Patty with her husband Pete, son Ryan, daughter-in-law Nicki and two of their children Jackson and Annalyse
A few weeks ago I wrote an article for the younger ladies to prepare them mentally, spiritually and physically for menopause. Linda Thompson was kind enough to allow me to interview her, who was a perfect fit as she has had a great menopause experience. Now I will give some attention to the ladies who are smack dab in the middle of hot flashes, weight gain and mood swings.
I decided to interview Patty Plante, who has been very proactive about this stage in her life. I have known Patty since I joined Family Harvest Church (FHC) in 1997. I appreciate Patty, as she has always been there for me and my family. Patty is 56 years old, married with three boys and seven grandkids. She is a Pastor at FHC, Vice President on the Board of Directors of a benevolent organization and very involved in FHC’s missions trip program. Patty has travelled around the world to places like the Philippines, Guatemala and Mexico providing children’s
Patty in the Philippines
ministry, dental and eye clinics, construction assistance, clean water systems, leadership training, and much more! When she’s not at church or traveling she enjoys home decorating and cooking.
How old were you when you began going through the change and what were your symptoms?
Early 40’s – mild hot flashes, emotional and trouble sleeping
How did you treat those symptoms?
I went a more natural route by using a natural progesterone cream. Dr. Colbert’s book, The Bible Cure for Menopause helped me tremendously on what to expect during this transition.
How did menopause affect your life?
It was very gradual and took around seven or so years so it seemed very mild to me. I had one difficult month (August) where I had trouble sleeping. I was also agitated and emotional.
What was the hardest thing about menopause?
The symptoms mimic hypothyroidism, which is something I deal with. At one time my thyroid was off track and then the similar symptoms of menopause hit – it felt like a double whammy. Plus I’m blonde! So I probably looked like a real whacko during that one tough month. The emotional issues were the hardest part. I would talk myself out of the feelings and thoughts using scriptures, but because it would come on so quick it was hard to catch them as they came. They would come on as quick at flipping a light switch. Somewhat like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Do you take any vitamins or supplements?
B12
How was your energy and stress level throughout the change?
Sometimes low but I was determined to push past those feelings and thoughts. I also realized it was a lot about my attitude. If I changed my attitude and kept a positive outlook I felt better. What you believe can change your experience!
What advice would you give women who are struggling through menopause?
Don’t let this time in your life define you as a woman. There is amazing freedom when all is said and done. No PMS! I believe every transition in life brings good times and not so good times – keep your attitude right knowing that you are only getting better. God never takes anyone with a good attitude backwards. And talk about it with someone you trust, whether it be family or friends. It’s not some horrible disease that you need keep a secret.
Patty thank you for keeping it real! I agree that this topic should not be taboo, which is why I decided to dedicate a series on my blog to menopause. With Christmas coming, I can think of a few wonderful ladies I can bless with the book you recommended. Here is a link if you’d like to purchase it.
What tips and tricks do you have in your arsenal for fighting menopause symptoms?
Check out Menopause tips for better living part I, with Linda Thompson.
