Menopausal Woman

What is Menopause?

Menopause is also known as “The Change” or “Change of Life” and affects women. Menopause occurs, on average, at age 51.

Symptoms of Menopause Hot Flashes Mood Swings Grumpiness Trouble Sleeping/Night Sweats Short Term Memory Loss Weight Gain Dry Skin

Menopause is a normal stage of life. It may be uncomfortable for the “changer” and most certainly the people around them. Since there is a chance that part of the symptoms may include a degree of grumpiness, some have chosen to celebrate this stage with humor to help get them through it all. Check out Minnie Pauz as she deals with menopause in everyday life. For those dealing with loved ones going through menopause they may want to check out our I'm Sorry Gifts for a few ideas.

Hot flashes or "personal summer" are a major complaint of menopause, remember this the next time a conversation is cut short so the menopausal woman can find the nearest fan or ice pack. These power surges can be uncomfortable for the woman with an internal furnace, so stay away from the thermostat even if it is subzero in the middle of winter. It is often suggested that the menopause sufferers dress in layers for easy removal when a hot flash occurs. Exercise is also believed to help with hot flashes, but obviously not during exercising. Night sweats are another complaint of the change. If you are unsure of what exactly night sweats are, they are hot flashes while attempting to sleep. This of course causes more discomfort for those involved. Night gowns or pajamas made of material to wick away moisture, cotton sheets and central air may help to make night sweats more comfortable.

Another problem faced during the change of life is dry skin. Skin that was once soft and supple is now dry and itchy. You may notice the menopause sufferer continually adding lotion to their hands and arms. This is an attempt to help the itchy crawly feeling they are experiencing. The best they can hope for is temporary relief. Make sure to have an ample supply of lotions on hand. The best ones to look for are the ones containing vitamins A and E. One other remedy is Castor oil; yes that's right Grandma's home remedy for what ails you. Adding fragrances such as lavender and peppermint can give Castor oil a nice smell when you rub it on. The main cause of dry skin is the lack of hydration in the body. The only sure way to make sure you are properly hydrated is to drink lots of water. The recommended six to eight glasses a day are for the rest of us become eight to ten glasses a day.

“Say Goodbye” Party or Ritual

This is usually an all-female affair. Women bring gifts that are humorous, similar to the Over the Hill party. Some items can actually be helpful to the recipient.

Women share their experiences with Menopause, write them on a piece of paper and “say goodbye” to the problems they no longer worry about.

Initiate the newcomer into the Crone or Wise Woman Club. In many societies this is considered an increase in status.

Gifts for Menopause

• Tickets to Menopause The Musical

• Anything Cooling - Small hand held fan (electric or manual), bath soak/salts
• Lotions
• Chocolate
• Toy Fire Extinguisher
• Skin Lotions and Creams
• Chocolate Themed Items
• Egg Themed Items
• Special Night Gowns or Pajamas that wick away moisture
• Relaxing Themed Aromatherapy or Spa Packages
• Mood Ring or other Mood Sensing Gift
• Spouse Survival Guide
• Hormone Replacement Jokes
• Any items that reference Hot Flashes, Power Surges, or Personal Summer
• Yoga Classes

Special Note: The Czechs are developing a non-alcoholic menopause beer

Related Items

• Hard to Buy For Gifts

References

Menopause.org - The North American Menopause Society

Healthinaging.org - The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging