Thursday, July 26, 2012

Menopause: Pledge to Have the Second Talk With Poise



Did my title grab your attention? I hope it did, and that you will stay with me to read what I have to say, and agree to "Pledge to Have The Second Talk with Poise," and also to have a chance to win a $250 Visa gift card! Menopause is an important topic for all women, especially those over the age of forty. I think all women remember their "first talk" with a trusted adult about the changes they could expect in their bodies at puberty. Not long after the above photo that was taken at my ten-year-old birthday party (I am the skinny girl, top middle with the cat eye glasses) I went through puberty and began menstruation for the first time. It was a monumental event that I was totally unprepared for.
I had my first period while I was away for a sleepover at my best friend Ruth's house on Long Island. She had moved away that year, and we missed each other very much, as best friends do, so her parents had picked me up so we could spend the weekend together. I was confused and scared to wake up and see what was happening to me, but luckily Ruth had already begun to menstruate the year before and told me it was my period. Ruth's mother very kindly and gently gave me all the supplies I needed and told me how to use them. She then told me to call my mother and tell her what happened, and between Ruth's mother and mine, I learned all I needed to know about menstruation at that time. It was my "first talk," and one I'll never forget!



Flash forward forty-four years, and I completed menopause, the normal time in a woman's life when her periods (menstruation) eventually stop and the body goes through changes that no longer allow her to get pregnant. It is a natural event that normally occurs in women age 45 - 55. For around ten years before, when my ovaries began to stop their production of estrogen and progesterone, I felt the usual menopausal symptoms of night sweats, racing heartbeat, hot flashes, occasional insomnia, joint aches and pains and even the beginning of some forgetfulness. Except for an occasional conversation with a friend, where we would agree that having hot flashes could be rough, I hardly ever spoke about what I was going through with other women. There were no formal "second talks," not even from my gynecologist, about what to expect or how to address symptoms. As a registered nurse, I knew my menopausal symptoms were normal and expected, but my experience made me realize that women going through menopause could feel alone, confused, and anxious about their symptoms.

That is why I agree with the Poise brand that women should be better prepared for what to expect in menopause and how to manage their symptoms. Poise brand wants to help women approach this stage of life with confidence, by being the first to start The 2nd Talk, a whole new way to talk about menopause and other wellness issues for women over 40.


Poise brand has also designed five new, first-of-its-kind line of over-the-counter menopause products designed to work naturally with a woman's body and provide comfort during menopause and address hot flashes, vaginal odor, and dryness.

Although my menopausal symptoms are now not as severe as they once were, I know I will enjoy using the Body Cooling Towelettes which offers instant cooling and refreshment when I experience a hot flash. All I will have to do is gently wipe the towelette on my wrists, chest, or neck to feel cool and comfortable. Featuring a portable, re-sealable package, these towelettes are easy to use anywhere I go.

The Roll-On Cooling Gel is another new product that would easily fit into my pocket when I am on the go, to help me feel comfortable and refreshed when a hot flash strikes. All I'll have to do is squeeze the tube and gently roll the cooling gel on my wrists, chest, or neck for a cooling sensation that lasts up to 10 minutes. These new Poise products will definitely help me feel more comfortable and confident.
To launch this first generation of female products, Poise brand is creating the revolutionary idea to host The 2nd Talk, a conversation led by Poise between moms, sisters, experts, and friends. Poise brand wants to rally 1 million women to pledge to have The 2nd Talk by World Menopause Day on October 18. By joining the conversation, women will gain more menopause knowledge, support, and better solutions to help make this life stage better for generations to come!
Won't you take the time right now to make the pledge to join the conversation at The2ndTalk.com? Then come back to my blog and be entered for a chance to win a $250 Visa gift card by leaving a comment below that answers this question: "When do you feel most confident?"

Contest closed

106 comments:

From the Kitchen said...

