I’m a firm believer in sharing. When we share our stories, we help others who are in the same perimenopause and menopause boat. If you’d like to share your story, please email it to me at ellen@ellendolgen.com .
Here is Carol’s Story:
I am a 55-year-old woman, who five years ago, was in a difficult emotional and physical state. Today, I just got back from a 45-mile bike ride, and after reading your Monday blog decided I should share my story.
I had always been pretty physically active and could eat most anything, however, around age 45 I noticed that I started to gain weight. I was newly married, and that part of my life was wonderful. However, I had a high-stress job as a public school administrator and was working long hours with eating on the run. As I approached my 50th birthday I started having very irregular and heavy periods (I had never had these problems before) and I soon began to panic when I found myself in situations that I needed to be able to get to a bathroom! But the worst symptoms were the headaches. I began to wake up many mornings day after day with a headache so bad I could hardly get dressed for work. I went to my family doctor, who gave me medication for my migraines, but didn’t mention that my symptoms could be connected to perimenopause. The medication helped some, but other problems such as severe fatigue and feeling hot (at night only) were starting to develop. I felt like I was falling apart.
Due to a job opportunity, my husband and I moved to Arizona. I was lucky enough to be able to take early retirement at age 52 after working as a teacher and administrator for 28 years. I decided this was the time to make my health a priority. I started doing a lot of research on my own and wanted to try bioidentical hormones. Luckily, I found a nurse practitioner that specialized in women’s health and she did a full workup on my blood levels. There is a very reputable compounding pharmacy in my town (Tucson) that I receive my bioidentical hormones.
What a life changing event! Almost instantly I began to feel better!
Today I know I am in much better health than I was five years ago. I took up road cycling which has helped me lose some weight (don’t we always want to lose more!) and currently I ride 100-150 miles per week. I know my cardiovascular system and muscles are stronger, and I realize that is what is important.
I strongly agree with you, Ellen, women should not suffer in silence. It may take a while to find what works for you, but don’t give up on yourself. If you are married or have a partner you will be giving that relationship the nurturing and care it deserves as well. I am so glad I hung in there and found the help I needed to get back on track!
My Motto: Suffering in silence is OUT! Reaching out is IN!
Click here to download my free eBook, MENOPAUSE MONDAYS The Girlfriend’s Guide To Surviving and Thriving During Perimenopause and Menopause.
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