Anti-Aging in Portland, Oregon

Menopause and Giving in to the Mystery

By Menopause Goddess, Lynette Sheppard

Early in my Menopause transition (euphemism for hellish maelstrom of horrifying hormonal events), so many things bothered me that I couldn't keep count. As the preliminary WTF freakouts of perimenopause and volcanic upheavals of The Big M are now mostly in my rear view mirror, I realize that some irritants that used to upset me simply don’t any longer. And that’s a real blessing.

For example, I used to be confounded and annoyed by the backhanded compliment "You look good…for your age." Now, heck, I'll take any compliment I can get without overanalyzing it for nuance or even honesty. I'll just focus on the "look good" part and thank the complimenter with sincere gratitude.

Being called ma'am initially was both disconcerting and horrifying. My mom is ma'am. And she just barely. I felt old and frumpy every time I was addressed in this fashion usually by someone only recently out of diapers, waiting on me in the store or bank.

But now, I gotta say, I'm okay with ma’am. You might say I've grown into it. Ma'am. Short for madam – now there’s a racy little thought. And when someone calls me "Miss"? I know they're just sucking up or trying to sell me something. I no way qualify for "Miss" anymore. Another thing in my rear view mirror and I don’t really miss it.

I've heard some of my friends and sister goddesses over the years complain about being invisible. And I've certainly experienced that evanescence myself when a clerk looks right past me to wait on some hot young woman. "Hey!" I'd want to yell. "I"m right here taking up space. Service me – or at least wait on me." (No I never did yell, I'd just clear my throat and say, "Excuse me, I believe I was here first." Which either worked or didn't.

However, now in my post menopausal incarnation, I find that I enjoy a certain anonymity, thanks to this decreasing visibility. I can slip in and out of places faster than a greased pig. Hawkers on the street miss giving me flyers. I love that.

And if I'm having a bad hair day? Or a fat day? Who cares? I'm invisible in the very best way and can just go about my business, carefree and happy. I don't have an image to keep up. I'm ma'am now, remember?

No, I'm not letting myself go – just letting myself be. So much easier when you aren't noticed that much anymore. Whew, what a relief. Forgetting things drove me absolutely stark staring mad in the beginning of my transition. Not so anymore. I'm used to it. I have workarounds to make my life work. I am the Queen of ritual and OCD in organizing stuff.

I just can't trust my formerly prodigious memory any longer to pick up the slack. And honestly, I can't get all worked up about it anymore. I exercise my brain as well as my body but neither are going to be in Olympic condition any time soon. Or ever. Hence the workarounds.

Lastly, not knowing the why of things sent me into an info gathering tailspin. Not all bad. I've learned (and shared) so much about the crazy Menopause journey through my incessant desire for understanding. And while I can learn and understand a lot, some things will remain incomprehensible. Maybe forever.

Like why I had hot flashes to the point of nausea and my friend Susan had nary a flush. Or why black cohosh works for some and not others. Or why I and others lose our hair while some women boast luxurious manes all their lives.

Overall, I've come to an acceptance that some things may never be clear. In a sense, I’m on a need-to-know basis – and apparently the great mystery has decided that I don’t really need to know. So be it.

Maybe the biggest change is this: I'm just going to enjoy the Mystery, however it plays out, whatever challenges or wonders await me 'round the next bend. That might be one of the secrets to aging gracefully. Maybe not. Then again, maybe.

We know how important finding the right provider and hormone health care is for you.

Our Health Provider Locator contains many types of professionals, please refer to the following list for explanation:

Provider Sign Up »

Local Results Your search returned 46 local results

covering PORTLAND, MILWAUKIE, TIGARD

  1. Jennifer Gibbons ND

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 252-8125

  2. Leigh Lewis ND

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 227-4050

  3. Peter Macris

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    503-283-4469

  4. Adam Maddox ND

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 241-3579

  5. Rosemarie Schild PA

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 238-5203

  6. Maureen Becker ND

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 736-9900

  7. Patty Brandon NP

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 226-6678

  8. Cara Clark ND

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 252-8125

  9. John Collins ND

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 493-9155

  10. Moira Fitzpatrick ND

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 222-2322

  11. Char Glenn MD

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 274-9818

  12. Janel Guyette MD

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 234-1531

  13. Tori Hudson ND

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 222-2322

  14. Pamela Jeanne ND

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 720-8999

  15. Stephanie Kaplan ND

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 222-2322

  16. Richard Kearl MD

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 274-4870

  17. Laura Korman MD

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 229-7353

  18. Heather Krebsbach ND

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 224-7224

  19. Randi Ledbetter MD

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 297-4774

  20. Samantha Levine ND

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 281-6767

  21. Barbara MacDonald ND

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 222-2322

  22. Russell Marz ND

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 233-0585

  23. Samantha Mathers ND

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 477-7915

  24. Meredith McClanen ND

    Milwaukie, OR

    Phone
    (503) 256-4895

  25. Shari Miller

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    360-624-3296

  26. Linda Moore MD

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 229-7353

  27. Judy Neall ND

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 445-7115

  28. Rose Paisley ND

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 287-4970

  29. Heidi Peterson ND

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 224-2590

  30. Rebecca Provorse ND

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 222-1865

  31. Stacey Raffety MD

    Tigard, OR

    Phone
    (503) 639-1712

  32. Pam Rathbone NP

    Milwaukie, OR

    Phone
    (503) 905-2526

  33. Peggy Rollo ND

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 223-7067

  34. Steven Sandberg-Lewis ND

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 552-1551

  35. Rosemarie Schild PA

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 238-5203

  36. Carrie Skinner ND

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 222-2322

  37. Jessie Speirs ND

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 222-2322

  38. Kimberly Suriano MD

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 284-5220

  39. Krista Tricarico ND

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 593-8900

  40. Wendy Vannoy ND

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 222-2322

  41. Edythe Vickers ND

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 224-7224

  42. Kim Webster MD

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 284-6385

  43. Maggie Zadikov LAC

    Portland, OR

    Phone
    (503) 234-3219

When you have found a provider, it is critical to ask the important questions. To assist you, we've created our list Ten Questions to Ask Your Health Care Provider.

For customized compounds like natural testosterone or estrogen you will need to find a compounding pharmacy. These compounds require a prescription from a licensed health care provider. For additional resources click here.

Please note: Women in Balance does not necessarily endorse or recommend any of these clinicians or resources. WIB is also not promoting any commercial product, entities or individuals. In addition, this locator tool is for the exclusive use of women looking for health care providers. Any unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.

Provider Sign Up »

Sponsored by: