A journey through menopause: Pita's story
At Silatha, we believe that telling authentic stories can uplift and encourage women in all facets of life. We have the honor of sharing Pita's moving and open story of enduring menopause today. Her experience highlights a crucial problem: women going through this significant life transition may not often receive the appropriate diagnosis or support.
Understanding Menopause and Its Impact
Although menopause is a normal biological phase, there is still misinformation and silence surrounding it. The actual menopause occurs on a single day that signifies the end of 12 months without a menstrual cycle. The real struggle, however, frequently comes in the years preceding this point, known as the perimenopause, which can extend for more than ten years, and is something we frequently overlook or are ignorant of.
Pita’s Journey
Pita's experience with the perimenopause and menopause was far from pleasant. A number of upsetting symptoms and a disappointing lack of medical care were its defining characteristics. “I knew something was up,” Pita recalls. “My periods were becoming more irregular, my moods were fluctuating wildly, and I experienced frequent hot flashes.”
Even with these obvious symptoms, Pita had trouble receiving a correct diagnosis. When she visited her doctor, she was given inadequate advice and limited solutions. “I was told to take something off the shelf and that I would be fine,” Pita shares. She wasn't well, though. Her periods started to become irregular; once, they extended up to 60 days (!!! ), which was quite uncomfortable and alarming.
The Struggle for Diagnosis and Support
Pita's story brings to light a widespread issue: a lot of women go through menopause without getting the right diagnosis or support. Pita was often met with indifference when she asked for assistance. Her symptoms were not identified by her doctors as typical of the perimenopause. Rather, she was forced to suffer from excruciating cramps for long stretches of time without receiving proper medical attention.
Pita, who was feeling hopeless and isolated, finally found some comfort from a compassionate gynecologist who recognized her difficulties and diagnosed her as going through perimenopause. Pita needed this confirmation that her experiences were common, even though they were difficult.
Taking Control of Her Health
Pita decided to take matters into her own hands in an attempt to find relief. She spent hundreds of pounds traveling from the Netherlands to the UK to consult a menopausal specialist. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), administered by this physician, gave her life the much-needed steadiness she required. Pita notes, “Even with HRT, you have good days and bad days, but it does help level out your emotions and improve your sleep.”
Pita’s story emphasizes the importance of being proactive about one’s health. Her advice to women:
- To keep a journal
- Track their symptoms
- Insist on referrals to specialists if their general practitioners cannot provide the necessary support.
- “You have to advocate for yourself and speak up,” Pita stresses.
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The Emotional and Social Impact
Menopause has an impact on social interactions, mental stability, and physical health. Pita went through a lot of emotional upheaval, which included strong mood swings and feelings of loneliness. Her connections with her partner and friends were also put to the test, and they had to learn how to be there for her during this difficult time.
Pita discovered strength in community and communication in spite of the difficulties. She stresses the importance of having candid conversations about menopause with loved ones, friends, and medical professionals. She felt less alone and more capable of navigating the changes after sharing her journey.
A New Perspective
Pita emphasizes the need for improved knowledge and support for women going through menopause in her reflections on her experience. She thinks that more healthcare professionals should be educated to identify and appropriately treat menopausal symptoms, and that attitudes in society need to shift.
Conclusion
Pita's story serves as an important reminder of women's resilience and the urgent need for improved menopausal education and care. At Silatha, we're dedicated to promoting menopause-related talks and offering materials that give women a sense of empowerment and knowledge. We want to encourage more women to get the treatment they need and to know they're not alone by sharing experiences like Pita's.
We admire Pita's courage in telling her story, and we hope it encourages others to speak up, look for help, and be there for one another during such a challenging time in life.
Silatha’s Menopause Day Workshops are designed to provide this vital support through expert insights, assist you in promoting open conversations about menopause, and foster a more inclusive and empathetic work environment. Silatha also offers a comprehensive 12 month (Peri) Menopause support program for companies to support their employees through this significant life stage so that they can perform at their best.
Book a call with us today to learn more!