I think you are doing a great service to women by opening this dialogue. I am one of the lucky ones to have experienced none of the menopause symptoms. Neither did my mother or one sister. My other sister has gone through every symptom in the "book".

Best,
Bonnie

myletterstoemily said...

thank you for this second talk about our next
chapter ! you are a wonderful spokesperson!

Mami2jcn said...

I feel most confident when I’m having a good hair day and I’m dressed in clothing that fits me well.

mami2jcn at gmail dot com

black eyed susans kitchen said...

A most interesting and unexpected topic Pat. Love the picture of you in your pretty crinoline puffed
dress. There is a show coming up at the local theater called Menopause the Musical. Personally, I was lucky...it came and went without too much hassle. You always have the most interesting posts.
♥, Susan

podso said...

You presented this well! Thankfully my doctor was open to talking and we seemed to talk a lot about it as friends. I was late going through it. Looks like helpful products

Barbara F. said...

Such a delicate subject, and you presented it so beautifully. I would love to join these Blog Her sponsored events but Blog Her seems to have a problem with my password all the time. I am going to look for these "cooling" wipes and roll on. xo

Kris said...

I am seeing this post from so many of my blogging friends. I have been going through it for twelve years, since age 40 when I had a total hysterectomy!! No meds, but boy do I suffer!!! Hot flashes especially. And if I win, I am buying a life time supply of that cooling gel. I had never even heard of it before!!!!
Love the birthday photo! Classic! You are adorable!!!!!
Then, and now!
XO Kris

Snap said...

I'm one of those who did instant menopause because of hysterectomy. What a trip and no fun. While I have very few symptoms now, I think the cooling towelettes and cooling gel would be great for the hot weather of summer! Not sure it is confidence or just because I've reached an age where I am me ... just the way I am ... ME!

Old Kitty said...

Ok!! The big "m"!! I want all the meds and paraphernalia that goes with this when I go through it! Oh yes! LOL! Take care
x

Mami2jcn said...

tweet:

https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/228563425725407235

mami2jcn at gmail dot com

Rosa said...

I feel more confident after a good work out, and when I know my clothing is fitting better.

Rosa said...

https://twitter.com/rosorior/status/228568765439283200

roso1946@gmail.com

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

Great topic, Pat. I'm happy to see someone has developed some products for the big change...thankfully, I'm over all that but sure could have used them a few years ago. My "first talk" was the film all the 5th grade girls were shown...but I was a late bloomer, nearly 15 when I started so I knew all about it from my friends by then too.

Paula's Postings said...

A delicate subject and well presented I have many 2nd talks with my golden friends we are lucky that we can broach such a sensitive issue.

Carol said...

Fantastic post, Pat. I am so ready for that Second Talk, this heat wave is killing me :) Love your party pics, you were adorable!

Carol said...

Here's the link to my tweet...
http://twitter.com/ThymetoCook1/status/228588370320842752

Jenny said...

I'm not too poised with menopause at the moment.

Maybe this would help!

Thanks for the tips!

diane b said...

been there done that. Sailed through without too many problems. Its all over red rove now.

Arlenesfelt said...

Pat, I had a complete hysterectomy in my early 50's that sent me into instant menopause with unrelenting hot flashes and a frequent feeling of impending doom. I was miserable for over ten years. Then I heard Suzanne Somers on TV promoting her book " The Sexy Years", and bio identical hormones. Through her book I was able to find an internist who works with bio identical hormones. My symptoms disappeared in the first week I began using compouned hormone replacement cream, made for me. That was over ten years ago.

annie said...

Pat, you handled this beautifully.

My name is Riet said...

Hi Pat. We don't have poise here bur I find what they are doing a wonderful thing for women during menopause and much later. I ended my periods twenty years ago, I didn't have the hot flashes but I got depressed. That was a terrible time. Now I have the flashes LOL . Didn't know they would still come at my age of 74. Don.t know if poise mentioned this .thank you for this post.
Have a nice weekend.

