BBC Radio Essex  

Sheila Wenborne talks ‘menopause’ with Tony Fisher.  – loss of libido, and what really happened to that lamp…?

Sheila talks to Tony about life before, during and after the menopause,  and do men get it too? She also talks of how and why she decided to write a book on a subject which seems so taboo. Millions of women suffer badly from this natural occurrence, but refuse to talk about it. Why?

Click below to listen to more funny stories and tales of a menopausal woman who survived, and so did her husband!

The menopause occurs when a change in the body’s sex hormone balance. Prior to this, oestrogen levels lower, and because of this change, the ovaries stop producing monthly eggs  (ovulation). Oestrogen production reduces and periods will eventually stop. This reduction can cause many symptoms, including: hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness.

In my research, I came across this list of 34 symptoms that affect many women in some way. This is due to hormonal imbalances.

THIS IS A LIST OF THE 34 MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS

Common Symptoms include Hot Flashes, Night Sweats, Irregular Periods, Loss of Libido, Vaginal Dryness, Mood Swings.

Other body changes can include some or all of these: Fatigue, Hair Loss, Sleep Disorders, Difficult Concentrating, Memory Lapses, Dizziness, Weight Gain, Incontinence, Bloating, Allergies, Brittle Nails, Changes in Odour, Irregular Heartbeat, Depression, Anxiety, Irritability, Panic Disorder.

Pains
Breast Pain, Headaches, Joint Pain, Burning Tongue, Electric Shocks, Digestive Problems, Gum Problems, Muscle Tension, Itchy Skin, Tingling Extremities.

Others
Osteoporosis.

I was shocked to see them written down in a list. It is really quite scary. 18 symptoms had directly affected me. I also worried I might develop some or all of the others.

No wonder women of a ‘certain age’ feel depressed!