My Menopause Blog: Dealing with Sudden Menopause

So you've been hit broadside by a speeding menopause bullet train to hell and you're up to your eyeballs with symptoms that make whacking yourself over the head with a 2x4 seem like a fun idea.

What now?

Alas, there is no special treatment for you my friend. You get BIG symptoms, but no quick fix.

And....yes there's more.... you also get to face the emotional trauma of losing your fertility during your child bearing years.

Please put down the 2x4.

Again, this is not my story. I'm a lucky peri-menopausal duck. But this maybe the story of someone you know and love. Or perhaps you live this reality. Whatever the case, you have my compassion and a suggestion. Here's what I've read.

Get ye into a support group. Likely the group will be focused on the primary health issue that lead to the treatment that resulted in sudden menopause. And the group may be connected to the medical institution that you use. Or, and this is very likely, you may have to spearhead your own support group. It will be important to make sure the group is age specific to you.

Some west coast women I know started a group called "The Young and the Breastless" after finding no solace in typical breast cancer support groups. They wanted to talk about sex, fertility, dating, relationship issues and being young moms and could not relate to older breast cancer survivors. Typically the the Y and B's are under 40.

This would be an example of, if you build it, they will come.

If you can afford it, a private therapist may be your thing and the perfect touch stone as you wind your way through sudden menopause.

Depending on your family dynamics, sitting down with family members and giving them the low down may help. Know that grieving a loss like fertility will take time and happen in stages. Having daily, unconditional support during your grieving process is wise.

And finally, as with every part of life, your approach and attitude will effect the outcome of your experience. I do not suggest that you stick an artificial smile on your face when quite the opposite feels more authentic. Try to be aware and true to your experience.

Be kind to yourself.

Sue Richards