The ‘M’Word

I am a woman of a certain age and actually I don’t mind that.  Growing older is a privilege not afforded to everyone and, with age I have discovered some level of self-assurance, something I didn’t have too much of in my youth.  However, in life we have to take the rough with the smooth and for me, the other side of that particular coin is……. the Menopause.

I could shudder just typing the word; personally  it somehow feels dirty, embarrassing and something I’d rather not say out loud.  But for me and all the other women going through this experience, how do we find help and support to guide us through, this challenging period in our lives? (no pun intended).

Hot flushes, sleepless nights, anxiety, weight gain, night sweats and fatigue are just a few of the symptoms affecting women going through ‘the change’.  Irrational mood swings are another but I’m fortunate that I don’t experience those, ALTHOUGH WHY YOU THINK I MIGHT DO IS COMPLETELY OUT OF ORDER! (that was me shouting – I think you get the jist).  However, I do think it’s important that we get talking about this subject.  I don’t want to feel embarrassed when I suddenly have a hot flush in the middle of a MS Teams meeting, frantically wafting myself with whatever item I can find to hand, while silently mouthing to confused on-looking colleagues “it’s my age”.

In the future, the RWC hopes to return to this important topic, to discuss the symptoms, possible treatment options and side effects but also to address some of the feelings associated with this natural part of ageing; such as fertility, self-image and how it might impact on our relationships with our loved ones.  In the meantime, stay strong sister and check out this website for help and advice:
https://www.menopausematters.co.uk