The End Period

Menopause

Searching from the internet, all indicated that it comes from the Greek word “menos” which means monthly, of course, “pause” as we all know means stop. Practically thinking, if it is paused, it could be played again. Although I know what menopause is, like you, I’ve also wandered who invented the word because pause means just a temporary stoppage, and kind of misleading, so, I called it “the end period”. It happens to all women in between the ages of 40 to 52. But whoever that French Physician who invented the word, applaud and salute to him/her. In my first article, I talked about perimenopause because I am already on that stage of my life. Twelve (12) uninterrupted months of no menstruation (amenorrhea),definitely means my “end period”. But pay attention because if you, ladies, are experiencing irregular periods on that range age, pregnancy may still be possible.

The Signs and Symptoms

• Irregular periods
• Vaginal Dryness
• Hot Flashes
• Chills
• Night sweats
• Sleep problems
• Mood changes
• Weight gain and slowed metabolism
• Thinning hair and dry skin
• Loss of breast fullness

These signs and symptoms are likely the same as in perimenopause. I should say some of the lists above are “starting to get on my nerve”, I hope not to get the perfect score! Well, I still believe it all depends on our bodies. There are those who undergo this stage “smooth-flowing” and there are those “with complications”. But it got my eyes on 2 points: weight gain and loss of breast fullness. Be honest with me, dear, it got your interest, too!

• Weight gain and slowed metabolism. I can validate the truthfulness. I have a sudden shift in appetite in which I eat a lot and don’t care. As I’m writing this, I realize that if that is the case of me in my perimenopause period now, how much more if I’m a full-fledged menopause already? Omg! It’s a lot harder to lose weight than to gain weight. I’m addressing obese women with no offense meant, but I suggest that you start looking in the mirror and do something about it. Normally, few days before my period, I crave for food which I call 3S – Sweets, Salty, Soda, which results in my period weight gain. But I’m not worried because once the “red flag” is up, the weight goes away. Now, I should be worried. As we age and start to enter menopausal, our metabolism slows down. Increase in food intake results in weight gain which result in less muscle, more body fats. It is obviously seen in the abdomen.

• Loss of breast fullness. In other words, the once proud rounded shape begins to sag. These oestrogen receptors that compose the breast begin to fall approaching menopause phase. Size and shape of the breasts change, they become tender, lumpy, less dense and become fatty. I am beginning to noice that, feel some aches, too, and whenever it happens, I tend to touch my breast with my arm raised, see if I feel some lumps. As I age and going menopausal, I have a lot to expect more changes for these 2 symbols of my femininity that I should be ready about.

In this modern era, we, women are more educated these days. Nobody knows our bodies but us.  We are all different, our only similarity is we all go to “the end period” of our menstrual cycle. Significant changes of our bodies are noticeable as we age and stepping into menopausal. It honestly lessens our self-confidence and self-worth. Sagging boobs and gaining weight are one. Overthinking that our partners/husbands could lose attractiveness in us, then illness and ailments could follow, sadness, depressions, other stressful things, etc., Hey ladies! The end period doesn’t mean the end of the world. Yes, youthfulness is out, breast fullness is gone, weight is not ideal…it is programmed in our bodies the moment we were born, and there’s nothing we can do about it but we can reverse the negative emotional impact. Exercise and proper diet are effective ways to block weight gain. It not only makes us healthy but boost self-confidence. But I would still ask why? Because we can enjoy dressing up, wearing different apparels aim to make us feel still sexy. As I’ve said, modern women are more self-conscious now with breast augmentation offered everywhere, it could be part of the plan. Know your body. Just wearing the right fit bra adds to physical ease. Of course, consultation with the doctors about this and things which go beyond what we normally expect is always a good choice. Whatever we choose, however way we do it, be it machine-enhanced or natural, we’re just following our different desires to make us comfortable to take the catwalk to menopausal with style!