Thread by @ElsieWandera

I started am now in #perimenopause after losing both my ovaries to #Endometriosis

There is nothing that breaks me more than the thought of not being able to conceive and carry a child of my own in my uterus 👶🏽

This🧵is about navigating the new season which is a neglected topic

Our ovaries produce eggs for fertilization and also make the hormones (estrogen and progesterone) that play an important role in reproductive development and menstruation.

If, like me, you lose your ovaries early it increases our risk of osteoporosis and heart disease.

I now appreciate the role my ovaries played in contributing to the good quality of life. I didn’t have to worry about mood changes, vaginal and bladder problems, sexual function, fertility, hot flashes, sleep problems etc.

I am subsequently on HRT which helps manage the symptoms of #menopause

We need to end the stigma around #menopause and conditions that impact a woman’s quality of life.

Instead celebrate the milestones and learn to be sensitive during our conversations with them

Additionally, telling your doctor of these effects so that they find alternative methods to manage. Like probiotics for the production of healthy bacteria to protect the thinning vaginal walls.

Also listening to your body is critical because even though you don’t have ovaries you have artificial hormones that means you experience the fully cycle like any other woman does.

Also take up therapy because this is a heavy burden…any change has to be processed in order to respond well to it.

I noticed I don’t think of myself as a woman because for the fact that I can’t have children. It doesn’t define me but it’s a fact that can’t change

Love the women transitioning
Find out how best you can support them.

It’s hellish