Making Our Way Through Menopause II – Insights from My Recent Podcast
Last night on my podcast, Conversations with Teresa, we delved into an obscenely overlooked and hardly spoken of stage of life: menopause. Inviting some of my guests to share their journeys during this time sparked discussions about their experiences, particularly those navigating the post-menopausal stage.
The Taboo of Menopause
One striking theme emerged from our conversation: the persistent and striking silence surrounding menopause. Several of my guests emphasized how difficult it often is to find someone willing to discuss this life transition openly. In their experiences, conversations about menopause were sidelined or met with discomfort, leaving them to navigate these changes largely on their own.
As someone in perimenopause, hearing their perspectives was both eye-opening and validating. Many women, including myself, are eager for these discussions—yet, society still struggles to embrace them.
Takeaways
From our conversations, I learned a couple of interesting things about menopause:
- Physical Symptoms You Might Not Expect –
- Did you know that cold feet can be a symptom of menopause? I know..I was shocked. Interestingly, I discovered that for some women, only the tops of their feet get cold, while the bottoms remain warm.
- Intimacy Challenges –
- A topic brought up was not just vaginal dryness, but a more severe discomfort likened to “razor blades.” Many women found relief through applying organic coconut oil
Why You Should Tune In
I believe anyone—especially women—should listen to my latest episode. With many women facing menopause, it’s crucial to understand that the experience varies. While one guest had no symptoms despite being 68, many of us are likely to experience challenges like hot flashes, heavy periods, more intense headaches/migraines or night sweats.
Being educated about what might come our way can empower us throughout this journey. It’s essential to engage in these dialogues, so we don’t suffer in silence or feel like we’re “going crazy.”
Looking Ahead
Next week, we will invite men to share their perspectives on how menopause affects them and their relationships. Understanding our experiences can create better communication with the men in our lives. This conversation is not just essential for women; it’s crucial for creating a supportive network that includes everyone impacted by menopause.
I urged my guests to become ambassadors of menopause. By normalizing this topic and informing younger generations about the potential experiences they may face, we can create a more open environment filled with understanding and preparedness.
Conclusion
Menopause is a natural process that every woman will encounter but in different ways. Let’s meet it with knowledge, support, and community. Tune in to Conversations with Teresa for an empowering discussion that could make a world of difference in navigating your own journey or supporting those around you.
Together, we can break the stigma and embrace this stage of life with confidence!