Things About Menopause That Have Made My Life Better
By: K Bennett
Tags: Health, Womens Health, Ninja Writers, Women, Menopause

Renewed and Rejuvenated

It’s amazing what stabilized hormones and no period can do for a girl!

American anthropologist and author, Margaret Mead, defined it as “post-menopausal zest”, or PMZ. Studies have shown that many women experience new found energy and resolution. Dr. Mead described PMZ as “a physical and psychological surge of energy.” She wrote, “there is no more creative force in the world than a menopausal woman with zest.”

During Menopause, the last thing I was feeling was “zesty”. It was a crazy time for me and everyone around me. But now that I have made it through, I have a renewed outlook on life. For a change, I am able to pursue my interests. The time I have now to pursue my interests makes me happy, therefore I don’t feel a sense of depression as often.

It’s amazing what a good night’s sleep can do for you too. Raising six children means many years and nights of broken sleep. When I was finally able to sleep a full night without a child waking me up, I started waking up in the middle of the night feeling like I was going to spontaneously combust. For a period, I was waking up at 1:30 a.m. every single night. It didn’t matter if I went to bed early or late, 1:30 a.m., my eyes would open the brain would flip on and it was off to the races.

I get more sleep now. I can go to bed when I want to, which is usually as soon as it gets dark. Not kidding. I no longer wake up sweating making my poor husband sleep in a room with the heat off and a fan blowing.

I’ve noticed the dark circles under my eyes have lightened. I’m not as fatigued all the time.

I’ve become more creatively inspired.

Post-menopausal zest appears to be both circumstantial and biological. Kids grow up and move on at about the same time our hormones begin to stabilize. Dr. Marilyn Glenville, author of Natural Solutions to Menopause, explains that “after menopause, there is a change in the balance of hormones. Estrogen drops and testosterone becomes more dominant.” The two hormones coming into balance gives us more energy, drive and motivation. More “zest”.

A Time to Take Stock

Menopause signifies mid-life, and what more fitting time to take stock of our lives. Mortality is imminent and in closer view. I started counting on my fingers how many more years I may possibly have here on this earth. In the perfect scenario, with no unforeseen issues, living to the age that my people typically live to, I sadly realized it was less than I have already lived. There’s things I want to do, see, and learn. There’s a mountain of books I want to read.

Reaching the half-way point of life has given me a new perspective and made me assess where I am in this life of mine. It’s made me question what more I want to accomplish. Time really is of the essence.

I’ve really started taking a good look at is how I spend my time. Is it meaningful? Am I putting my energy into things that are worthwhile and interesting? Are the things I’m doing with my time beneficial?

Who am I spending my time with? Are my relationships beneficial or detrimental to my well being? We all have people in our lives that can suck the life right out of you. I’ve found myself becoming less available to those types and have pursued connections with more like minded, emotionally mature people.

I reassessed my profession of 30 years and made a career change. When I turned 50, I had an opportunity to make a career change for significantly more money. I was worried that I couldn’t learn this new job. It was in an industry I knew nothing about. But I took the leap and got an excellent job with a great company that is benefiting the environment for our future and the future of our kids and grandkids. I believe in what this company is doing and am happier in my career than I’ve been in a long time.

One of the most difficult things I’ve had to assess is my marriage. Sadly, we aren’t in a great place right now. There’s a lot that goes into that better suited for another story, but recently, I’ve decided that the only thing I can do is focus on what I can do to make things better on my end.

I really was in Mean-O-Pause. I felt angry and mean most of the time. My unpredictability and anger alienated me from my husband. Sometimes I would say or do things to just to scratch some nasty little itch I had. I can’t explain it, but misery loves company I guess, and I really was miserable. I’m so glad that nonsense is over. We don’t fight as much anymore, but we have definitely grown apart. More to come on that.