Menopause Is a Wake-Up Call

Menopause Is a Wake Up Call
by Rebecca Hulem, RN, RNP, CMC

The above quote is the perfect reminder for all of us transitioning through menopause:
When it comes right down to it, the hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, fuzzy thinking, sleep disturbances and decreased libido are all just downright inconvenient!!!

After all, we are women who are very busy and responsible. We have things to do, people to take care of, and places we need to be. The inconvenience of the physical changes and emotional chaos that menopause sometimes brings, well, it’s just not on our agenda!

So what do we do? We look for ways to postpone these inconveniences as though we get to choose when and if we will allow ourselves to go through them. Our desire to postpone has been supported by the medical community with thousands of prescriptions for hormones and antidepressants. Am I suggesting that these medications are bad? Absolutely not! Every medication has the potential to make a profound and healthy change in someone’s life.

We look for ways to postpone these inconveniences as though we get to choose when and if we will allow ourselves to go through them. Our desire to postpone has been supported by the medical community with thousands of prescriptions for hormones and antidepressants. Am I suggesting that these medications are bad? Absolutely not! Every medication has the potential to make a profound and healthy change in someone’s life.

Am I suggesting that these medications are bad? Absolutely not! Every medication has the potential to make a profound and healthy change in someone’s life.

What I am suggesting (and what I get into in depth in my book, “Feeling Hot?”), is the following:

• Every woman is a unique individual whose lifestyle, body and personal beliefs are significant factors in health care choices.
• Menopause is a wake-up call that reminds women they have the right to take a proactive role in deciding how they live their lives, to make decisions, and embrace lifestyle choices for healthy living.
• Women need knowledge, tools, and guidance to discover their personal truth as they embrace this exciting second half of their lives.

So wake up, educate yourself, embrace your choices and enjoy!

(c)Rebecca J. Hulem, RN, RNP, Certified Menopause Clinician, has 28 years experience in the medical community and is the author of Feelin’ Hot and contributing author to two additional books. To sign up for her free menopause newsletter or for further information, please refer to her website at TheMenopauseExpert