Menopause is a universal experience for women (eventually), but no two women go through menopause the same way. If you’d like to tell us about your menopause experience, please answer eight questions here and include a photo of yourself. If you’d rather tell your story anonymously, let us know.
Our goal is to make menopause more mainstream, something we can talk about without whispering. Read about our menopause mission here.
Here we feature the story of Gina Proulx of Palmyra, VA.
When did you go into menopause?
51
What did you know about menopause before you hit it?
Very little beyond being told to expect constant internal chaos like hot flashes.
Read More of NextTribe’s extensive coverage of menopause .
What you wish you had known?
I wish I’d have known that there were mitigating supplements one could use for symptoms. I wish I’d known how my skin and hair were going to change. I wish I’d known and not been surprised by my waist almost suddenly ‘disappearing.’
Most vexing aspect of menopause?
Mental clarity changes. I ‘lose’ words I want to use sometimes. Although at almost 55, it’s getting better now.
Best part?
Being DONE with periods and ANY risk of pregnancy.
Read More: Hormone Replacement Therapy and Bioidenticals: What Every Woman Needs to Know
How did you treat the uncomfortable parts of menopause?
I don’t qualify for HRT, so I manage symptoms now with healthy living including moderate exercise daily.
Most memorable menopause story?
Being a concert photographer, I found myself with a bad and unexpected period flow right in the middle of working a music festival. I had to go out into the parking lot and buy some very ugly ‘hippie pants’ from an illegal vendor, throw my soiled pants away, and keep working. Then I had to pretend (to the all male photography pit) that I LIKED those ugly pants.
Three words to describe your menopause experience?
Overall not bad.
0 Comments