subject: Living With Menopause: My Personal Story [print this page] Living With Menopause: My Personal Story Living With Menopause: My Personal Story
In my early thirties it became more difficult for me as my pains were now accompanied by heavy bleeding which often left me fatigued due to excessive blood loss.I endured this for as long as i could out of fear of what could eventually happen should it become neccessary to remove my uterus and my ovaries. As a nurse i knew that the latter would put me in premature menopause unless i decided to take Hormone Replacement Therapy. This however was not an option i would remotely consider.
As a nurse also my knowledge of Hormone Replacement Therapy and its link to breast and other cancers became quite vivid to me and so i endured my agony for a few more years. I finally came to the conclusion that saving my reproductive organs were far less important that maintaining a good quality of life so i opted for surgery.
The day of my surgery came with much apprenhension but i knew i had no choice. My surgery went by uneventfully. I was disappointed to learn that my ovaries had to be removed. Now i had to prepare myself for menopause. How does one prepare oneself for such a changeat such a young age? My doctor talked about Hormone Replacement Therapy but that was not an option for me. Having cystic breasts determined that for me. I therefore decided to do all the research i could on natural treatments.
About three months after my surgery i began to experience symptoms of menopause. At first the symptoms were suttle but within months they intensified. The hot flashes and night sweats were the most difficult. They kept me awake several hours through the night and left me fatigued and iritable in the morning. It took so much of my energy that sometimes i found myself being impatient with my husband and children. My husband vas very supportive and so were my children. I also had other symptoms like sadness, palpitation and occasional anxiety. However hot flashes and night sweats were the most severe.
My research brought me relief into knowing that there were natural ways of treating menopause. I used mostly black cohash and soy products. Meditation, exercise and relaxation techniques helped a lot especially with coping. I also take daily vitamin supplements including calcium for my bone health.
Two decades later i am still having menopausal symptoms but i am happy to report that they are well under control. I can attest to the fact that natural treatments for my menopausal symptoms work for me. I imagine that individuals will respond differently to different products. I furthermore would like women who are having symptoms of menopause to always consult with your physician prior to initiating any form of treatment. Good luck.
