Menopause Support
Menopause Support
I was blindsided by the onset of perimenopause. My first symptom was brain fog. I was afraid that I was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease. I would lose my train of thought mid-sentence. It was scary. Shortly after that, I became sleepless and not in Seattle with Tom Hanks. I felt like I was no longer in control of my body.
I spent hours and hours searching for information to help me understand what was happening to my body and my life. My computer became my best friend. We were up all night long together, reading books, online information, doctor interviews on brain fog and insomnia. I just wanted something or someone who could explain what was happening to my body.
Lucky for me, a retired gynecologist finally diagnosed me. I guess it was highly unusual to suddenly break out into tears while drying dishes at a friends dinner party. Thanks to this fantastic doctor, I began to understand that I was in perimenopause. Perimenopause is the 6-10 years before a woman reaches menopause. It is during this time that women can experience many debilitating symptoms.
It was challenging reading and comprehending all the conflicting dry information about perimenopause while sleepless and foggy brained. The information was confusing, intimidating, and overwhelming. My head was spinning!
So, I reached out to the women who had guided me through things like my first period, childbirth, parenting, and career. Sadly, when I tried to broach the conversation about menopause –I was met with a strange radio silence. Unfortunately, my mentors were very uncomfortable talking about this subject. These women had previously shared every excruciating (!) detail about their childbirth experiences. I could have done without hearing most of those horror stories!
I am now post-menopausal, and NOT at all embarrassed to talk about the various stages of menopause with you or with strangers for that matter. My husband calls me, “The Vagina Whisperer,” as I can spot women anywhere who are struggling with menopausal symptoms! Much to his dismay, I am known to walk over to them and break into a conversation about menopause without any hesitation.
I am here for you too!
Download my free eBook, MENOPAUSE MONDAYS the Girlfriend’s Guide to Surviving and Thriving During Perimenopause and Menopause. The chapters are divided up by symptoms so that you can use the book as menopausal toolkit! Think of me as your best friend that just happens to know a lot about the various stages of menopause. I interview the top experts in the field to get the latest scoop and then deliver it to you in layperson speak with a little humor and lots of love.
My MenopauseMondays® Blog is an extension of the book, as it provides the latest info and creates a safe place for women to share their experiences and chat openly with each other. It is time to educate ourselves about menopause, so we can all get the help we need and deserve! Free free to click on this link, and read 10+ years of blogging on this important topic.
Time to think inside the box! If you have a vagina or know someone who does, please share my free information with them. Let’s have some straight talk about perimenopause, menopause, post-menopause and all the acruitments that come along with it like hot flashes, hormone therapy, dry vagina, anxiety, insomnia, depression, etc. Check out my Menopause Symptoms Chart for a more detailed list. I recommend that you start charting your symptoms. This will help you explain quickly and accurately exactly how you have been feeling to your Menopause Specialist. Oh, you don’t have a specialist? I have plenty of tips on how to find a Menopause Specialist that is up on the latest menopause information/studies and can create an individualized program that fits your particular health needs. Think of this specialist like your Menopause Business partner!
Let me know if you need more information about a symptom that is troubling you or your loved one. I am here to help support you!
Remember: Suffering in silence is OUT! Reaching out is IN.
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You always offer such amazing support along with important information we don’t know how to get anywhere else. Thanks for empowering all of us and making us feel we’re not so crazy after all!
Haha………glad that you find the info helpful!
Vagina Whisperer is a great name for you! The information you share every week is needed and appreciated even if it may seem you are talking to yourself. I think for some reason, I can only speculate but will blame it on peri or menopause, women are in denial. I am part of your tribe beating the drum. If you have a heart beat and a vagina, and are between the ages of 40 and 65, Ellen has news for you!
Thanks for your sweet words and for beating the drum, Haralee. You have helped so many with your great cool garments for hot flashes! https://www.haralee.com/
Over the years I have been following Ellen’s website, the “brain fog” subject has come up many times. I am writing in the comment section to let those who read the comments that of all the things I had during perimenopause, brain fog was by far the worst part of it. It’s not often talked about–I think because not many women understand what is actually happening when it is happening. And, no one wants to come out and actually admit that they think they are developing dementia at the age of 45! My brain fog came on suddenly–way before the hot flashes started happening. I was teaching third grade and started noticing that I was having trouble staying focused as well as remembering the names of my students. This went on for about a month and then one morning I was teaching reading and felt like I was either having a stroke or some other strange-feeling mental issue. I called my principal and told her I needed to leave the classroom immediately. I went home and didn’t return back to school for 2 months! Little did I know I was just beginning the adventures of perimenopause–until I found a doctor (who must have been heaven-sent!!!) who figured out that my brain fog was related to a complete lack of estrogen. Once I started taking estrogen, my head began to clear up and my life went back to normal. Perimenopause was not terribly kind to me–apparently 20% of the female population goes through menopause with a great deal of difficulty–I was one of the unlucky 20%! And, yet, now almost 20 years later, I proudly sit here writing this comment knowing that I am actually doing very okay–most of the time. I still have minor issues with brain fog–but now it happens very seldom–and when it does happen I’m fully aware of what it is! To anyone reading my comment who is or who has also experienced what Ellen has described above, my advice to you is locate the very best doctor you can find–someone who really knows their stuff regarding menopause–and continue to search for those, like Ellen, who really know what they are talking about!–because the more you know, the better you begin to feel. And, as Ellen says “Suffering in silence is Out–Reaching out is In.”
You are amazing to share your story, Randie. When we share, we help others know that they are not alone!
Brain fog. Oh geez and it gets worse with age! Tweeting this, El.
So true, Carol. Thanks for sharing!
I had bad side effects from progesterone recently and from birth control when much younger. Would I be likely to have bad side effects from bioidentical hormones? I’d have to spend a thousand dollars to find out from a specialist. Thank you.
I wish I could answer that question. It would be best to consult with a Menopause Specialist. Download my free ebook, MENOPAUSE MONDAYS the Girlfriends Guide to Surviving and Thriving during Perimenopause and Menopause. Reach Chapter 13 on how to find a Menopause Specialist. It should not cost you thousands of dollars. You can always go to Planned Parenthood for menopause help, as well. https://ellendolgen.com/menopause-book/
Thanks so much for such a fast response. I appreciate your help.