Yes, we said reasons you should look forward to menopause. We realize most women do not look forward to this time in their life. Mostly because of all of the unwelcome symptoms that come along with menopause. Hot flashes, mood swings, and thinning hair – no thank you, right?!?! Let’s see if we can help remove some of the stigmas that surround menopause. There are ways to turn that energy that is often associated with your changing hormones and use it to help drive you to a new, healthier beginning.
Benefits Of Going Through Menopause
No More Periods
Menopause means that your menstrual cycle is over. Which is cause for celebration for many women. You do not have to buy tampons or pads for yourself anymore. Or make sure you have backups in your bag at all times. Or ask others if they have a spare tampon or pad when you forget to check to see if you have enough to get you through the day. Also, for some women menstrual cramping can be severe or they experience such heavy bleeding that they choose to stay home for the day. For the women that have those experiences, it will more than likely be a welcomed change. Plus, the freedom to wear white no matter what time of the month it is.
Bye-Bye PMS
Generally, one week or two before your period, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can bring physical and emotional symptoms, such as breast tenderness and headache pain, food cravings, and irritability. During perimenopause, you may see PMS worsen temporarily as estrogen levels rise and fall. All the more reason to say bye-bye to PMS.
Sex Without Worrying About Pregnancy
Many women claim that sex without the worry of getting pregnant is a benefit of menopause. Some women have gone as far to say that because they no longer have to worry about getting pregnant they can actually enjoy sex even more than ever before.
No More Hormonal Headaches
Women are often affected by migraines more often than men. It’s estimated that 70% of people who experience migraines are women. Of these women, 60% to 70% report a connection between their menstruation (periods) and their migraine attacks. These migraines often include throbbing pain on one side of the head, sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and light – or sound sensitivity. After menopause, levels of estrogen and progesterone fall, and often the number of hormonal headaches declines too. All the more reason to look forward to menopause.
Uterine Fibroids Shrink
Not all fibroids cause symptoms, but when they do, symptoms can include heavy menstrual bleeding, back pain, frequent urination, and pain during sex. Small fibroids often don’t need treatment, but larger fibroids can be treated with medications or surgery. When women approach 50 they often develop fibroids. Fortunately, fibroids generally stop growing or even shrink when women reach menopause. This is because of the decline in estrogen levels during menopause.
An Opportunity To Take Stock
Some women say it is a good time to take a closer look at your relationships – professional and personal. Especially, once all of the perimenopause symptoms go away. Many women can feel almost energized after the symptoms subside. It may actually give you the feeling of freedom when you do not have PMS and/or menopause symptoms. If you find you have a little more energy, you should use it. Go for more bike rides or find a walking partner and hit some trails. You may also take a closer look at how you spend your time and where you may want to change some things going forward.
If you are still feeling stuck in a menopause rut, you may want to seek out some ways or tips to change this experience for your own benefit.
- Think positive! Try replacing negative thoughts with positive ones. The absence of positive thoughts has a greater negative impact on your life than you may be aware of.
- Laugh. Laughter has been known to bring people together. It also can stimulate your immune system.
- Make time for YOU! Exercise, eat healthy and find ways to relax. Even if it is for 15 minutes a day, do something for yourself. You may also find that you feel less stressed.
- Stay connected with others. Social support can be key to better health and can even help you live longer.
- Try to live in the moment. Be present in your own life. Try not to think about the future – especially if it brings on anxiety. Do not dwell on the past – the time to live is now.
It is not always easy to address each new phase of your life. Finding new ways to do things can lead to powerful transformations. Even if it is as simple as having tea with your friends once a month, if you find benefits from it and it brings you joy – it is an improvement, right?! The smallest changes can lead to big rewards.
If you find yourself still struggling with the symptoms of menopause, please consult with your healthcare provider. Here at OB-GYN Women’s Centre of Lakewood Ranch, we help women through every stage of life.
