Menopause Symptoms: Alarms You Can’t Afford to Ignore
- Marie, Your Advocate
- Feb 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 10
by Marie, Your Advocate
Let's delve into a crucial topic for our well-being: the importance of addressing menopausal symptoms not just for immediate relief but also to prevent more significant health issues down the line.
A Conversation Among Friends
Not long ago, during a dinner with close girlfriends, the topic of menopause came up. Thanks to the awareness raised by the Timeless Youth program, menopause has become less of a taboo subject in our circles. One friend mentioned that perhaps we were making too big of an issue out of menopausal symptoms. She said, "So what if we gain some weight or don't sleep as well because of night sweats? It's part of aging, and women have gone through this since the beginning of time."
There is only one slight problem here with this argument. Since the beginning of time, women haven’t lived to their late 80s, meaning 1/3 of their life in menopause. How many of us are aware that unmanaged symptoms can cost our health in a way we are unwilling to pay?
Managing the alarms should be a no-brainer
Many medical experts like Dr. Faruqi and his colleagues say that not being proactive with your symptoms will snowball into significant health issues. Here’s an example: sleep disturbances can lead to weight gain, which in turn can lead to heart disease. It can also lead to depression, which in turn can lead to a multitude of other medical conditions, even compromising your immune system. And on and on…
There is no denying that menopausal symptoms are your body’s alarms. You know what happens next when alarms are ignored. Even though estrogen therapy is not everyone’s cup of tea, it still remains a great way to alleviate those alarms and protect your health in the long term. It’s one of the most effective tools in managing the initial symptoms and the long-term prevention of menopausal-associated diseases.
However, being a breast cancer survivor, I chose to avoid it.
Reflecting on My Own Experience
Five years ago, I faced hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. Because of that, I chose to steer clear of estrogen during menopause. This decision brought its own set of challenges, but it also opened my eyes to many truly effective alternatives for managing menopause. I also realized this cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach as each woman's journey is different.
Taking Proactive Steps for a Healthier Tomorrow
For all the different paths out there, there is surely one that can fit one’s needs. It's natural to feel discouraged when faced with obstacles. However, my own experience shows that every challenge presents an opportunity to discover new paths. Yes, menopause is a natural part of aging, but in no way does it mean we have to accept discomfort or declining health as an inevitable consequence.
In the end, here’s the bottom line. Acknowledge these alarms for what they are, take the right proactive steps that work for you (remember there are many options), and strive to stay healthy and enjoy what might very well be the best years of your life.
With love and support,
Marie
Who is Marie?
Marie, in her mid-50s, is a mother and the wife of Dr. Faruqi. She was a manager at a major financial institution before being diagnosed with breast cancer at 50. This life-changing experience motivated her and her husband to research extensively, ultimately transforming her health and life. Now feeling blessed and healthier than ever, Marie is on a mission to empower women, encourage important questions, and serve as the advocate they deserve.
Sources for Studies:
· Endocrine Society. (2022). Menopause and Bone Loss. Retrieved from https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/menopause-and-bone-loss
· Better Health Channel. (2023). Menopause and Osteoporosis. Retrieved from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/menopause-and-osteoporosis
· Mayo Clinic. (2023). Menopause - Symptoms and causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397
· Menopause Foundation of Canada. (2023). Long-Term Health Risks. Retrieved from https://menopausefoundationcanada.ca/resources/long-term-health-risks-of-menopause/
Timeless Youth Empowerment™, led by Dr. Faruqi and Marie Labelle, supports women over 40 and 50 to take control of their health, vitality, and aging journey. We provide education in hormonal balance, anti-aging strategies, and symptom relief for menopause and midlife changes. We address symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and sleep issues, helping women regain energy, confidence, and a youthful glow by guiding women through midlife transitions with natural and medical solutions backed by science.
Disclaimer: The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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