Ten Random Thoughts on Menopause Symptoms

Ask a dozen women to share their experiences with menopause and you'll probably get a dozen different stories. Menopause symptoms---and their intensity---can vary so widely among women that you may start to wonder if your own situation is "normal."

And what is normal, anyway? Again, it's different for everybody, but here are ten symptoms that you may have experienced:

1. Is It Hot in Here? Until you have one, a hot flash is so hard to describe. Imagine you're trying to start a campfire by rubbing two sticks together. Suddenly, it catches and poof! You're on fire. Tip: If at all possible---and you're not going to like this---give up caffeine, wine and spicy foods. Just not all on the same day.
2. No Layers Left. You're tired, moody, and plan on being sound asleep in ten minutes. Yeah, right. You wake up a short time later, drenched in sweat and ripping off the blankets. And now you're wide awake. Tip: Keep a fan by the bed, open a window, and have a drink of water handy.
3. Didn't Sleep a Wink...You know this one. You can't fall asleep, you can't stay asleep or you're waking up before the rooster crows. Tip: No magic trick here. Bump up your exercise, try relaxing before bed, and create a comfortable sleeping environment. 
4. And Now I'm Paying the Price. Your sleep problems are now affecting you during the day. You're probably constantly tired, have no energy, and are very, very crabby. No big surprise. Tip: Relax, take a deep breath, and catch a quick nap.
5. Sledgehammer, Anyone? Headaches and migraines might not have been a problem before, but are now making your life miserable. Food triggers, estrogen levels, and stress play a role. Tip: Is there a correlation with what you eat or drink? If it's hormones, pain medication could be the only answer.
6. Do These Jeans Look Tight? It starts when you can't zip your pants. Then you move up a size. And all the while, you deny this is happening. You might not even be eating more than you were. Tip: Watch what you eat because every calorie counts. Also, exercise, exercise, and more exercise.
7. The Moody Blues. Happy, crying, angry, and back to happy. That's all within the last five minutes. Tip: Reduce stress, find healthy ways to relax and be patient with yourself. 
8. What Was I Saying? Oh yeah, I remember. Stress, depression, sleeplessness, and medication can be partly responsible for your memory lapses. Chalk the rest up to menopause.Tip: Write it down, leave notes for yourself, and try take it easy on yourself. Nobody's perfect.
9. Time for a New Prescription. Are you checking out the large print books at the library? Tip: Go see and eye doctor and get some reading glasses.
10. No Combovers Allowed. More hair is going down the drain than ever before. Menopause can do that. Tip: Shampoo less frequently and try gentler hair products.

So what's your story? Have any of these symptoms, or others, turned your life upside-down? And how did you manage them? Sometimes just sharing your experiences can help you, and other women, navigate the journey a little more smoothly. Join our private menopause forum and tell us what symptoms have impacted you the most. Or, if you're already a member, check out the Message Board and share your thoughts.

Remember, this is only a stage in your life. It, too, shall pass and you'll be stronger and healthier if you learn to take care of yourself.