The Big M — Menopause

Menopause Stories

Menopause affects every woman differently. Whether you're dealing with menopause now, or worrying about it in your future, you'll find something to relate to in these women's stories.

Menopause and Your Age

"It felt like my body had betrayed me."

At the age of 42, Lori's body started going through changes that left her confused. Her hair stopped growing, her skin was extremely dry, and she was frustrated by her lack of sexual desire. She visited her doctor, who told her she was going through full-blown menopause. The doctor prescribed hormone replacement therapy, and put Lori on a natural form of hormones. Now Lori feels great, but still wonders if her body is aging faster because of her early menopause.

According to Dr. Northrup, the partial hysterectomy that Lori had when she was younger could have brought on the early menopause. Lori does not need to worry about aging any faster, however. Dr. Northrup says that Lori was the ideal candidate for hormone replacement therapy. Something was missing in her body, and now that it has been replaced, Lori's life is great. Dr. Northrup recommends regular weight training to keep Lori's bones strong and her heart healthy.

Menopause and Your Emotions

"Menopause for me is more of an emotional journey than a physical journey."

Menopause affected Teresa much more than she expected it would. She had always had a passion for life, but now she feels listless and isolated. In addition, she is dealing with the loss of her sexual desire. Now that her children are grown, Teresa was looking forward to renewing her relationship with her husband, but inside, she feels dead. She says, "My deepest, darkest fear is that I'll grow old and bitter and nasty because of this menopause, because I didn't address it."

Dr. Northrup says that menopause is a time in life when you must surrender control, and release your expectations of what your life should be. It's a time to realize that you are not going to be the woman you once were — it's no longer appropriate for the wisdom you now have. She recommends that Teresa take some form of retreat, and fall in love with her own life again. According to Dr. Northrup, creativity and sexuality are closely linked, so if Teresa can find her creative passion, her sexual passion will return as well.

Menopause and Your Weight

"This has been a huge blow to my ego."

Five years ago, Jessie underwent a hysterectomy, and as a result went into early menopause. Now, for the first time in her life, she is struggling with her weight. She has gained 60 pounds and five dress sizes since entering menopause, and her self-esteem is suffering. She asks, "Is there any hope I might return to my normal size?"

Dr. Northrup's advice is to cut down on refined carbohydrates, like white bread and things made from white sugar. Jessie should also try meditation to decrease any stress in her life. According to Dr. Northrup, carbohydrates plus stress equal increased insulin, which adds weight around your middle. She also recommends weight training to increase muscle mass, because muscle burns more fat than any other tissue in the body. Another fat fighter Dr. Northrup recommends is getting most of your calories early in the day. Eat more at breakfast and lunch, and finish the day with a light dinner.

Find out more about the wake-up calls of menopause.

How do you feel about going through menopause?

Go back

E-mail to a Friend