last February! No weight gain. Good luck!

I went through menopause much later than all of my friends. I'm almost 60, my last period was 2 years ago. My periods started winding down around 56, and at 58 stopped completely.

I was really bummed it took so long. While in comparison to everyone else I know I didn't suffer as much, having to wait so long was a PITA. I had no problems in daytime hours at all - other than being rather prickly emotionally (everything bothered me more than usual, my temper was not the best but I tried to keep it in check). I did have some hot flashes at night, but not throughout the night. The worst problem for me was intense vaginal itching while in bed - never bothered me during the daytime. Doctor kept trying to get me to use hormonal creams but I had trouble applying them and sure as heck wasn't going to ask my husband to do it for me (talk about a mood killer) so I just suffered through it. Eventually it did stop but that was hard to deal with and I do suggest using something if it is prescribed and if you can manage it.

FYI I did not use any hormones throughout these years as my mom passed from breast cancer and other cancers run through my family. I decided it wasn't worth the risk.

My libido has decreased a lot but, so has my husbands so neither of us are too freaked out about that aspect. It is what it is. We aren't stressing that part. I'd think it could be stressful if one's husband isn't very understanding that this might happen. My biggest hurdle with my husband was my being always annoyed whereas before that, I was pretty easy going. Thankfully - now 2 years out - I'm back to being who he remembers I was LOL.

A good side effect was my migraines disappeared nearly completely which my neurologist said probably would happen. I went from having them several times a month to only a few times a year. Huge bonus.

I'm not so sure if my weight gain was related or not as I had some other issues which I know had to do with that too - but maybe somewhat. Then again, I'm somewhat of a slug and if one is active, perhaps it won't creep us as much as it did with me.

I haven't had any health issues since turning the corner at all, thankfully. So far, so good. And I feel pretty darn good also. I'm relieved not to have to worry about all of that anymore.