Published On:Monday, March 08, 2010

BY MAGGIE BAIN

HAVE you ever questioned whether your internal central heating switch has suddenly been turned on? You may have even wondered if you were coming down with a fever, or some other ailment. One thing you knew for certain was that you desperately wanted to shed some clothing. The trickle of perspiration running down your cleavage was not only distracting but potentially embarrassing. It may even have got to the point that your head felt like a pressure cooker and you had visions of steam coming out of your ears. Could it be possible that the air-condition had stopped working?

If this all sounds familiar then you are officially a member of the 'Menopause Club.' Members include women just before, during and after menses has discontinued. The process can last anywhere from 5-15 years and the average age is 52 years. Some women have a gradual onset of symptoms and declare afterwards "Was that it?" Others are hit with a lightning bolt and are stopped in their tracks. If we take the time to check hormone levels, for those unfortunates, we note a sharp plummet, rather than a gradual decline. No wonder they feel as if they have stepped off a cliff instead of taking the slow, winding path.

Hot flushes and flashes are often the first sign that our old friend, estrogen, has decided to withdraw itself. If it were the only disruption to our lives, then perhaps we could tolerate 'the change'. Unfortunately, for a lot of women tagged along with the day time heat are night sweats and palpitations. A racing heart rate accompanied by nightmares is not only scary, but worrisome.

Is it really so surprising that we are cranky and irritable during the day? We feel fragile, out of sorts, and many of us feel as if we have entered the 'twilight zone' as our memory and concentration evade us.

The list of insidious symptoms grows longer as it affects our emotional state of mind. Anxiety, depression, and unhappiness, are often accompanied with general weakness, and tearfulness. If we are unable to see what is happening, then it is even more important for our loved ones to pay attention. Feelings of isolation, hopelessness and lack of support fuel suicidal thoughts and professional help is definitely indicated.

When we are told our life expectancy is extended and that one third or even half our life could be spent in post menopause, it makes us sit up and think. Are we paying enough attention to our general health and lifestyle? If not, then it is the perfect time to start because lose of estrogen can affect our heart, cholesterol, bone density, and weight.

Some medical professionals, view menopause as another endocrine disorder and treat it accordingly. The list of signs and symptoms are as important as other endocrine -deficiency disorders, such as diabetes, and yet it still does not seem to get sufficient attention. Is it because of the emotional symptoms that could be considered subjective? We only have to look at how medical insurance companies reimburse emotional versus physical complaints to know that they are considered less important.

There seem to be three approaches to dealing with this new period, in our life. We can let Mother Nature set her course, and just deal with what ever comes along or we could treat each problem as they reveal themselves with the appropriate medication. Or, we could choose to replace the missing hormones, maintain our health, and in particular our sexual health. Whichever path we choose will require personal research and an understanding of our individual views on life.

For all the men reading this article, you may have already thought about life with a post menopausal woman. Have you discussed it with her and are you both going to follow the same path? The Internet has opened the door to information; however we still need to push for an increase in research. We need to be our own advocate because our future is in our hands.

* Listen to 'Love on the Rock' with Maggie Bain every Thursday 5-6pm on Island FM 102.9

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