Just Jill is the creation of Jill Cohen Morris. Jill is an avid rambler and mother of two from Toronto, Canada with a remarkable zest for life and a fabulous sense of humor.
Dear Just Jill,
Am I going mad in menopause? My hormones are up and down like a teeter totter!!
My mood swings are out of control!! The craziest part is I know it but I can’t stop.
I listen to the way I speak to people and I’m horrified. The little voice inside me is saying STOP STOP but I just can’t.
I’m overreacting to things that never used to faze me. I never know what will set me off. Just the other day I lost it on my spouse for breathing too loudly while we were making dinner.
I must admit my hubby does get the worst of it. Sometimes I wonder why he puts up with me. I honestly don’t know if I would. Then guilt sets in and I start to feel so bad. It’s a vicious cycle I can’t seem to stop.
There are also those times where I just want to cry. I cry at the slightest hint of sadness. The other day I was watching TV and a dog food commercial had me in tears.
I get it … it’s menopause. I know I’m not alone. Please share your wisdom… I could really use some advice.
What’s a gal to do?
Sincerely,
Hormonal Heidi
Sole Sister Advice & Comments
- Worth finding out if there's a women's health specialist at your GP surgery. My GP was brilliant, and HRT patches helped me.
- I use the online service Evernow, which provides patches and progesterone- life-changing for me!
- HRT now is not your mother's HRT. So glad I went that route for now. It took about six weeks, but I feel like myself again!
- I found exercise, and the estrogen patch helped me. I also talked a lot to my partner about my menopause experience so that he was on the journey with me rather than just my victim. Lol! I had a friend who refused to tell her husband that she was menopausal, and I think there was a lot of mystery and confusion and unhappiness in their relationship during that time, so I am a big believer in being open with my partner and hopefully dealing with this natural change in life as a team.
- We should talk about it. I keep saying I never heard any women in my family discussing it. I had no idea what to expect. I'm managing well with natural supplements, diet changes, and regular exercise/mobility work.
- Hot flashes and other fantastic side effects of menopause couldn't hold a candle to the emotional roller coaster! Like you, I was aware but couldn't control my emotions. Sucks.
- I read a book and opted for a combination of daily meditation and exercise over HRT. I have yet to hit 365 days period free (come close a few times). Hopefully, this is the year. I also cut back on alcohol recently, and it's just a coincidence, but hot flashes have eased up.
- I turned 54 this past January; I missed my first period! I was so excited for it to be gone, or at least begin to be gone! So far, I am going on my own, but each person is different, and I would reach out for help with any symptoms you wish to tame or treat, especially if the mood swings are bothering you so much and maybe upsetting your husband. We don't have to live this way! I have the mean outbursts too, but honestly, I had them every month before my period came, so my husband and kids are used to it, as I would always tell them. Lol. After a while, they knew what was up! My night sweats are persistent but not unbearable. So, with regular exercise, a healthy diet, and excellent self-care, I am rolling with it. However, if I get to a point where I am not coping or struggling, I will seek help. There is so much out there now to support this life transition!
We look forward to hearing your advice in the comments!
READ MORE > Ask Just Jill, Rambler Cafe Blog
Try HRT for at least a short while – I found that it gave me a feeling of power. And I agree wholeheartedly with the poster who said, “We need to talk about it!” It affects half of the adult world – it should be a normal topic of conversation, at least among women!
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