When menopause & midlife mayhem descends it’s not uncommon to wake up in the morning feeling like you have been possessed by an alien. Life as you knew may seem to be a dim and distant memory. Your hormones are in the driving seat and you are left clinging on by your fingernails.
Gone are the days when you roll over in the mornings hoping your partner is in the mood for some fun. Instead of snuggling up for comfort and love you are only too pleased to be in your own space busy throwing off the covers as the heat over takes you.
When you cool down, hoping you will stay cool long enough to engage in passion, you may be fearful that intercourse will be a nightmare leaving you feeling sore instead of satisfied.
Repeated nights interrupted by overpowering sweats leave you feeling overwhelmingly tired. Your skin takes on a pale hue and circles appear under your eyes making you look like you haven’t slept well for months. You drag yourself out of bed to get on with your day but struggle because of your lack of energy.
Your clothes may be too tight as you have gained weight through comfort eating and lack of exercise and you feel despondent and somewhat depressed. The power surges that come unannounced at regular intervals make you red in the face and feel like you are melting are nothing short of embarrassing.
Cherie's Story
Cherie Lunghi is a very well-known and talented actress who has appeared in many US and UK films and TV documentaries over the years. Her menopause symptoms began suddenly and were disrupting her life when she came to see me in the clinic.
"I was taken by surprise by my menopause symptoms and I admit it was somewhat of a shock to have reached that stage in my life. I found myself suddenly suffering appalling anxiety, I became easily wound up about very small things and was left feeling desperately tired as a result of my sleep being disrupted by the night sweats. When I had a hot flush when I was working, I couldn’t concentrate on what my director was saying, which I found both disconcerting and embarrassing. Maryon was recommended by a friend in whom I confided and thankfully it was only three or four weeks after seeing her that I started feeling better. I cut out caffeine and used decaffeinated drinks and cut back on alcohol as every time I had a glass of wine I began flushing. I began using soya milk and yogurt instead of dairy and that was a huge help too. Plus I took the supplements Gynovite, Promensil and Cardiozen and made sure I took regular exercise. I hurt my back shortly after starting Maryon’s programme, so I had some acupuncture which I definitely think helped as well. I feel 500% better now. I’m more energetic, I haven’t got any of the symptoms and I feel like a completely different person, which is truly wonderful."