“Ghost Busters- afterlife” released a while ago. I was reminded of the 1st Ghost buster which came out in 1984- I was a little kid then. It was fascinating and wanted to be the hero could capture and bust the ghost.
Well not actually ghost busters. I would rather want to bust some myths which have haunted us all through our life like “ghosts of girlfriends past” – Yeah, I know you too enjoyed that movie, right? Matthew McConaughey as “Connor” was just so drool-worthy. Ufff (Sweating). I hope it’s not a hot flush. Ahem. Let’s keep that discussion for some other day on some other table.
Today, we could try debunking some real ridiculous myths about menopause, ‘cause you know what- Menopause is not well-represented in mainstream media.
Are we ready for this Expose′?
Menopause is a stage in life, not an illness. Most women experience natural menopause during midlife. However, surgery and other factors can cause menopause to start earlier.
Menopause is confirmed attained after you've gone 12 months without a menstrual period. Menopause can happen in your 40s or 50s. Some women could experience Perimenopausal symptoms even earlier. The average age of menopause in UAE women is 48 years.
For most women, perimenopausal symptoms begin in their 40’s. But only once they have reached menopause, their LH and FSH levels remain high, and their estrogen and progesterone levels remain low. They no longer ovulate and cannot conceive a child. But till then, there is a possibility, so don’t do away with contraceptives yet.
Approximately 75-80% of women experience hot flushes (some call them flashes- like in a news alert). It’s totally physiological. So, make sure to carry a Japanese folding hand fan in your bag.
Changes in hormone levels during the menopausal transition may lead to fat gain, increased appetite, and impaired Leptin functioning. But there are steps you may take to prevent or reverse the weight gain, especially adapting to a healthy lifestyle since younger age- inculcate good practices in food, exercise, and sleep habits.
Reducing estrogen levels can lead to vaginal dryness, making intercourse uncomfortable. Also, the androgens (specifically, testosterone) declining, can decrease libido. But you can rekindle the intimacy by novelty with a weekend away, or use vaginal lubricants to reduce discomfort. Communication with your partner is key.
Menopause technically affects only women. But men are affected as they see women in their lives, suffer the symptoms. Their relationships become difficult as women around them can no longer function as they would otherwise, creating a lot of confusion and anxiety in men. That’s one of the major reasons, we need to talk about Menopause on a larger scale.
Menopause is often greeted with dread because of its symptoms but look at it this way. You have passed childbearing years and are greeted with a host of new opportunities and potential for personal or professional growth. Often it allows you to form deeper friendships than they might have when children or early job pressures were priorities. You have a lot of freedom, and you just get comfortable with yourself.
The bottom line is:
Sync your Vibe, and attract your Soul Tribe
There's no reason to persuade or bribe
‘coz that’s exactly what your doctor would prescribe
Got any more myths or fact checks- leave us a comment below.
About the blogger:
Dr. Tabassum Inamdar is a dynamic Homoeopath, a passionate artist, and an adventurer in life. From Medical corporate to Academics, she has well balanced her left brain and right brain with equal passion in Art. A sketch artist since her childhood, she is enchanted by theatre and writing. She has been a regular theatre performer in Dubai. She continues life’s adventure by trekking, Sky diving, or marshaling at Formula 1 tracks. You may stalk her on Instagram @doctabu or say hello on fb @tabu.inamdar
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