Going through the midlife change can be a traumatic time for a woman. Most of the symptoms of menopause affect her physically and are hers alone to bear. The other symptoms are more noticeable by others as they can be greatly affected as well. The people closest to a woman in menopause, the husband, the children and even the co-workers all get to take this trip with her or at least have front row seats at a most interesting show. There are a lot of articles about the effects menopause has on a woman but no one does more than make a cursory suggestion that this force of nature can take a toll on others as well.
Take for instance the child that she forgot to pick up from band practice. The dinner that got burned because she did not remember she even put it on, the dental appointment that was missed simply because she forgot. This woman that has for years been the rock that these children clung to has suddenly become this absent minded shrew that really emotionally resembles nothing like their mother. Imagine their confusion and distress. These can also be considered to be the symptoms of menopause. The memory lapses certainly are.
Take the time to sit your family down and let them know what is happening to you. Write out what you want to say to them and give them facts and let them asks questions. The more they know the more sympathetic they will be. Have them come up with ideas that can help you to get through this rough time with your bonds still intact.
Consider the husband and his fragile ego. Loss of libido and general disinterest in any sexual activity on the woman’s part is bound to leave his ego bruised. He is confused that on the rare occasions that you do consent, you remain dry and complain of pain and even occasionally bleed. Ladies do not leave this unattended. As with the children a little honest communication will go a long way. And for heavens sake be proactive about this see a physician there are treatments and prescriptions that can help you at least get a little of it back. You cannot stop nature from the havoc it will wreak on you physically, psychologically or emotionally but you can temper the effects.
Lastly a word about the coworker that are afraid to even speak to you now because they haven’t a clue what reaction they will get. The office is still buzzing about the way you carried on when the paper jammed in the printer you cried for practically three hours. And what about the poor guy from the mailroom that merely asked you how you were and you bit his head off. These erratic behaviors and sudden shifts in moods are also symptoms of what is occurring in you. The loss of estrogen has you complete out of sorts. While the tactics used with your family may not go over well with co-workers you can get treatment for these as well.
A lot of physicians are treating the symptoms of menopause using Hormone Replacement Therapy in conjunction with other medicine that help a woman get control. There is no cure for menopause but with the right treatments it can be less trying for you and those around you. The following is a list of other symptoms that you should be aware of.
1. Feelings of dread, apprehension and doom
These also include any thoughts of dying and suicidal thoughts. If you are having these pleases seek medical attention right away.
2. Incontinence
The loss of estrogen weakens the muscles and you experience bladder leaks when you laugh, cough or sneeze.
3. Joint pain
Sometimes mistaken for arthritis see a doctor to be sure
4. Changes in body odor
Hot flashes and night sweats are also caused by the decrease in estrogen. The body feels that it is overheating and alerts the hypothalamus gland to produce more sweat to cool it down the bacteria on the skin mixes with the sweat and there you have it. An antibacterial soap will help with this.
5. Panic disorder
A lot of women start to feel overwhelmed and panicky in situations that did not bother them previously discuss these episodes with your doctor.
Menopause will happen and run its course. It may be difficult at times but the survival rate is very high. Take care of yourself and your family and you will all get through this.