José (age 62): “I sometimes wondered, could I be menopausal? I barely noticed any symptoms”

José and her husband owned an agricultural business. Although it was hard work, it also meant that she was usually free in the winter months and could take care of her three children. A hectic but well-balanced life. So not having any menopausal symptoms was, in a way, a blessing.

At age 52, José decided to get off birth control in consultation with her GP. This is when she noticed that her periods had stopped, too. “Apparently, I had skipped the entire first stage of menopause without noticing it.”

A smooth transition

José had not been happy about being on birth control pills for quite some time. When she turned 50, she asked her GP if it was safe to stop using the pill. Childbearing was off the table by now, right? “He advised me to not quit just yet. I sometimes wondered, could I be menopausal? I barely noticed any symptoms. Can birth control pills delay menopause? When I came off the pill at 52, I noticed that my periods had stopped, too. Apparently, I’d skipped perimenopause.” 

So no symptoms whatsoever? “Not really. Apart from the occasional hot flash. Of course, I had my moods like anyone else. We all get depressed from time to time, don’t we? I didn’t associate this with menopause.”  

People around her did have menopausal symptoms. “A few friends of mine suffered from restless legs, but I never experienced this issue.” 

I found a lump in my breast once, which turned out to be a group of restless cells.

A healthy lifestyle

It's not that José made a conscious decision to change her lifestyle because she was getting older. Her health has always been important to her. “I’ve always made sure to eat plenty fruit and vegetables. I felt this was a big step in the right direction. I also tried to stay away from chocolate for a while... a short while!” she says laughingly. 

Has she ever used supplements to support her health? “No, but when I turned 50, I did start with Vitamin D. I'm also taking a glucosamine and chondroitin supplement to help with knee pain due to wear and tear. It's just one of those things that can happen with age and working in a standing profession.”  

Her tip for other women?

“That’s a difficult question because I’ve had it relatively easy and haven’t had to make any big changes. But I’ve always found it important to eat a healthy diet with fresh fruits and vegetables, to enjoy the outdoors and to exercise. I'm an avid cyclist and prefer riding my bike to driving. I also enjoy walking. To me, this is part of a healthy and pleasant life.”

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Personal experiences