Tracy said...

This was a fantastic post, Pat! And such great products featured.. those towellets and roll-onsound really nice. I got my period when I was 11. I remember the day vividly. I was in 5th grade and running a gym class relay when it happen--YIKES! It was unexpected, and once home from school my first real talk with my mom happened. As I near 40, I have noticed some changes in my cycles, and the semi-forgetfulness is already kicking in...LOL! A while ago I read Christiane Northrup's The Wisdom of Menopause--which was a gift from my mom--and found great comfort and advice reading it. I have a bit to go yet before menopause really set in. But I feel better informed. Thank you for sharing a very important topic for us women! Happy Weekend ((HUGS))

Tanna said...

Kudos to starting up The Second Talks!! blessings ~ tanna

Amy Anderson said...

I feel confident when I'm asked a question at work and I actually know the answer. And then I realize...I'm GOOD at what I do!

Lovella ♥ said...

I think this is just great Pat. I was recently visiting my MD and after a simple blood test he told me that all my weird and scary symptoms were due to menopause. The way he explained it ...all those parts of my body that were experiencing tingles...etc were all in menopause.
We have our trailer packed up and I'm making my rounds to say ..."see you later" to all my blogging friends. I'll be back.
xoxo

akronugurl said...

i feel being confident just being my self!

freebiel0ve@yahoo.com

akronugurl said...

tweet: https://twitter.com/akronugurl/status/228917089992323072

freebiel0ve@yahoo.com

Manju Modiyani said...

Second talk...Its a good thing Pat...You are doing a great job.

Loved ur blog...now joining you for some great reading experience. :)

Do visit my blogs in your spare time-
ManjuzKitchen.blogspot..in
AndMyLifeGoesOn.blogspot.in

Anonymous said...

I feel most confident after getting my hair cut and colored!

pokergrl8 at gmail.com

Anonymous said...

https://twitter.com/aes529/status/228944761426411520

pokergrl8 at gmail.com

Frugal Mom from California said...

I feel most confident after getting my hair done

elena150980@yahoo.com

Frugal Mom from California said...

https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/228974328526540800

elena150980@yahoo.com

Judy said...

Now you are a brave girl...discussuing a subject we don't often broach. I for one never expected the 'hot flashes' to be nearly as severe as they were. I'm still having a little help on that front! Thanks for introducing a whole new line of products. Who would have known?

Unknown said...

when i have a good hair day i feel more confident, thismomwins@gmail.com

Unknown said...

tweet https://twitter.com/thismomwins/status/229284116787499009
thismomwins@gmail.com

StephanieC said...

when i feel rested and like my outfit! scg00387 at yahoo dot com

StephanieC said...

https://twitter.com/DesMoinesDealin/status/229311151824060416 scg00387 at yahoo dto com

Anonymous said...

I feel most confident after I have had a good day at work.

Jennifer Marie

lilnursejen at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

tweeted

https://twitter.com/JenniferCNP/status/229410787259719682

jennifer marie

lilnursejen at yahoo dot com

ms-texas said...

i feel most confident when i am wearing nice clothes and have my hair and makeup fixed nicely

debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com

ms-texas said...

i tweeted here:

https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/229725334981976064

debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com

Jojo said...

This is much needed conversation! Thank you Pat. I've joined on the Poise site and now to answer your question. Thankfully in the past few years my confidence level has remained fairly consistently high and level. I was one of the lucky ones who kept a job during the economic downturn and while I complain about doing more with less, there have been many professional successes that have come along as a result. I'm very thankful for this but hope that somewhere in the not too distant future there will be a chance for retirement too!

kellyr78 said...

I feel the most confident when I am wearing nice clothes, jewelry and have my hair done nicely.

kellywcuATyahooDOTcom

kellyr78 said...

tweeted
https://twitter.com/Kellydinpa/status/229759687816511488

kellywcuATyahooDOTcom

AubreyLaine said...

