The Never Ending Gifts

“Kris, you’ve got to read this.” My friend Cyndy handed me a book with the beautiful Suzanne Summers on the cover. Krysti from church had also recommended this book, saying, “Every woman should read this.” The book was about menopause.

At the time, I didn’t think I would need hormone information. My mom had breezed through menopause, and I assumed I would, too. When Miriam also asked me to read a hormone book, written by a doctor, I decided to read the books to humor my friends.

However, a few years later when menopause hit, my symptoms did get out of hand. It wasn’t the hot flashes themselves, but the nausea and feelings of dread accompanying them that got to me. The foggy thinking also frustrated me to the point of tears, and the sleep deprivation was taking its toll. My husband walked around the house on eggshells. Each morning he would look me in the eye and gently ask, “How are you this morning?” But we both knew he really meant who are you this morning—Jekyll or Hyde?

Just when I’d had enough, I stumbled upon a doctor specializing in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in an office next to my diabetic cat’s pharmacy. Coincidence or God? I reread my friend’s books and prayed hard about a decision. Taking hormones comes with an increased risk of cancer, but not taking them can lead to osteoporosis. After reading up on both sides of the HRT debate, I came to the conclusion that no one knew the exact consequences. It would take years to run the tests—too late for me.

In the meantime, my quality of life was so unbearable I decided to take the plunge. My doctor and I came up with a conservative plan of FDA approved bio-identical hormones, available at any pharmacy and covered by my insurance. It made sense to choose the hormones that have the same molecular structure as the ones my body produced, and these also have the most benefits.

I’m not recommending hormones. Each woman needs to make that decision with her own doctor. I repeat—taking hormones comes with an increased risk of cancer. I know I’m putting myself in danger, but my symptoms were so bad I decided to take the chance.

If your hormones are giving you a tough time, I do advise reading up on the current medical information and talking with your doctor. God gave us minds to reason and people to help. Hormones can wreak havoc with our emotions. Please educate yourself on the issues so you can make the best decision for you.

As for me, the low dose I’m on usually staves off my worst symptoms, and I greatly appreciate sleeping through the night. My hormone medicine keeps me emotionally steady most of the time, but when my balance gets off—usually because of stress—my symptoms remind me to turn to God for help. He talks me down from my anger and counsels me through my fears. When I turn everything over to God, I find peace in His presence. Jesus is my refuge and strength.