The fun started in my early forties. Mood swings,
depression, sleeplessness, exhaustion and the ever fun…hot flashes. Yes, said the doctor, you are in perimenopause.
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Joy!
Like a good girl, I did my research. Read everything I could find on the
delightful period of life I’d just entered.
Some of the symptoms had started to let up…except the hot flashes which
by now included night sweats. But, l could get through this with the aide of
drugs.
No—wait. Drugs aren’t good for you. Being on the pill too
long can cause cancer. Okay, then homeopathic
is the way to go. And I did.
Soy. Nope, still flashing. Wild Yam cream, slathered my body
in it. Did nothing. Black cohosh, red clover, dong quai…you get the
picture. Tried and gave up on those and
a lot of other things. Full blown
menopause would take care of the issues.
So, I waited—and am still waiting. Leaning to live with the hot flashes, I
adapted. Cool temperatures at night, fanning during the day. Recently, I
discovered another way, a cold gel pack from the freezer under my pillow helps
keep then down, and if one hits, I move my pillow up enjoy the refreshing coldness
unit it.
As far as the mood swings, they aren’t too bad. But there
are moments when the idea of ripping off lips of someone who doesn't know when to shut up appeals. That can be avoided for the most part by the annoying individual keeping their mouth closed or sewing it shut until the urge passes.Have you entered the peri or post menopause stage of life? How do think it affects your interaction with others?
14 comments:
Amen to that, Ms. Lizzie. I was lucky. Hardly any flashes, but wanting to rip people's lips off, now that's another story...
ROFL! Glad I'm not the only one who gets cranky at times, Sharon!
I've been overheating at night all winter, but I was thinking since it's not flashy and just permanent that it's because I live in an apt. now which has unadjustable heat and it's like 80 (I think) and I used to keep my previous place at 60. At 51 now, I can only hope that it's beginning, but there aren't any signs. I was pretty cranky last week though.
My reaction was emotional rather than physical. Never had any meds. But because I was physical I did my best to run it out and work it out. But the strangest thing - I've become very much my own woman through that emotional development. I don't 'belong' as someone's wife or mother now. I don't accept that. Suddenly I became ME. Anyone else find that?
I know this isn't funny, but you have written a stellar post that has me laughing my ass off! Congrats on telling it like it is.:)
When this hits me, the hubby might just want to move out for a while. I'm pretty damn cranky/moody/weepy on a good day. When the hormones get out of whack, I'm going to be flat out dangerous.
Great post...but I have to say with an evil chuckle...As someone long past menopause...Their are a ton of new challenges ahead. Just hang on tight.
Oh Lizzie this post made me chuckle.
Ripping lips off sounds messy. But I agree with your sentiments. My tolerance levels these days are like a Red Arrows display. One minute nose diving the next sky high.
Great post.
Is it hot in here?
Susan
Anne, I hope for your sake it is not being able to adjust the heat down. You're lucky at 51 to be able to say that. My fun started in my early 40s and hasn't stopped yet...LOL
That's great you turned a negative into a positive that has delivered a strong woman, Vonnie. Go you!!!!
Some days I find humor in the situation too, Sloane. Just wanted to let other women know they aren't alone when those 'moments' hit...LOL
Oooh, I forgot the weepy part, Emilia. Yep, had lots of those. My daughter came home one day to find me sobbing for no reason. Sent me to see a neighbor who was a nurse. When I finished my story of what had been happening & how I felt, she declared...'yep, menopause.'
How's that for a wise woman!
Happy you're long past, Ginger. This is said by someone who has been in menopause for what feels like freakin' forever.
Had my gyno tell me her mother was in her 80s and still having hot flashes. The joy some of us have to look forward to...*g*
Glad you got a chuckle, Susan. I hoped to lighten someone's day with a few of my fun experiences.
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