I feel most confident in heels and a sun dress
family74014 at gmail dot com

Amy said...

I totally need the Cooling Rolling Gel! Gotta get to the market early tomorrow for that. Yes, your title got my attention! To answer your questions, I feel most confident when I do what I love, which is to cook for my family.

Amy [at] utry [dot] it

Amy said...

Tweeted about this giveaway: https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/230163264670138369

Amy [at] utry [dot] it

JC said...

I feel most confident when I feel fit, am dressed well and appropriate.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com.

JC said...

https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/230546357780377601

Judy B. said...

I can identify with what you wrote in your post. I was desperate for information when I began menopause, but I was not satisfied with what was available. I'm glad Poise is on it. I feel most confident when I have enough information and support to feel prepared.

Judy B. said...

tweet
https://twitter.com/BBirdie2/status/231132993572446208

erika said...

I feel the most confident after my husband compliments me on my outfit- he doesn't usually say much, so when he does, it means a lot!

chambanachik@gmail.com

erika said...

Tweeted: https://twitter.com/chambanachik/status/231259214817939456

ellen b said...

when I get enough sleep and I feel great in the morning
elliebunny at hotmail dot com

ellen b said...

https://twitter.com/elliebunny24/status/231505108259708929
elliebunny at hotmail dot com

pookiecat123 said...

My most confident time is after I have taken a long walk-I feel like I can conquer the world.

Judy S
pookiecat123 at yahoo dot com

pookiecat123 said...

tweet tweet

https://twitter.com/pookiecat123/status/232507921261531137

Judy S
pookiecat123 at yahoo dot com

Angel Jacklyn said...

I FELT CONFIDENT MORESO BACK THEN, BUT I MAKE THE BEST OF NOW. WHEN I FEEL AS GOOD AS I LOOK & VICE VERSA!

kytah00@yahoo.com

Angel Jacklyn said...

https://twitter.com/kytah00/status/232536036432039936

Tina said...

When I have my makeup on
merleandtina@yahoo.com

Tina said...

https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/232590565093564418
merleandtina@yahoo.com

sy said...

I'm confident when I feel like I did a good job at work, when someone complements me, or when I cook a good meal. Thanks for the review and giveaway.
songyueyu at gmail

sy said...

tweet: https://twitter.com/syytta/status/233126945754329089
songyueyu at gmail

Kerry said...

I feel the most confident in a new outfit!
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

Kerry said...

tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/233737198518824960
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

patis2 said...

I feel confident when I am doing things I know I rock at doing - and when I get compliments later its a major confidence boost!
patis2(at)msn(dot)com

patis2 said...

tweeted https://twitter.com/#!/patis2000/status/233958607245410304

carmen @ life blessons said...

I feel most confident when I'm wearing an outfit I know is flattering on me and have had time to straighten my hair and put on a little make-up. Only takes about 10 minutes, but the difference it makes in how I feel is worth 10 times as much!

lifeblessons -at- gmail dot com

Melinda said...

When I'm all dressed up and feeling sexy

Unknown said...

I feel most confident when I'm wearing scarf.


tianayubi at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

Tweeted:
https://twitter.com/mrsayubi/status/235542218310561793

tianayubi at gmail dot com

Kellie's Camera said...

I feel most confident in a new outfit!

kelliescamera at gmail dot com

Kellie's Camera said...

tweeted:

https://twitter.com/kelliechio/status/235803179701399553

kelliescamera at gmail dot com

Nicole Larsen said...

I feel most confident after getting my waxing done and a pedicure!

pittsy82@hotmail.com

Nicole Larsen said...

tweeted https://twitter.com/pittsy82/status/235890447317356546

pittsy82@hotmail.com

jenspurg said...

I feel most confident when my husband tells me how good I look, especially after 3 kids.
huntandride@hotmail.com

jenspurg said...

https://twitter.com/jen_r_horn/status/236204061878284288
huntandride@hotmail.com

Jayne Martin said...

