I am in my 50th year and I believe I have started the menopause.
That's already a contentious sentence because strictly speaking, the menopause is the milestone a year after your last period.
I say "I believe I have started" because all I know so far is that I have been having hot flushes and one blip out.
The hot flushes started a few weeks ago. I get very hot and uncomfortable but don't sweat or go red, and it disturbs my sleep.
My periods meanwhile are stil regular, same duration.
The blip out was a momentary loss of consciousness. I was dead heading the roses and suddenly I was lying among them.
I have a very demanding role at work in an ageist, corporate culture. I can't risk colleagues knowing I am "menopausal" and making sniggering asides. I work hard at my appearance and people say I look 10 years younger. The menopause to me is enemy #1. I will fight it using natural methods: diet, vitamins, lifestyle. HRT is the last resort.
I started this blog because I couldn't find any others where a woman talks about her own experience. Maybe I'm wrong - please send any links.
Most important, if you have found me, please share your experiences, symptons and what's working for you.
Tomorrow I'll talk about the regime I have started, which has already knocked the hot flushes on the head.
