Check out The Second Talk on Poise {Giveaway}

My daughter started 6th grade this year, and although it seems like she's making a seamless transition to middle school, a small part of me worries, because I know from exprerience how crazy those years can be. As if dealing with changing schedules and changing workloads weren't enough, she's also going to have to deal with her changing body and all the challenges that come with it. I've tried to help her prepare for it as best as I can; we've had THE TALK, so she knows all about what's to come: the hormones, the zits, the boobs, the mood swings, the cramps, the period. Forewarned is forearmed, right?

With The Pea's menstruation on the horizon, I can't help but look a few years ahead to another stage of life, this time one of my own: menopause. The truth is, menopause can be just as confusing and just as uncomfortable as menstruation was for us so many years ago! With all that's going on, women need as much support during the onset of menopause as they did during the onset of menstruation -- but not all women are lucky enough to have a mother or an aunt or a friend who is willing to share what they went through with menopause.

Fortunately, Poise is introducing The 2nd Talk, a new site that's perfect for women who need someone to give them the menopausal version of THE TALK. Any woman can share their personal stories about menopause and keep the conversation going about the changes you go through after 40. My own mother was uncomfortable enough giving me THE TALK the first time around, so The 2nd Talk is a godsend! This site doesn't hold back -- topics include not only the well-known hot flashes and night sweats, but also the less frequently mentioned issues like mood swings and intimacy, as well as cringe-inducing topics like bladder leakage and vaginal odor. I can't imagine asking my mother how her vajayjay smelled when she started menopause, so it's nice to have The 2nd Talk to see what other women have to say about it.

I checked out The 2nd Talk, and there are hundreds of stories from real women who went through or are going through menopause. Every woman is different, and everyone experiences menopause differently, so it's nice to get everyone's stories all in one place. The stories I found particularly useful were those talking about the first signs of menopause. I have a thyroid disorder, and I found out that some symptoms are identical to symptoms of a thyroid disorder (racing heart, fatigue), so now I know that if I do experience those symptoms, it might not be my thyroid disorder acting up, it might be menopause! I also liked the stories that give readers tips on how to cope with menopause -- suggestions included finding a good doctor, doing yoga, and best of all, keeping a sense of humor. There are definitely women who've taken that advice, because the site is sprinkled with amusing menopause stories! Here are some snippets from my favorites:

Norma P: I began to sweat a ton in my face- so much that drops were falling off the tip of my nose onto the desk in front of me!

Susan: I would wake up soaking wet and have to change nightgowns.

Gina: I took a little too long to get up from my desk and run to the b-room. when I got there, the guy was cleaning so I start to tinkle while I hope and prayed it didn't penetrate my pants.

Margaret R: Soon after I stopped getting my period for good, I was in the store and out of sheer force of habit I picked up sanitary napkins, which I obviously didn't need anymore! One of first of many forgetful "menopause moments!"

Beverly: A few years ago, my older co-teacher was having hot flashes and would actually wear a towel in class around her neck.

So funny! But as Beverly writes further on, "Well-fast forward two years....I don't think hot flashes are quite so funny anymore!"

So great that these women are willing to laugh at themselves a bit -- but more importantly, let everyone know that despite their horror stories, they survived menopause, and so will you. That's what makes this site such a great resource -- sure, it gives you lots of information, but even better, it lets you know that you are not alone. Check it out!


Win a "Hot Flash Prize Pack" from Poise
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive a Hot Flash Prize Pack featuring a $50 gift card and Poise products.

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The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PST on Jan. 7, 2013; I will draw a winner at random on Jan. 8, 2013 and post his/her name after he/she confirms acceptance. Continental US residents only. For additional giveaway rules, click here.


Disclosure:  This is a paid post, courtesy of Poise.  The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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