I feel strong and confident after I've just had a great ride on my somewhat challenging horse.

jvmwordsmith@gmail.com

Jayne Martin said...

Tweeted.

https://twitter.com/Jayne_Martin/status/236579863132246016

jvmwordsmith@gmail.com

Kimberly said...

I feel the most confident when my hair's not frizzy, my clothes fit just right, and when my wrinkles are having a good day!

Kimberly said...

https://twitter.com/salviunum/status/236955563160899584

Tweeted

smtm{at}live{dot}com

Heather H said...

I feel most confident after my daily trip to the gym. No frills, no fuss, and I leave feeling strong. It's perfect!

Kelly Massman said...

I feel confident when I smile! Thanks for a chance to win and have a great day!
kmassmanATgmailDOTcom

Ashley T. said...

I feel confident when I have a cute outfit and shoes
ajoy1332 at yahoo dot com

Ashley T. said...

https://twitter.com/ajoy1332/status/237392143159808000

ajoy1332 at yahoo dot com

LauraJJ said...

I feel most comfortable when I am with my soulmate! My knight in shinging armor! :) Always makes me feel comfortable!
landfjacobson @ charter.net

LauraJJ said...

I tweeted
https://twitter.com/Ilovemybeagle2/status/237708737341714434
landfjacobson @ charter.net

Michelle S. said...

I feel most confident when I find I can do something that I didn't think I could!

Michelle S. said...

https://twitter.com/88MichelleS/status/238095858028126208 tweet

Betty C said...

I was fortunate that I missed a lot of the really difficult symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings. However as the result of having 5 children plus aging my bladder seems to have totally lost its ability to stay closed. "Leaking" is one of the most distressing side effects so I really feel most confident when I am armed with the supplies that will keep me looking good even when I have the occasional accident.

willitara [at] gmail [dot] com

Betty C said...

Tweet - https://twitter.com/willitara/status/238545717763903488

willitara [at] gmail [dot] com

Ellie Wright said...

I'm most confident when I'm out with my grandsons and everyone mistakes them for my children.
Thanks for the giveaway!
eswright18 at gmail dot com

Ellie Wright said...

tweet
https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/238717228785205250

ewhatley said...

I feel confident now because all the worse things in life are behind me, I survived all of them and getting older is really fun.

mybeachylife at gmail dot com

MCantu1019 said...

I feel most confident when I have my kids at home.
MCantu1019 at aol dot com

anonymous said...

I feel most confident when I have my makeup and hair done well. altern147 [at] yahoo [dot] com

meredith m said...

I feel most confident when I am prepared and well rested
mermont84 at yahoo.com

meredith m said...

tweeted https://twitter.com/mermont84/status/238814944987058179
mermont84 at yahoo.com

Chip said...

I feel most confident when I am surrounded by my friends.
chipdip2010(at)hotmail(dot)com

Chip said...

Tweeted http://twitter.com/chipdip2010/status/238846818560122880
chipdip2010(at)hotmail(dot)com

slehan said...

I feel most confident when I'm in the swimming pool teaching my Arthritis Class. Or singing with my chorus. Or singing in the pool.
Thanks for the contest.

slehan said...

blogged: http://slehan.blogspot.com/2012/08/win-250-visa-from-poise-and-blogher-824.html

angie lilly said...

I feel most confident when with good friends who accept and love me just the way I am and love me for all my faults and neuroses! LOL Unconditional love is a true ego boost!
Angie
14earth at gmail dot com

angie lilly said...

I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/239027627808133120
Angie
14earth at gmail dot com

Anash said...

i feel most confident when my clothes are crisp and clean! Thanks for a super giveaway!
My email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com

Anash said...

Tweeted:
https://twitter.com/anashct3/status/239206698294857730
Thanks for the chance to win!
email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com