My Menopause Blog: The Lesser Talked About Telltale Signs of Menopause

There's ying.

And then there's yang.

Yesterday's post focused on the physical changes that knock on your door as you move through menopause. These are frequently bantered about, instilling dread and loathing into any woman in the neighbourhood of 'the pause.' I mean, who wants to fry, dry up, or melt down with no notice?

I fall prey to this menopausal fear mongering all the time. But then I remember how much calmer and self assured I feel and how given the choice I would not want to be a minute younger. Besides, unless you are experiencing Sudden Menopause (my condolences) the symptoms of menopause have the urgency of a garden slug and the predictability of the weather. Maybe you'll be warm today. Maybe you won't.

Besides physical changes, it stands to reason that women go through a spiritual and emotional transition too. Here's a list of the lesser talked about, but no less significant menopausal signs.

• Wisdom: ability to use foresight and hindsight in tandem.
• Sexual freedom: fear of pregnancy vanishes.
• Confidence: increases.
  
• Speaking up: willingness to speak your mind blossoms.
• Lightening up: less sweating of the small stuff.
• Adventuring: new energy for new adventures.
• Learning: a quest for new knowledge.
• Authenticity: more real and true to self.
• Power: recognition of personal power and how to use it.
• Creativity: surges of creative energy emerge.
• Laughter: recognize life as funny.
• Courage: built from life experience.
• Compassion: increases for self and others.
• Forgiveness: willing to let go of grudges and other baggage.
• Knowing: what you do and don't want.
  
• Grief: a time to mourn life's collection of losses.

Women often speak of gaining a 'zest for life' during their menopausal years. Menopause signals a time when child bearing, rearing and nurturing are finished thus freeing up a tremendous amount of energy and time for other more self focused activities. You no longer need to keep the family ship floating.

Finally, it's your turn girlfriend.

Sue Richards

Tag: menopause