The Balanced BriefWellness

Wednesday Wellbeing: Menopause part 2 by Sylvia Hallinan

Rehna

The Menopause: Part Two

In Part One I outlined my experience of the menopause between the ages of 52 and 55. Now, I am mindful that not all women will share the same experience as me. In fact, many women I know experienced only a few symptoms.

Because I don’t want to paint too black a picture (there is light at the end of the tunnel!), here are some of the positive aspects of being post-menopausal.

There are calmer times as you come to terms with the fact your childbearing days are over. You no longer have to remember to take the pill or any other form of contraception(doctors suggest that you are period–free for two years before you stop taking contraception).

The realisation that you no longer have to buy sanitary products (your bank balance will be healthier!) and keep a note of your cycle in your diary. The nagging period pains,and the headaches are a thing of the past.

You can sleep on your bed sheets without a towel, a soggy nightdress and Medusa-like hair. You’ve been there, done it and got over it. You get your mind back and slowly you can talk tidy as we say in Wales. You can laugh at the funny / odd things you did during the menopause and you don’t mind if others laugh at them as well. When you break into a sweat it’s because you’re hot or eaten a spicy curry. You can give advice to those about to start on their own menopausal journey.

And on that note, my advice would be as follows:

• Read up about the menopause it before it starts.
• Make sure your family know about it and what you and they can expect.
• Make sure you have a good supply of towels, nightwear and fitted sheets – you’re going to get through a lot.
• Try and find a menopause buddy – this can be someone you work with, a friend or a family member.
• Buy a small hand-held fan. It will prove invaluable.
• Stock up on cystitis–relief sachets.
• Research and properly consider the pros and cons of HRTso that you can make an informed decision about whether it is right for you. With the benefit of hindsight, I would say that I didn’t really consider HRT as an option because I just dismissed it out-of-hand. Don’t dismiss it as easily as I did. Do think about whether it may assist you.
• Cut your hair short. You may be laughing now but trust me on this one!

• Consider using essential oils to support your mood and the physical symptoms of the menopause. I wish I’d known how effective essential oils like Geranium, Peppermint, Ylang Ylang, Clary Sage and Thyme could be.

Since founding Dotty’s Oils with Rina I now support several women who are going through the menopause and recommend that they use essential oils. The feedback is good!

• Visit your GP if things are starting to overwhelm you. He/she will be able to reassure you that you’re not losing the plot.
• Above all else, if you have a partner, be kind to him or her. The menopause can be really tough for you, but it can be tough for them, too.

If you would like to connect with Sylvia, you can email her on info@dottys-oils.com. You can also visit Dotty’s Oils website at www.dottys-oils.com