By Sandrea: MYGRIPE
I grew up hearing people talked about the ‘change of life’, but was unable to appreciate all the problems that one has to go through before you get to the menopausal phase of your life and the kind of monsters that some women have lurking inside them.
I need to tell my story so that women that at out there experiencing these kinds of problems will not only understand but seek medical advice as soon as possible before it consumed you both physically and emotionally.
I started my menstrual cycle at the age of 17, which was I suppose rather very late, for the next 20 years I had the most painful periods that could be imagined. Although I was told that having children would easy the severity of the pains this never happens. I came across a painkillers called ‘Librofrem’ and those tablets made me sometimes forget that I was having a period, as the moment my periods started and I began to take the tablets the pain disappear and the relief was unbelievable.
I had my last child at age 27 and it was a very strange pregnancy, I did not put any weigh on, during the pregnancy and I had a painless birth although I took no medication to assist me with the birth. Three months after my daughter was born I began to burst into tears for no apparent reasons, given that from birth my child refused to accept breast feeding, I attribute my moods to the fact that the baby did not want to be breast fed.
The continuation of my moods swings got even worse, I began to snap at people the least thing would make me completely lose control. My partner suggested that we see a Doctor and I was diagnose with post natal depression. Once I realise what I had I was able to recognise the signs and do something about it before the situation become explosive.
All of the problems that I have encountered in my life is nothing compare to what I am currently going through at the moment. I was never warned that the menopausal phase of one life could be so downright devastating and I found out how badly this can be last Saturday.
I have a very good friend who would do just about anything I asked of him without even question why. For reason best known to this monster inside of me I blew my top, said things to this person that I cannot begin to say how utterly disgraceful it was. I could not understand why, I would blow my top so badly. The trigger that got me going was so insignificant that it beggars belief.
On the Monday following the Saturday incident I when and saw a medical professional about this and he was able to tell me that what I am experiencing is called the menopausal depression and that if left untreated I could burst into severe anger, tears, rage that can be detrimental for the people around me.
This monster is so severe that it is ruining my life and could ruin a lot of friendships that I cherish daily. Incidentally, around 5 years ago a friend that I have known for over 30 years exploded on me for something very stupid and we did not talk for almost 2 years, and when she explained that she was going through the menopause, I could not understand what she was talking about.
If is very difficult for anyone to understand the severity of this problem unless you have experienced it yourself. I can understand that a lot of families, friends, spouses that are dealing with individuals going through this with their love ones cannot begin to comprehend how someone can go from a loving and caring individual to the monster that one become.
What happens?
“During the time leading up to the menopause (perimenopause), the hormonal and biological changes that are associated with the menopause begin. As a result of these hormonal changes, many women experience both physical and emotional symptoms, such as hot flushes, night sweats and irritability (see Symptoms of menopause for more information).
The menopause is the end of egg production (ovulation). This occurs as a result of falling levels of the female sex hormone oestrogen, which regulates a woman’s periods”. (Further information can be acquired NHS Choices
It has been documented that in the UK the average age for menopause is 52, however there are a number of women who experience menopause as early as in their 30’s
So I am suggesting the following tips just so the readers of this can understand and help their loves ones if any of these symptoms are seen.
- Starts to cry for no apparent reason
- If they flare up into uncontrollable rage
- Flip their lid for silly reasons
- Get very hot one minute then freezing cold the next
- Break into perspiration and not exercising
- Get really depressed
Do not suffer in silence, it is very counterproductive; do not allow this monster to take control of your life.
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