Menopause, Madness and Mary

If there were more women in the U.S. House and Senate, the Health Care Reform Bill would include subsidized disability leave for women going through the stages of menopause. Unfortunately, not the case.

I have been extremely open and vocal about my own experience with peri-menopause and have been flattered and somewhat surprised by the praise from doctors in our area for making it a more comfortable conversation for women to have with their doctors, therapists, husbands and friends. I encourage women to learn as much as they can about their choices in managing symptoms. Marigold is bringing Dr. Pamela Smith to Traverse City this Thursday (11/12) to speak on the topic of our competitive edge, at all stages of our lives. Although her presentation will be of interest and relevant to all ages, I cannot say enough about the difference her approach to menopause made for me. Click here for reservations.

I was only 43 when my body started playing tricks on me and never would have guessed that it was the beginning of menopause. Soon after my body betrayed me, my mind walked out the door. I can honestly say that there were moments when I thought I had early-stage Alzheimer's Disease. No joke. I was very concerned that I would have to quit my job and find a new line of work. Can you imagine being Mary in the Morning, live on-air and having a hard time focusing on what the guest was saying... praying they wouldn't stop talking until I found my mind? It happened. It happened a lot. Still does, but not nearly as frightening. Ok, so I forgot what pimentos were called, and I refered to a bird house as a bird box(?????). But I can generally get through the day now with my sense of humor guiding the way.

No solid sleep, night sweats, wild mood swings, mental dexterity of a raw oyster, irregular periods so heavy I couldn't leave the house, etc... This is why I talk on the show about menopause. Some women have no idea that this is what can happen. For some, it is a walk through the park, for me it has been like a terrorist attack on my very being.

I now take a handful of supplements daily, give myself B12 shots in my thigh twice a week (has done wonders for fatigue), and although I still need to regularly tweak my dosages, I'm working with my doctor and feel that I am in charge. Ok, maybe not in charge, but I am definitely a deputy of my health.

I hope you will come to Marigold Over Lunch and get the most up-to-date research available on the topic of Female Hormones and Your Competitive Edge. I am living proof that arming yourself with information is the best offense.

Hormonally yours,
Mary