Are you sensing that you might be entering the world of menopause? While hot flashes and wild hormonal swings aren’t exactly a walk in the park, it’s not all doom and gloom either. Many women start to notice changes in their 40s. Here are four bright sides to this life transition that you might want to consider.
Growing up, I remember my grandmother whispering about the “change of life.” I was a curious 7-year-old, and when I asked what that meant, I was told it was about no longer having babies and, thankfully, saying goodbye to “The Curse.” To my young mind, this didn’t sound so bad; after all, my little brother was quite the handful! I wasn’t entirely sure if “The Curse” was some kind of witch’s spell or a naughty term that would get me in trouble, but hey, this “change of life” seemed pretty appealing to me.
Fast forward a few decades, and we’ve come a long way from hushed conversations about our bodies to prime-time ads for sexual wellness products. You know the ones—those commercials featuring fabulous women of a certain age, confidently strutting their stuff. They want us to believe that menopause is all about feeling fierce and fabulous!
So, how am I thriving through my own personal menopausal journey? Let me share:
- Embarrassment? What Embarrassment?
Let’s talk about those pesky hair surprises—chin, neck, and yes, even ear and nipple hair. In my 40s, I’ve encountered a reoccurring hair that pops up out of nowhere on the side of my neck. Once, a handsome coworker mistook it for a string! After that incident, my embarrassment levels plummeted. The only other time I had such a surge in hair growth was during pregnancy, which feels like some kind of cruel hormonal joke. It’s like God is having a laugh at our expense! - Goodbye “The Curse”!
No more monthly visits from Aunt Flo! I can finally say goodbye to cramps, those dreaded days of bleeding, and pretending everything is just fine while wearing a bulky pad. Let’s face it, stuffing a cotton mattress in your pants is about as pleasant as licking a bug zapper. Menopause means I can skip that aisle at the grocery store—unless bladder leakage decides to crash the party, but that’s a whole different topic. Yes, the freedom from periods is exhilarating, but I’m afraid the mood swings and cravings for an entire bag of frozen chocolate chips are here to stay. Sorry, ladies, but wearing white pants whenever I want kind of makes up for it! - Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot!
Speaking of hot, I am literally feeling like I could set the world ablaze with my body temperature. Hot flashes are real, and they hit like a mini human barbeque! One moment you’re fine, and the next, you’re stripping off layers like it’s a summer day in the Sahara. Instead of being embarrassed, my husband sees my undressing as a signal for some fun—lucky me! - Sexier and More Fun!
Believe it or not, menopause has spiced things up in the bedroom! My new habit of spontaneously shedding clothes, combined with a certain essential product (hint: it starts with K and ends with Y), has transformed our intimacy. The focus has shifted to quality over quantity, and honestly, that’s perfectly fine with me.
I often wonder what my grandma would think if she could see how openly I discuss chin hair and all things taboo. While I won’t go so far as to say menopause is glamorous, I definitely feel fabulous in my own skin. Here’s to rocking the menopausal journey!
For more insights and support on this topic, check out this informative resource. And if you’re exploring options for the future, Make A Mom has excellent information on couples’ fertility journeys. Additionally, Kindbody is a fantastic resource for pregnancy and home insemination information.
Summary:
In conclusion, menopause doesn’t have to be a dreaded experience. From embracing embarrassing moments to saying goodbye to periods and feeling hotter than ever, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate this life phase. With a little humor and openness, women can navigate this change with confidence.