Self-Esteem - Menopause Message Board

viktik · 03-15-2006, 07:00 AM

Hi everyone,

When my symptoms hit hard last year, I lost about 8 lbs. According to my doctor, I am 10 lbs. underweight. Since I lost muscle during that time, I don't fill out my clothes very well. I have also noticed that my hair has gotten kind of brittle and my skin is dry. I always have had oily skin, and fortunately (knock on wood) I don't have many wrinkles (yet!). During this time of knowing that my reproductive years are ending (I just turned 52) it seems like I struggle some with a low self-esteem. We live in a "looks conscious world," and it's easy to feel like our femininity doesn't count as much at this stage of life. I am unmarried, but for those of you who are married, do you sometimes struggle with a low self-esteem, even though you have a mate? And, do you all just want to be home more often than you used to?

My aunt always said that when she "stopped turning heads," then she would worry! In other words, at the end of the day, we all want to know that we are, in fact, still FEMALE!!

Let me know your thoughts ladies, and may the Lord's blessings be on all of you today!

Lynn

Wizard · 03-15-2006, 09:39 AM

Lynn....

When my symptoms hit hard about 6 months ago, I also lost a ton of weight. I was getting so thin that it scared me. Now that I've gotten my symptoms under control a little, I've been going back to the gym and really working out with weights to build a firmer body. I find that it really helps with my self esteem.

I do find that I want to be home a lot more. I also want to be in my pyjamas and in bed, just watching tv or reading alot earlier than I used to.

I've been taking flax seed oil to help maintain good hair and skin. It really seems to be working.

Jo

deinee · 03-15-2006, 01:27 PM

You thin ladies are lucky. Try having low self esteem when you are overweight and know people are staring and talking about you! Peri makes you paranoid enough without adding all the obvious physical problems you are going thru. Acne, thinning hair, gray hair, facial flushing, brittle nails not to mention sweat pouring off you in the middle of the day when it's 20 degrees outside! It's hard to feel like crap on the inside and know you look like crap too on the outside! Our society makes sure we have low self esteem if we don't weight 120# and have flawless skin. But i guess we will still keep trying, what choice do we have?

Belle2003 · 03-16-2006, 01:15 AM

Yes it is easy to feel bad about yourself when everyone on TV, the movies and in the magazines are young, thin and beautiful. Even the older models or TV stars (desperate housewives) look thin and fantastic.

I just try to set a goal for myself. Like trying to exercise so many days per week. I cut out eating desserts and other sweets. Some how I ended up gaining 4 pounds! I am trying to exercise more and vigorously to at least lose the 4 pounds. I can't afford to be buying larger clothes.

summerblue · 03-16-2006, 07:55 AM

I'm having a hard time these days with my self esteem. I was always very slender, even after having my daughter. I have since gained alot of weight, mostly in my mid section. I don't fit into any of my old clothes and I refuse to buy newer "fat" clothes. This weight just came on in the past year and I can't lose anything. I have been eating healthy, exercising, I don't eat junk or drink soda. I can lose maybe 3 pounds just to regain it back. I feel just terrible with this bloating, along with night sweats, hot flashes, chills, etc., etc. I too am having problems with crappy looking skin when I always had such a nice complextion. I now find I don't go anywhere unless I have to. I like being home and in my sweats, I don't feel much like socializing. I never thought I would feel so bad physically or mentally. I know it could be worse, I am thankful that I am healthy, I just feel very low about all this and I hope I will feel better one day soon.