Overcoming Menopause in My 30s

Menopause was the furthest thing from my mind before cancer. I have minimal experience with women going through the "change." Everything that I knew about menopause centered around having hot flashes and mood swings. The information I knew would soon become my reality, amongst other things. Being 32 years old and having menopause has been one of my biggest adjustments.

After surgery, the hot flashes began

I remember waking up from surgery and learning I had a total abdominal hysterectomy. The following day the provider asked me if I had any hot flashes overnight. I then learned that, due to my age, my menopausal symptoms would be more severe. I asked whether I would be started on hormones, but I was not. When I was discharged, I ordered a silver bell to ring for assistance at home. Then I ordered a small table fan. The hot flashes were severe.

Going through menopause at 32

Combatting hot flashes was an easy fix while at home. But I soon had to overcome insomnia, lack of attention, and irritability. Another life-changing thing was that I no longer had a menstrual cycle. I bought books to learn how to make it through my new way of life. I wanted to know what natural approaches I could try or lifestyle changes I could make. Menopause is different for every woman, and my journey has been one big fun lesson.

The challenges that come with menopause

One challenge with menopause is the way that it has impacted my weight loss and gain. It has been a struggle to work out and keep weight off. I worked to lose nearly 50 pounds prior to my cancer diagnosis. But since the surgery, I have gained much of the weight back. I am still working to determine what approach will be most effective for me. I read once that a high-protein diet worked best, and another source said fasting works as well. My goal is to do what will be best for me and my health journey. For now, I try different things by the month to see if it makes a difference. So far, the Mediterranean diet showed the best results for me.

It has been an adjustment, but I make light of my menopause because I know what I have been through with my cancer journey. Wearing a fan around my neck at work, keeping active, and having fun with different foods are ways I manage. I continue to read different perspectives from women going through menopause because it is a fascinating experience. I am about 2 years in and I can safely say that for every symptom I had, there has been a resolution.