Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Menopause and Perimenopause | Signs and Symptoms | My Experience | Natural Remedies | My Thoughts on HRT

I recently shared my experience with menopause and perimenopause in a video on my YouTube Channel (see video above) because I truly believe this subject needs to be addressed and embraced as part of life woman to woman.  For generations it has been a taboo, hush hush, subject of little discussion, which leaves women in the dark and isolated about their own body and feelings. I began to notice this as a young woman growing up as well when I asked my mom what was the matter when she sat crying one day. She said it was nothing, but later on, my father whispered in my ear that she was going through "The Change."  I thought, what change?  I had no idea, but I got the feeling from my mom that I shouldn't ask either.  Women get very uncomfortable talking this subject and often shy away from discussing it, so it's extremely difficult to find out information on it. I think sharing information is vital regarding this prominent life change, which is a complete metamorphosis for a woman.  I often hear other women on YouTube say, talk to your doctor if you want advice on menopause. But why? Why don't they talk about it? They mentioned it to begin with. Why does a doctor know more about the natural process of a woman's body than a woman herself. Does a doctor even know? Why can't we discuss this process with other women? Why is it so hard to find out anything about menopause and perimenopause? Why the hush hush culture on this? I suspect much of it has to do with the stigma of growing older, and in a youth-based society that means menopause takes a back seat, way back.  Why does it have to be associated with aging and broken bones?? There are positives that no one seems to focus on and I think they should be brought to light in the media and magazines. If that were the case, women would be excited for it. I address some of the positives in my video. The lack of information discussed on this topic can have a detrimental effect on a woman's life leaving her feeling isolated and withdrawn, depressed. Many women go through menopause in their thirties and it's like a truck hit them because they had no idea this could even happen! How could they, no one talks about it! Well I want to help change this culture of silence and bring this topic into the light and foreground to help women cope and deal with these changes. Our society boasts women empowerment, yet menopause, perimenopause, and post menopause are in the shadows. Why? Help me bring it into the light by sharing my video with others.

I did much reading into this subject as I found myself entering into this stage of my life myself, mostly because my doctor was not very helpful on this subject. Aside from being offered hormone replacement therapy, there was nothing more that was told to me about signs, symptoms, or emotional challenges or anything else. And for emotional support my doctor's suggestion is anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications, and I found this to be true for other women too.  This is their answer. Medicate! So I took it upon myself to do what I always do and that is, research this myself because this should not be the only option for a woman who is searching for relief of menopausal or peri-menopausal symptoms, or even post menopausal symptoms.  Why do we need medications for a normal process? Did we take medications to get through puberty?  It's simple really, we need a natural solution for a natural issue. There is so much we can do to help ourselves naturally, and the earlier we have an understanding of what to expect in this time of life, the better. I covered these subjects and many more in my latest video, so if you are interested in learning about the signs and symptoms of menopause, the natural remedies available to you for support and relief, as well as my experience as a woman and what worked for me, then please watch my above video and share it because it will give you some good information and food for thought and you will gain so much knowledge into what it means to be a woman.

-Linda
YouTips4U

Thursday, May 10, 2018

Should Women Wear Long Hair After A Certain Age?

Did you ever close your eyes and visualize what a middle age woman looks like? I'll bet she has short hair? Why is that? That is because of a societal norm that has been passed down for generations that made women feel as though they had to conform to cutting their hair short once they reached a certain age. In my latest video I address whether it's still appropriate for a woman to wear long hair past a certain age. When I was younger that age was 30. Apparently when you turned 30, you were supposed to cut your hair short because that's what our mothers and grandmothers told us. That age may have increased over the years as women are taking better care of themselves, but nevertheless, the conformity still exists. Did you ever wonder where this idea came from? Well, I did a little research into this social and cultural enigma and it seems that the act of a woman cutting her hair short when she reaches a certain age is congruous to making a statement about her youth and independence. She is saying that she is a grown up now and has no time to focus on things like hair and that she has no interest in attracting a man or looking sexy. Hair is seen as a symbol of attraction and adoration so by cutting it she is saying I don't need to be looked at. I think hair does play a huge part in how we feel about ourselves and I addressed this subject in my latest YouTube video. Many women feel very passionate about this subject, as do I, and they have shared their thoughts and comments below my video. Please watch my video and share your thoughts too.

-Linda
YouTips4U