Cheri’s Corner

Hi, my name in Cheri and I’m the inspiration behind Menopausesource.com.  My sister in-law and I were talking one day about being in Menopause and wondered if anyone had a website that you could go on any time of the day or night and find support.  We realized we were not alone, but not all women chose to speak about Menopause.  I didn’t realize that this “stage of life” was going to be such a big transition.  I thought that I would ease into it with little or no side effects. Boy was I wrong!  Anyway, I thought maybe women would be interested in some of my thoughts. One thing I do know is that humor is the best antidote for dealing with Menopause.  Hope you enjoy the blog.

February 27th, 2010

Everyday is a new discovery with Menopause.  Again, I’m realizing just how much this phase of life affects us as women. I was talking to a good friend of mine the other day on our way to aerobic class about our bodies. We decided that gravity is not a woman’s best friend. Our skin isn’t as tight as before and our body parts seem to go “south.” I remember when my boobs were uplifted and there was a definite break between my chest and waist. Now everything just kind of blends in so there’s no definition. I’m almost a perfect “rectangle” from the side view.

I mentioned to my friend that I’m unable to lose weight and my hair is thinning, but that I’m able to lose inches off my height. How lucky is that? I’m almost the same size as a ten year old.  My nieces and nephews have surpassed me with their growth spurts. I’m hoping I can hang on to my height before I have a grandchild!

December 6th, 2010

Sorry for the long delay – it’s been a tough fall.

I’ve discovered that as I slide into menopause I have a few brain freezes, which it what I would like to call them. You forget a name, place or situation and can’t recall it. I know that this information is still available to me, but our process to retrieve it becomes slower. The other day I called our mailman “Frisky”. I was thinking about the dog my husband had when I saw our mailman and hence me calling him Frisky. Unfortunately, he wasn’t sure what to say when I called him Frisky, but I do know that he gave me our mail very quickly and hasn’t been back. If he only knew….it’s a temporary “brain freeze.” Tomorrow I could call him Jack!

The other day I was speaking to a friend of mine who is also in menopause. She was explaining a story to me and we were interrupted. When she attempted to resume her conversation, she asked me what was she talking about. Of course another “brain freeze” occurred and I couldn’t remember. The good news was that she couldn’t either. We both laughed and went on to a different topic. My point to this is that you aren’t alone if you experience temporary memory lapses. Don’t worry – it’s all a part of the ride!!

August 23rd, 2010

Everyday is a new discovery with Menopause. Again, I’m realizing just how much this phase of life affects us as women.  I was talking to a good friend of mine the other day on our way to aerobic class about our bodies.  We decided that gravity is not a women’s best friend.  Our skin isn’t as tight as before and our body parts seem to go “south.”  I remember when my boobs were uplifted and there was a definite break between my chest and waist.  Now everything just kind of just blends in so there’s no definition.  I’m almost a perfect “rectangle” from the side view.

I mentioned to my friend that I’m unable to lose weight and my hair is thinning, but that I’m able to lose inches off my height. How lucky is that?  I’m almost the same size as a ten year old. My nieces and nephews have surpassed me with their growth spurts.  I’m hoping I can hang on to my height before I have a grandchild.

July 26th, 2010

I’ve discovered that as I slide into menopause I have a few brain freezes, which it what I would like to call them.  You forget a name, place or situation and can’t recall it.  I know that this information is still available to me, but our process to retrieve it becomes slower.  The other day I called our mailman “Frisky”.  I was thinking about the dog my husband had when I saw our mailman and hence me calling him Frisky.  Unfortunately, he wasn’t sure what to say when I called him Frisky, but I do know that he gave me our mail very quickly and hasn’t been back.  If he only knew….it’s a temporary “brain freeze.” Tomorrow I could call him Jack!

July 5th, 2010

As you all know, those sleepless nights are very trying. It’s difficult to feel well rested with only a few hours of sleep.  One of the tools that I use to combat sleeplessness is a set of headphones. Recently I have been listening to Country Music.  It’s very relaxing.  The only problem is when I do wake up in the morning, I have a cowboy hat on and I keep thinking about getting a pair of cowboy boots.  My mom suggested it to me when we had our first child as a relaxing technique and I’m happy to say after 27 years, it still works! Hopefully this will help you too.

Oh did I mention that even though you don’t get a period anymore, you may still get some symptoms of one coming.  Apparently after menopause, the symptoms sometimes continue.  I suppose it’s nature way of reminding women that they had one.  Personally, I could live without them – wasn’t a fan when I was going through it, and certainly not one now.  But the good thing is that if you work in an office with women, you can share their PMS.  Very empowering!!

June 21st, 2010

I had my usual “hot flashes” today.  I’m actually getting pretty good at telling the time by them.  I seem to have them at 9:00 AM each morning, and of course, there are many more to come.  As I’m writing this blog, I’m having another one.  Too bad I can’t share it with you.

Some things I’ve discovered that will help you in Menopause are exercise and weight training. It is important to keep your muscles and bones strong. I suggest that women focus on weight training at least 3 times a week and also do aerobic exercises as well.  I know this has helped me and is an important part of my lifestyle.

Are you in Menopause and complaining about your shape… or should I say the lack of shape?  Well it’s true; our shape seems to disappear after Menopause.  We suddenly do not have a waist. In addition, our hips and the rest of our body become asymmetrical.  The good news is that tunics are back and they can hide some of those figure flaws!  I think I’m going to check QVC to order some right now…

June 3rd, 2010

Welcome back – Here’s a new benefit to being in Menopause – you develop hair.  Of course you get it where you don’t need it, but it’s still more hair.  I have nose hair, chin hair and lip hair. I was trimming my face the other day when my husband walked into the room.  He looked at me and said, “Don’t tell me you are shaving your face now.”  The good news is that we are both starting to look alike and probably can use the same razor any day now.  You know what they say…..the couple that shaves together…..stays together (or was it something else?)  Anyway, I’m embracing my new “manliness.”

May 25th, 2010

Hey, don’t you just love Menopause. Those sleepless nights are a killer. I realized that the last time I had a good night’s sleep was when I had a colonoscopy which was about 6 years ago. I begged the doctor not to wake me up, but he did.   I think I’m going to schedule another one soon and hopefully I can extend some of my “sleep time!”

Are hot flashes bothering you?  Everyone knows they are the typical sign of menopause. They come and they go. The flashes are like your own personal Caribbean vacation, without the luggage and the flight.  When it’s hot, the flashes are worst.   I suggest that you keep your house temperature at 60…..this works. Don’t worry about everyone else being too cold….when Mom is happy, everyone is happy!