I knew I will be releasing this on my 51st birthday, So I thought I'd write a personal reflection of my 50th year of being alive and human. I like to celebrate milestones. It can signal an end or the beginning of something, hopefully, big and impactful. I like to take off from work on my birthday. I want to be doing something fun, so we often travel on my birthday, we've taken investing in experiences seriously. I'm reading the book, Die with Zero which states that true wealth lies in your experience and memories one accumulate through life. Which, I have learned a new term for it - Experiential Wealth. As a side note, I am currently in beautiful Hawaii on a solo trip to attend a conference: Money and Wellness Conference for Women Physicians. And I have learned a ton! It is seriously a one-of-a-kind medical conference where I get to earn CME (continuing medical education) but also learn all the ways I can leverage my medical degree to design and curate a wealthy life that is according to my own terms and in line with my values. And defining what true wealth is for me - whether it is actual financial wealth, career fulfillment, family and relationship wealth, or wealth in terms of my health - mentally, emotionally and physically.
Which now brings me to what I truly want to talk about in this blog this week: My 50's and menopause. For my 50th birthday last year, my husband and I went to Tulum, Mexico and we have enjoyed ourselves tremendously. We have come to a point in our lives where we prioritize living life to the fullest and that means travel and experience. Life is good. But, the universe has a way of bringing you down to earth, so to speak. I remember that for a few weeks into 2024 that my right shoulder have not felt right. I had thought maybe I strained it lifting weights. But instead of getting better, I slowly lost range of motion. On top of that I started losing my hair by the clumps. There are other insidious symptoms that I have come to know now were perimenopausal/postmenopausal symptoms. I will spare you of all the details, but as it was happening and I could not understand why it was happening to me, I felt betrayed by my body. I have been always health conscious, exercised regularly, ate well, prioritized sleep, occasional drink here and there and never smoked. I mean, I took really good care of my health. As it turns out, nature had other plans.
Menopause is a natural phase of life, and understanding its stages can empower you to embrace the changes ahead. In this post, we’ll break down the four stages of the menopause transition—Premenopause, Perimenopause, Menopause, and Postmenopause—explain what each stage means, and share insights on recognizing and managing perimenopausal symptoms. It was reallly good timing too that I am currently in Hawaii at a Health, and Wellness conference, and one of the talks is on menopause so I'm sharing what I learned!
1. Premenopause
Definition: The time before menopause begins. It includes all women with ovaries from birth through menopause.
Duration: it can span several decades. There isn’t a fixed duration, as it varies for each woman. Generally, significant hormonal fluctuations start later, paving the way for perimenopause.
2. Perimenopause
Definition:Perimenopause marks the transition phase leading up to menopause. During this time, your body begins to experience fluctuating hormone levels, which can lead to changes in your menstrual cycle and other physical and emotional symptoms.
Duration:For most women, perimenopause lasts about 10+ years, although the timeline can vary based on individual factors. It can start in your mid to late 30's.
Recognizing Perimenopausal Symptoms
As your body transitions, you may experience a range of symptoms that can feel unsettling. Much like how I felt when I felt like my body betrayed me despite my best efforts. Remember, you’re not alone.
Here are some common signs of perimenopause:
Irregular Periods: Changes in cycle length, flow, or even skipped periods.
Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: Sudden feelings of warmth, often accompanied by sweating.
Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns.
Mood Swings: Increased irritability, anxiety, or depressive episodes.
Weight Changes: A tendency to gain weight or notice shifts in your metabolism.
Vaginal Dryness: Discomfort during sexual activity or dryness.
Memory Lapses: Occasional forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating.
Changes in Libido: A fluctuating interest in sexual activity.
Joint pains: as it turns out my frozen shoulder was brought about by lack of joint lubrication. “Estrogen plays a role in stimulating bone growth, reducing inflammation, and promoting connective tissue integrity,” according to Jocelyn Wittstein, M.D. Read the article here
It’s important to know that while these symptoms can be challenging, suffering is optional! With the right approach and professional guidance, you can manage these changes effectively.
3. Menopause
Definition: Menopause is officially diagnosed when you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. This marks the end of your reproductive years and a shift to a new phase of life.
Duration:Menopause itself is a point in time rather than a prolonged phase. Most women experience menopause around the age of 51, and on average at age 45-55.
4. Postmenopause
Definition: Postmenopause is the stage after menopause. In this period, many of the acute symptoms may ease, but it’s also important to be aware of long-term health considerations, such as bone density and cardiovascular health.
Duration: Postmenopause extends from the time after your final menstrual period for the rest of your life. The focus during this stage shifts to maintaining overall health and well-being.
Finding Relief and Support
If you’re experiencing perimenopausal symptoms, remember that suffering is optional. There are many effective strategies to help you manage this transition:
Lifestyle Adjustments: Exercise, a balanced diet, and stress-reduction techniques can help mitigate symptoms.
Medical Support: Consider talking to your physician about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other treatments tailored to your needs. The evidence, conversation and the treatment landscape is changing.
Open Communication: Sharing your experiences with friends, support groups, or mental health professionals can also provide comfort and advice.
Your journey through menopause is unique, and while the changes can be challenging, there is help available. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare professional to discuss your symptoms and explore the best options for your well-being.
Embrace this transition as a natural part of life—empower yourself with knowledge, seek support when needed, and remember that help is at hand. Your health and happiness are worth the conversation.
As for my own journey, I was fortunate to have my own ob-gyn's knowledge, experience and support and I got relief pretty quickly. It is ongoing of course and it has been really interesting to go through it.
And again, speaking of journey, I cannot wait to see what the future holds. As I get farther along into my 50's, transition in my health, I and my husband are also transitioning in our life stage as parents. Navigating empty nest and parenting a college son across the coast. I'm also excited to see where my entrepreneurial venture as a health coach will take me.
DISCLAIMER: Lea Famularcano, MD is a medical doctor, but she is not your doctor. Topics discussed are purely informational only. She is not offering medical advice on this website. If you are in need of professional advice or medical care, you must seek out the services of your doctor or health care professional.
Very informative...thanks a lot I've learned so many,I am 53 and holaahhh many changes from my body itself.