It all began without warning. The seasons shifted, and I awoke in a puddle of sweat. “That must be my fault,” my partner joked. “I cranked the heat earlier while showering; it was chilly when I got up!”
Sounds reasonable, right? The heat was up, I got hot, and I sweated it out. Totally normal. But lately, I’ve been waking up with my shirt soaked through almost every morning, and I’m now couponing for deodorant like it’s a new hobby.
Then the back pain sneaked in. One day, I overdid it—on my feet too long, and now I’m paying the price. But it’s been months since I did anything remotely strenuous, and I can’t recall a single day without that nagging ache in my lower back. It’s like my body is in a perpetual state of PMS—back pain, leg twitches, constant fatigue, bloating, and I’m irritable with everyone, including my dog. Seriously, I’m not proud of it, but one more time someone steps over that pile of laundry without picking it up? Let’s just say I’m not above a little theatrics.
But my period? Spot on. It hasn’t been late, light, or heavy—just regular. That’s why I hadn’t even considered that I might be going through what my mom and grandmother referred to as “the change.” If it weren’t for a random post on my Facebook feed, I might still be in the dark.
I’m 39. Thirty-nine! My body feels like it’s aged decades, but in my head, I’m still 25. So, when these “old person problems” hit me like a freight train, I’m caught off guard. And once I realize what’s happening, I’m Googling like a madwoman. I need answers, and I need them fast.
I started with the basics: “Do I need to see a doctor for menopause?” I mean, I didn’t visit a doctor when my period started, but do you have to for the end? Who’s got the manual on this stuff? Menopause feels like a taboo topic—more awkward than discussing your period. It’s veiled in secrecy, with frantic searches for answers, only to be bombarded with alarming results about obscure diseases that leave me in a cold sweat. I mean, can’t a girl just get some straightforward info without diving into a panic?
This experience is universal, so why is finding basic answers so tough? Why am I Googling instead of chatting with friends? I honestly don’t know. What was I saying? Oh right, talking to people. Well, that’s a bit of a challenge right now. Not long ago, I mentioned feeling hot, and my partner made a joke about hot flashes—cue the death threats. So, I think I’ll avoid human interaction for now.
Oh, and while I want nothing to do with anyone who isn’t bringing me snacks or an ice pack, that’s created an interesting dilemma. Two of the symptoms I’m “supposed” to be experiencing are a decreased libido and vaginal dryness. Without diving into TMI territory, let’s just say those aren’t issues for me. In fact, it’s the opposite. My partner is thrilled, wondering if I’m secretly on some new female Viagra. I might consider investing in some Energizer batteries at this point.
I’m utterly confused. Nothing is happening the way it’s “supposed” to. Am I just the odd one out, or is menopause such a taboo subject that we can’t even get straight answers? Or are we simply clinging to outdated stereotypes about aging women’s bodies? The truth is, it varies for everyone.
Or maybe I’m not even perimenopausal. Maybe I’m just sleep-deprived, my back hurts, and if someone doesn’t turn on the AC soon, I might resort to drastic measures because I can’t breathe.
Okay, scratch that last part. I think I’ll stick with the idea of overgeneralizations on this one and maybe book an appointment with my doctor next week. If you’re curious about how to navigate these changes, check out our blog post on home insemination for more insights, and consider this resource for more information on pregnancy and related topics.
In conclusion, menopause is a complicated journey that can be overwhelming when everything feels out of whack. But with the right resources and support, you can better understand what’s happening in your body.