I have found some interesting facts about menopause from study and from my own experience. First of all, every woman experiences menopause differently, and at various ages. Some women have been known to experience it at much younger ages than 55. However, most women experience changes starting at 35 and older. Caucasion women that are blonde haired and fair skinned usually experience more symptoms and may have more difficulty. African American women and Olive skinned women usually experience fewer symptoms and with less difficulty than fair-skinned women. Heavier-set women experience fewer difficulties than slender women because extra fat produces more estrogen in the blood. Stress is a major factor in producing hot-flashes and mood swings. Major life changes, overwork and too much stress are also related to a change in sleep patterns or not being able to sleep at all. Hormonal imbalances can cause all of the confusing symptoms of menopause, that can send a woman on a roller coaster ride that is not easily balanced or stopped. When my own experience with the change of life kicked in I was in a very precarious position. I was 33 years old, had my youngest son in diapers, we moved, changed churches, started renovating our new/old home, my Dad was diagnosed with cancer, my Grandmother died, then my favorite Aunt died. And within this same short time frame, my teenage son started puberty. May I say that I was feeling somewhat unsettled within myself. I was only a few short weeks shy of giving birth to our youngest when I started a much too strenuous “get back in shape” work-out program for myself, and we ran full swing into house hunting with a very ambitious realtor. I was extra excited about this venture since as a couple my husband and I had always dreamed of moving into Naperville where we were now “house hunting.” Interestingly enough I don’t usually approach anything in life half-heartedly, so I was pedal to the medal full-force going after it. My realtor was more than co-operative,and she and I hit the road daily searching out every available property. It was all so exciting, except for the fact that I was not paying any attention to what was happening to me physically, nor did I notice anything until one specific evening. I remember our realtor called and said she had a listing to show us. I was going to meet her there and my husband would meet us there later. I realized something was up when I pulled up to a stop sign to leave an area near our subdivision and it hit me, I forgot what I was doing, and where I was going, and couldn’t even figure out where I was. Then I stopped and just sat there until I was able to figure out what I was doing. I thought, what was that? The first in a series of similar experiences. Here is what I discovered, my body was changing, and I was entering the climacteric, there were no easy answers, and I desperately needed help! Back then, older women didn’t want to discuss the issue, nobody did! I went to five different kinds of doctors and not one of them gave me the correct information, and I felt like I was living in the twilight zone. The answers unfolded as I was able to slow down, pray, confess God’s word, get counseling, eat right, which helped me to sleep right, read good library books on the subject, weigh my own personal options, and trust God to help me. As a matter of fact, once I had exhausted every resource, I cried out to God, told him I was at the end of my rope, and that is when the answers arrived. I could not navigate all of the changes I was going through without the intervention of God. If you, or someone you know is struggling in the area of menopause, let them know, for some, it can really be a major life turning point and a very large adjustment, and can be very challenging. I experienced many symptoms including severe hot flashes, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, and many mood swings. But I can tell you that most of what I went through was stress related because of trying to keep on relating to life the same way I always had without realizing that my body was experiencing major changes. When I had enough information to make wise choices, and changed my lifestyle habits, my health returned and my joy level rose to amazing heights! I want to give God the credit, because I discovered in a new way the weakness of my own humanity, and my dependence on him. I tried to solve the situation in my own strength over a period of months but I kept hitting a wall. Once I came to the end of my own devices, he picked me up and really showed me the way out. Thank You Jesus. I recommend a good organic based multi-vitamin designed for women with hormonal-balanced nutrition such as Estroven, or Pro-Fema. Slow down, you’re not in your teens or twenties anymore. Don’t cry now, being slightly older has some rich benefits. Go for a walk outside 2 or 3 times a week. Learn to relax more. Enjoy a hobby. Take time out for yourself and do something you really enjoy that is not stressful to you. Drink plenty of water, and eat dark chocolate. (not to much chocolate) Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, brown rice, and nuts without alot of oil and salt, and yogurt or tofu. I remember when I was a kid and I was bored, my Mom would say color, read, watch TV,eat a carrtot, play with clay. I think that is good advice for menopause. You have to learn to enjoy slowing down some. Enjoy God, your husband, your kids, your house and your garden, enjoy yourself. Quit running sooooooo hard, and being so hard on yourself. Take long hot bubble baths with a scented candle and some soft music. Enjoy reading your Bible, a good book or a magazine, worship God, and enjoy Him.
Watch happy uplifting movies with a happy ending. Actually take time to smell the roses, and look at the sunset with your honey, sip some tea on the front porch, de-stress your life. Learn to enjoy times of stillness in the presence of God in complete silence, doing nothing other than sitting for long periods of time just looking out at the children playing or the wind rustling through the tree branches. Page through a beautiful picture book, catalog or magazine. Allow God to change things for you as you place your trust in Him alone.
Lee Ann, thank you for sharing.