Perimenopause and menopause makeup a large chunk of our lives. As you struggle with perimenopause symptoms (aka menopause symptoms) like irritability, weight gain, memory loss, and hot flashes, it can sometimes seem like the life you once lived is a distant dream. Not to fear! You may not be the exact same person you were ten years ago, but your healthy and happy days are far from over. Here are some tips on healthy living in PM&M.
Break the Silence!
Healthy living with perimenopause and menopause begins with creating support for your PM&M experience. Menopause support for women means opening up the lines of communication with other shmirshkies and those who love us about what’s happening to our bodies and minds. From my experience, the menopause support I received from close friends has been invaluable, that is, once I was able to break through the wall of silence. Host a shmirshky party and get the gals talking! Click here to learn more about how to host a shmirshky party.
Don’t forget to talk about your perimenopause and menopause experience to the men (erlicks) in your life as well—don’t shut them out. When it feels like your sex life is drying up like the Sahara Desert and your emotions are swinging from Mother Teresa to Mommie Dearest in an instant, the lovers and loved ones in your life deserve to know what’s going on. The erlicks who love you will want to help, even if they don’t quite know how. Empower them!
Dealing with Menopause and Perimenopause Symptoms
The list of perimenopause symptoms (often referred to as menopause symptoms) is a long one. From menopausal hot flashes to menopausal depression, symptoms can range from intense, life-changing (or clothes-soaking) moments to minor blips of weekly irritability. There are so many different ways to approach menopause and treatment, but once you’ve found your menopause support group and a doctor you can partner with, you will find the relief you deserve.
Use the Menopause Symptoms Chart (available inside very copy of Shmirshky: the pursuit of hormone happiness) to keep a log of your symptoms. This will help you track the process and will help you communicate well with your doctor about how you feel.
Sex and Menopause: Everybody’s New Favorite Subject!
One of the pervasive myths about menopause is that sex and menopause do not go hand in hand. There are some legitimate reasons for that: symptoms of perimenopause and menopause such as depression, vaginal dryness, and decreased libido can make a once-speeding sex life grind to a sudden halt. For many, the slump is caused by a dry shmirshky. Many women experience this symptom, and it makes sex hurt!
It took me (this is E talking to ya!) a while, but I finally got up the courage to ask my fellow shmirshkies about sex and menopause. “Did your sex life change? Is your shmirshky dry?” As it turned out, I wasn’t alone, and neither are you.
You must start by opening up the dialogue about sex and menopause with your partner. He or she needs to know what you’re going through so that you can work together as a team, rather than suffering alone in silence. Sex and menopause don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Talk to your doctor about lubricants and prescription and nonprescription treatment options for your perimenopause and menopause symptoms, so that your sex life can once again flourish.
Reaching out is IN. Suffering in silence is OUT!
We all need a little menopause support sometimes, because living with perimenopause and menopause (PM&M) can be a real pain in the you know what! From annoying menopause symptoms to taboo topics like sex and menopause, Shmirshky: the pursuit of hormone happiness is a useful guide and the first book on menopause of its kind. Feel free to open up and talk about perimenopause and menopause with your shmirshky pals. It’s invigorating to express yourself and help your fellow shmirshkies! Sign up for the Menopause Mondays Newsletter, follow us on Twitter and Facebook, or comment on the Shmirshky blog!
