October 18 is World Menopause Day, and I’ll be taking the plunge to raise funds for Sinai Health, for research to help women facing health issues before, during and after menopause.
If you like, you can support me here.
Why am I doing this? I’m just old enough that menopause was barely talked about when I went through it. I had massive fibroids, and very heavy and long periods that came about every three weeks. At 48, I had a complete hysterectomy, including ovary removal. My menopause was more of a meno-screeching-halt.
It was the time when doctors believed the hormone replacement therapy increased the risk of things like breast cancer, so it wasn’t even an option.
I wore sleeveless tops, often carried a fan, and was never without a handkerchief for my sweaty face. I put down the sleepless nights to work stress and my teenagers.
It’s probably not a coincidence that it’s about then that I began winter cycling: rage at the local transit system and an opportunity to be properly cool and look kind of badass were powerful motivators.
Younger women are much more open about perimenopause and menopause, which is great. And I’m thrilled that Sinai Health is studying menopause.
It has been a while since I went for a cold water swim. I’m looking for doing it again for a good cause.
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