It began subtly, much like the seasonal shift that caught me off guard. One morning, I awoke to find myself soaked in sweat. “Oh, that must be my fault,” my partner said. “I turned up the heat earlier; it was chilly!”
That explanation seemed plausible at first, but soon I found myself waking up damp more often than not, leading me to become a coupon clipper—who knew I’d be stockpiling deodorant at this point in my life?
The back pain crept in quietly too. One day, I overdid it, spending too much time on my feet. Logical enough, right? Yet, months have passed since that day, and not a single one has gone by without some degree of discomfort in my lower back. It’s as if my body is perpetually preparing for a visit from Aunt Flo. I experience aches, leg twitches, constant fatigue, and bloating, not to mention a snappy demeanor that could rival a bear with a sore tooth. Seriously, if you think I’m kidding, try ignoring a piece of trash on the floor one more time.
However, my menstrual cycle remains annoyingly normal. It isn’t late, spotty, or varying in heaviness. It continues to operate like clockwork. That’s why it took a random comment on social media for me to consider that I might be entering what my mother and grandmother referred to as “the change of life.”
At 39, I feel like I’m still 25 mentally, but my body doesn’t seem to agree. The so-called “old person problems” have hit me unexpectedly. Once I realized this, I went down the rabbit hole of Google searches. I found myself frantically typing, “Do I need to visit a doctor for menopause?” I mean, no one mentioned a doctor’s visit when I first got my period, so why now? It’s frustrating that menopause is almost a taboo subject—one discussed in whispers and through frantic internet searches like “chronic lower back pain.”
Why is it so challenging to find straightforward answers to what should be simple questions? Why am I resorting to Google instead of talking to my friends? I have no idea. Maybe I’m just overwhelmed, or perhaps I’m merely in the early stages of perimenopause.
Speaking of conversations, I’m not exactly keen on engaging with people lately. My last attempt at humor about feeling hot led to a not-so-funny exchange with my partner. Therefore, I’ve decided to limit human interaction for now—unless they’re bringing snacks or a fan.
Yet, I face another irony: two of the classic symptoms of menopause are said to be decreased libido and vaginal dryness. But that’s far from my reality. In fact, my partner is quite pleased, and honestly, he’s starting to wonder if I’ve stumbled upon some underground female Viagra. I might need to invest in Energizer batteries just to keep up.
So, what’s going on? Why am I experiencing symptoms that don’t align with the typical menopause narrative? Are we still so bound by outdated generalizations about women’s bodies that we can’t have an honest conversation? Or maybe I’m not even in the perimenopausal phase; perhaps I’m just dealing with stress, insomnia, and the summer heat.
I’ll go with the outdated generalizations for now. And guess what? I’m seriously considering making an appointment with my doctor next week for a proper check-up.
For more insights on similar topics, check out this post on home insemination. If you’re looking for reliable information, Science Daily is an excellent resource for everything related to pregnancy and home insemination. Also, consider visiting Make A Mom for expert advice on insemination kits.
In summary, navigating the changes of perimenopause can be overwhelming and confusing, but it’s essential to reach out for information and support. Embrace the journey and don’t hesitate to consult with your healthcare provider.