My Survival Guide for Menopause

Surviving Early Onset Surgical Menopause
Menopause is a part of every woman’s life as she matures into the later years. Menopause is usually a natural process occurring over a period of time with the symptoms worsening as time goes on. This gradual progression gives a woman adequate time physically, mentally and emotionally to prepare for the finality of her fertility. However, if menopause occurs suddenly after a surgery, the results can be devastating in their intensity of symptoms. You can adjust to the effects of surgical menopause if you become informed about the symptoms, are proactive in your health, and take time to nurture your spirit. A survival guide of basic information needed to ready oneself for the onset of surgical menopause can be a vital tool in helping you adjust to the new stage of your life. I, being in the throes of early onset surgical menopause myself, have prepared for you a handy little survival guide to get you through the basic issues.
Recovering from your surgical procedure will take time; use this time to prepare your mind and spirit for what the body is about to bring upon it. My first piece of advice is to make friends with old ladies, or make peace with your mamma; older women can provide a wealth of information on symptoms and coping mechanisms. Also, when you go to your post surgical gynecological visits sit with the late in life ladies and avoid the lush, pregnant women if you can. Their huge baby bumps and their glowing skin are a reminder of what your body can no longer do, reproduce, and this reminder can be painfully sad at first. The old saying, “Misery loves company,” is applicable in this situation. Talk with the older ladies, gain valuable advice and commiserate on hot flashes and mood swings. You might gain some valuable advice on the best skin cream for your soon- to -be losing-elasticity skin or a tip on the best tasting calcium chew; you’re going to need those, soon by the way, to avoid the bone loss that comes along with menopause.
When going through ‘the change’ known as menopause, it is important to remember to take care of yourself. Fatigue and insomnia and a drop in metabolism are all common to woman experiencing menopause. Combat these issues by exercising regularly, staying hydrated with water, eating healthy, and taking vitamins necessary for your body’s changing needs. You will probably experience the punishing experience known as hot flashes and also night sweats. Dressing in layers and sleeping with a fan will help you cop, but be prepared; these symptoms are especially severe in surgical menopause. Hormonal and herbal supplements have been known to help, so ask your doctor what she would recommend for you. Being aware of what you can experience helps take away some of the unknown of your situation and can help you feel more in control of this life-altering condition known as surgical menopause.
Women who experience menopause at a much younger age than expected often face other daunting side effects of menopause. Many times they lose self confidence and face depression as they say goodbye to their childbearing fertile years early. My advice is practical and fun. First, form a support network of friends, or even medical professionals who you can talk with about your feelings of loss or sadness. Purchasing a pretty journal to write all of your thoughts and frustrations as you deal with the blow of early menopause can also be helpful. Also, I say, embrace the sexy and the beautiful in you. Pamper yourself with manicures, pedicures, or even new underwear or lingerie; anything to remind you of your womanly self is great. I chose a theme song for myself that I played in the lowest points of recovery after my surgery, usually playing full blast after I left the gynecologist’s office, or attended one of the many baby showers of my young, beautiful, fertile friends. It is important in this shifting time that you not lose sight of the inner beauty of you, the part of you that nothing can rob or change, not even a scalpel or the absence of hormones.
My last piece of advice centers on the idea of mothering. I experienced my surgical menopause at a time in my life when I wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye to the idea of motherhood or fertility. My reproductive organs were surgically and necessarily removed from my body, and I felt the loss most significantly in my heart. I found it helpful to find something else to focus my attention upon; I needed something else to nurture and labor. If you also struggle with the loss of fertility in a personal, longing sort of way, I encourage you to find something else to baby. A pet, a project, a charity, a hobby- any of these can help you move on to a place of acceptance.
Surgical menopause is life changing. The symptoms of raging hormones, crashing moods, and memory loss can be difficult to deal with if you are not prepared. The loss of your fertility before you would naturally lose it can be daunting; however, avoiding the reality of it is not helpful. Embracing this extreme change is not expected, but preparing for it can help immensely. Arm yourself with tips and tools, equip yourself with proper nutrition and fitness, pamper yourself with fun and friendship, and you just might make it through surgical menopause with grace, dignity, and laughter.