It Is NOT Spelled MenApause You IDIOT

Let's get this clarified from the start; it's spelled menopause. Coincidentally, one of the main symptoms of pre-menopause and menopause is a temper that defies logic and mood swings that swoop in from nowhere and cause you to rip people's faces off for no apparent reason. As per my tone in the title, I am obviously suffering from menopause. lol

I didn't mean to be offensive in my use of the word "idiot". I happened to run across this mis-spelling of the word and thought it was a bit funny because menopause probably DOES give men A pause... and then they avoid the menopausal women in their life like the plague.

If you're the significant other of a female that is suffering the ill-effects of menopause, take heed; she catches you spelling it wrong and she just may rip your head off! We don't need much of a reason some days.

I don't mean to make light of the seriousness of some of the health implications of going through menopause but you'll find that approaching this time in your life with a little humor will serve you well.  Without the humor, you could very well end up tearing your hair out (or the hair of the person next to you).  

Hormones are ping-ponging through your system with great abandon during this stage of womanhood.  The first time that you feel a surge of fury when you are alone and minding your own business on a perfectly beautiful day, you will understand what I'm saying.  Something immediately washes through your entire system and seemingly takes over your brain!  

Without the understanding of what is going on inside your body, you will surely think you've been possessed.  Many a girlfriend has phoned me over the years in tears over their unmanageable behavior that came out of the blue and attacked their sensibilities.  Many of us have moments of horror when we imagine that we must be going crazy right before our eyes.  

Learn about your hormones and what you can expect during the stages of perimenopause and menopause.  One of the major changes that you will experience will be the fluctuations in your emotions and your ability to control those emotions.  Knowing that this is "normal" will help you to see the humor in your own behavior.  It will also help you to manage your behavior more appropriately.

Menopause means the point at which you have not had a menstrual period for one year.  The period following this point in time is referred to as post menopause.  Prior to not having a menstrual period for an entire year but beginning to have symptoms of menopause, you are considered to be in the stage of perimenopause (or pre-menopause).  

The average age for menopause is approximately 51.  There is no exact formula, though.  Many women will reach menopause in their 40's and many will reach menopause later into their 50's.  

Pre-menopause can begin at various ages, some as early as mid-30's.  The pre-menopausal stage can last for 2-10 years.  Yes, that's how long the mood swings, the random menstrual cycles and all the other good things can hang around.  God bless us all!  This is why it's so very important that you learn as much as you can about this stage in a woman's life.  It's a long road and every woman experiences different symptoms.  Even women in the same family can have completely opposite symptoms.  Preparation and understanding is key.

Hot flashes, or hot flushes as some parts of the country refer to them, are a direct result of your changing hormone levels.  These hot flashes are a pain in the neck for many women.  Imagine waking up soaking wet in the middle of the night, burning up from heat and sweating like a pig.  Ten seconds later your freezing and shivering because the hot flash has passed but has left you with a drenched nightshirt and sheets!

Or standing in front of an executive committee and you're suddenly dripping liquid off of your face and there's absolutely nothing you can do except smile and carry on; hankies are great to have in your pocket.

Many women find different things that work for their hot flashes or, at least, temper them with a little grace.  Speak with your Doctor if these are getting too out of hand and affecting your life negatively.

The one thing that can affect your life so horribly during pre-menopause and menopause may be the mood swings. Failing to realize what is going on inside of your body and learning to understand that this is a hormonal reaction will result in many women making some seriously life-changing choices in the midst of uncontrollable mood swings.

Don't let this consume your life. Be aware of the importance of managing your emotions and not making important decisions during moments of hormonal mood swings. Of course, this may mean that there are entire days that you won't be making these types of choices, but better late than incorrectly responding.

I've got to believe that the severe mood swings during this period of our lives is attributable to the mid-life crisis syndrome. Be careful during this period.  Should you find yourself contemplating ripping someone's face of at any given moment, restrain yourself!  Learn to walk away and give yourself time to think before responding negatively.  You'll be glad you did!

Speak honestly with those you love about your mood swings so that they can understand what you're going through.  My children and husband have adapted quite well to recognizing when I'm having a "woman from hell" day and they steer a wide path.  As a family unit, you can work together through this time of your life and even derive quite a bit of humor from your behavior.  

Best of all is knowing that "this too shall pass". Coming out on the other side of menopause as a stronger, more graceful woman is the goal that we can all achieve. Don't let the thought of menopause distress you and make you believe your life is over.

The reality is that this will be one of the greatest growth experiences of your life and you will become such a calm, peaceful person through all of this learning. Embrace this part of your life with joy and expectation. Arming yourself with the correct information and approaching your life with joy will make the difference on how well you enter into an amazing time in your life.