In Chinese culture, there’s a lot of topics too ‘inappropriate’ to talk about. Many of these taboo subjects are things that happen often and to many people. While in American culture we might be more open about certain things, Chinese culture is the exact opposite. It took me a while to get used to something that was such a culture shock for me. One of the biggest taboo conversations is nearly anything that has to do with women’s bodies. That’s one of the many things I love about America. Talking about these things that are a part of everyday life are important so that you no longer have to struggle in silence or alone.
But, for a country that talks about a lot of things, there are still topics many don’t want to talk about because they may be embarrassed. One example is age. No one wants to get older, so we just pretend like it’s not happening. But women, more so than men, are always aware and reminded. It’s not just that we’re aware of it, but our own bodies are reminding us. Menopause is something that all women go through. So, let’s talk about it.
Did you know menopause symptoms can start YEARS before you actually begin going through menopause? These symptoms include irregular periods, hot flashes, chills, sleeping problems, and weight gain. They begin happening during the first stage of menopause called perimenopause. Perimenopause can start up to 8 years before you actually reach menopause.
Then begins the second stage, menopause. This is the point when women actually stop having their periods for 12 months in a row. The symptoms begin to increase at this stage because your body stops producing most of your estrogen.
Finally, the last stage is postmenopause. These are the years after menopause. At this point most symptoms ease for many women. Of course, everyone’s body is different and these will differ for every woman. You can take all the care in the world of your body, but these are things that we can’t avoid.
While I personally haven’t begun feeling any symptoms of perimenopause, many of my family and friends have. † So, is there anyway you can find some relief while going through this new stage in your life? Absolutely.
Lots of people find that taking supplements will ease their symptoms. For example, the brand Equelle has a pill that some have found helpful. So how does it work? Equelle has the active ingredient s-equol in it like other menopausal pills. S-equol is very similar to estrogen and has some of the same functions so it can help ease you into the transition.
Going through menopause or perimenopause sucks, but remember that you are not alone and it happens to all women sooner or later. You can find a lot of comfort in your friends and family members during this difficult time and learn that it’s okay to talk about it.
† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases.
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25 Comments
Shelbee on the Edge
I am always on board for discussing uncomfortable topics! I have been having perimenopausal symptoms since I turned 40…so 5 years and counting. It can be pretty awful sometimes. I have found that adding soy protein to my diet has helped minimize a lot of my symptoms. Now if the periods would just stop, I would be one elated girl! Great post. Thanks for opening the discussion.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Grace Liang
Thank you so much for sharing your story, Shelbee! I’m glad to hear that adding soy protein to your diet has helped reduce your symptoms! 🙂
Kathrine Eldridge
I am in peri-menopause right now and it’s not always fun. Thanks for talking about this tough subject. Need to check out this supplement!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Grace Liang
It’s definitely not fun to experience, Kathrine! I hope this supplement can give you some relief! 🙂
mireille
A couple years ago, I thought I was started peri menopause but then all went back to normal. I guess it will arive sooner or later but I will definitely look into supplements when that time come!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Grace Liang
Thank you for sharing, Mireille! I’m so glad all went back to normal for you! 🙂
Kaelen | Darling Marcelle
I really appreciate you talking about this. I have been getting perimenopausal symptoms for the last couple years (before I even turned 40!) and it’s been kind of lonely because, like you said, no one really wants to talk about aging, especially women.
xoKaelen | https://darlingmarcelle.com
Grace Liang
I’m so glad you found this post helpful, Kaelen. You are definitely not alone!
Laura
Glad to hear you find something to help with the symptoms x
Laura
https://pinkfrenzymissl.blogspot.com/
Grace Liang
Thank you Laura! I’m so glad also!
Pilar
I think these types of topics are important to discuss. I’m in my early 30’s, but information about menopause is good to know. Thanks for sharing and visiting my blog!
Grace Liang
I completely agree with you! Such a important topic that needs to be talked about. Thank you for the support!
Anna Shirley
I just recently have learned that the symptoms start many years before actual menopause. It was quite shocking for me. I’m so happy that I have Google, and I can find more information, such as your blog post when women are sharing information and their personal experiences. It is not shaming to understand how our bodies are functioning. We should know.
Anna
http://www.glamadventure.com
Grace Liang
You are absolutely right, Anna! This is definitely a topic that needs to be discussed more. I’m so glad this post (and Google) has been able to help you find more information!
Ellibelle
A great article for a blog post. I’ve had some night sweats a few years ago just as I was turning 40. I thought it was the start of perimenopause as I’ve never experienced that before, but it now stopped, so who knows…
It’s a good reminder to know we are not alone with this.
https://www.simplyellibelle.com/search/label/Fashion%20Friday
Grace Liang
Thank you for your support, Ellibelle! We are not alone by any means with this! 🙂
Nina
These topics are so important to talk about! Thanks for sharing!
xx- Nina
http://www.stylingwithnina.com/2019/08/how-to-look-classy-sexy-with-basics_25.html
Grace Liang
I couldn’t agree with you more, Nina! Thank you!
Nicole of High Latitude Style
Same in the German culture. There are many things you just don’t blub about. Also being sick or having health, especially mental health problems is considered a weakness and so everyone tries to hide it.
Grace Liang
Thank you for stopping by, Nicole! I’m sorry to hear that! Those are not weaknesses at all and should definitely be discussed.
Emma Peach
I’m constatntly on the look out for symptoms of perimenopause now I’m in my mid forties. When the time comes I will definitely try supplements first before considering HRT. I’d rather get through it naturally, but I keep an open mind.
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Grace Liang
Thank you for stopping by, Emma! I’m so happy to hear you will be trying out supplements before HRT! 🙂
Gail
Here in the UK it’s always been a taboo subject, particularly at work. But people’s attitudes are changing. The BBC ran a menopause series for a week, in the main breakfast news program, which was a real breakthrough. And there are several campaigns running to make employers more aware of menopause and how they need to accommodate it. My symptoms started around age 43, although I had no idea at the time what it was. I would loved to have tried this supplement.
Grace Liang
Thank you for sharing this, Gail! I’m very glad to hear that people’s attitudes are changing towards this topic as it’s so important to talk about!
Mother of 3
I have found that as much as our culture is opening up more and more menopause is still one thing that isn’t really talked about like it should be. I’ve had many doctor’s tell me my experience would most likely be based off of that of my mother’s or grandmothers’ and I honestly have no idea what it was like for them.