Inspiring Real-Life Menopause Experiences with Heidi Houston

What symptoms did you experience before recognizing you were entering menopause?

My mornings were plagued by intense joint pain in my ankles and hips, making walking a struggle. Alongside this, I battled headaches, dry eyes, mood fluctuations swinging from joy to anger, and bouts of depression. Unexpectedly, I gained 40 pounds rapidly, followed by an additional 20 pounds. Despite a history of low cholesterol, mine suddenly skyrocketed.

When did you come to understand that menopause was the cause?

Over three years, I consulted six doctors and a clinic, yet none mentioned menopause as a possibility. Instead, each focused on treating my individual symptoms with medications.

It was this frustrating experience with my last doctor that inspired me to create “Hot Flash Havoc.” My goal was to provide women with accurate, accessible information about menopause, especially when medical advice falls short.

How has your life evolved since then?

One doctor asked if I planned to have more children, and upon hearing I did not, he suggested stopping my periods through 'forced' menopause. This decision turned my life upside down, leading to a three-year ordeal.

Eventually, I found a knowledgeable physician who recognized my condition better and reclassified me as being in perimenopause. With her guidance, I began hormone therapy to restore balance.

She explained that my symptoms were due to hormonal decline and could be treated. After starting estrogen and progesterone, I felt like my former self within three days. By day ten, joint pain, mood swings, depression, and heart palpitations vanished.

Within two months, my cholesterol dropped by 20 to 30 points, headaches ceased, energy returned, and fatigue lifted. While I continue to age naturally, I now embrace it feeling vibrant and well.

What positive outcomes have you found during menopause?

The greatest gift was creating “Hot Flash Havoc.” This film educates women, men, and healthcare providers about the realities of perimenopause and menopause. Many women are unaware that perimenopause can start as early as 35. It’s vital to empower women with knowledge so they avoid unnecessary medications for each symptom.

Is there anything you miss about having your period?

Honestly, I would welcome the complete end of menstruation, but either way, I’m content. Society often implies that women lose value once their periods stop, but the truth is that this 'second act' opens doors to new opportunities—whether in family, creativity, passions, or relationships.

Can you share a memorable moment from your menopause journey?

After finally receiving proper care, I returned home to my 13-year-old son. Five days later, he looked at me and said, “Mom, I don’t know where you’ve been, but I’m so glad you’re back.” That moment meant everything to me.

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