Don't let Menopause define you!

All women go through menopause at a certain age. But many experience very differently. The topic of menopause can be embarrassing for a lot of us. So, when Disrupt Aging From AARP, approached me to write a blog post about menopause in honor of World Menopause day, which is Oct 18th, I felt so honored to accept this project. As someone who was born and raised in China, the topic of menopause is not something we would like to discuss in public. After living in the US for over 20 years, I have finally come to a place where I am not afraid to express my thoughts. There is nothing to be ashamed of; the natural body change process that we as women go through at some point in life.The more knowledge we are equipped with, the better preparation we have and the less stress we go through. 

Menopause women go through a wide range of symptoms, some are emotionally, and some are physically. The common symptoms are sleep disruption (hot flashes, night sweaters), mood disturbance, Virginal dryness, memory changes etc. And remember everywoman is different. Women of all ages can go through pre, peri or menopause at any time and for many reasons. It can be brief or long and arduous, expected or a a complete shock. You might experience a totally different symptom other than these common ones.  You should feel free to bring it up for discussion with your health care provider anytime. I am experiencing perimenopause which is an early sign of menopause and I am cold all the time.  With 72-degree A/C turn on in my bedroom, I use a rubber hot water bottle to warm up my feet every night during winter. In my living room I have to have a portable heater turned on all the time. On the other side, my girlfriend has to use a Chillpad to cool her whole body before she goes to bed. Also, I’ve never had a sweet tooth, but all of a sudden I am craving for sweets, daily.  Almond croissant and cakes are my best friend. I have also become so emotionally that I tear up easily. Every time I watch a TV or a movie, I start to tear up if someone passes away or gets hurt. I often tear up over the tiniest stupid things. I have also noticed that my skin is dryer and I have a lot more wrinkles; I have started to shed a lot of hair after showering. The list goes on forever. Do I feel bad about the whole menopause thing? I would be lying if I told you not.  I realized I am not going to fight with mother nature, and these symptoms happen to every one of us. I would rather embrace this special chapter in life with wellness and peace.  It’s time we as women to talk about it and end the stigma that has somehow turned a natural body change into a source of embarrassment. Don’t let menopause define you! Your life experiences shape you not menopause.

This post is made possible with support from AARP’s Disrupt Aging. All opinions are my own.