This article is part ofHealth Divide: Menopause and Black Women, a destination in our Health Divide series.
Her experience impacted me so much that it motivated my own medical decisions when I was in my 20s.
But, deep down, I was also afraid.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health; Design by Verywell Health; Photo courtesy of Stacia Alexander
I wanted something different for my own life.
Finally, once I knew I was done having children, I decided to go through with a hysterectomy.
My hysterectomy led to anearly onset of menopause.
My Menopause Symptoms
The first symptoms I noticed were rooted in my mood shifts.
My mood changes were quickly followed by menopauses most common symptom:hot flashes.
Dr. Stacia Alexander
Hot flashes are .
akin to your cells sparking on fire within your body in an inconsolable and overwhelming way.
Id previously been with my gynecologist for over 20 years.
Hed delivered all of my children and supported my personal health through every other season of life.
But, when it came to menopausal care, I knew pretty quickly that I needed a different approach.
I spent the next few years visiting doctor after doctor.
My two most transformative experiences included afunctional wellnessdoctor and a female gynecologist.
They both had one thing in common that other doctors hadnt possessed: they listened to me.
When it came to menopausal care, I knew pretty quickly that I needed a different approach.
You don’t have to live like this.
She supported me in doing just that.
The Aftermath of Finding the Right Treatment for Me
Today, Im in a wonderful place.
I feel in control, my anxiety andinsomniaare gone, and I dont feel overwhelmed.
I feel strong again, both physically and emotionally.
But most importantly, Im not in pain anymore.
My curiosity made my healing possible.
you could find a care team that supports your individual needs.
Its also given me a new understanding of what my mom went through.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Hysterectomy.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Introduction to Menopause.
