Having ovaries and a uterus is a mixed blessing. While these organs allow us to create life, they also come with a laundry list of challenges: monthly bleeding for about a quarter of our lives, unpredictable cramping, mood swings, bloating, and fatigue. And let’s not forget the surprise acne and the emergence of unwanted facial hairs.
We’re truly hashtag-blessed that these delightful experiences commence around the age of 12 and stick around until we hit our 50s. How wonderful! First, we deal with the daunting onset of puberty, then transition into the years of child-rearing, and before we know it, we’re knee-deep in the joys of perimenopause.
Perimenopause is particularly special because many of us are still managing the chaos of parenthood, like changing diapers and nursing fussy babies at ungodly hours. Meanwhile, our periods become unpredictable, leaving us in a constant state of questioning: “Am I pregnant again, or just aging?” And with that comes a new level of exhaustion that we simply can’t afford, as our families rely on us to keep it all together. So much fun!
At 46, I find myself sprouting hairs in places I never imagined: a stray white whisker on my chin, dark hairs around my nipples, and even a faint mustache. Plus, there’s the delightful incontinence to add to the mix—thanks, perimenopause!
It’s so unfair that after enduring decades of periods, PMS, childbirth, and motherhood, we enter this stage only to be met with wrinkles, extra weight, hot flashes, and mood swings that make PMS seem like a walk in the park. Perimenopause feels like nature’s cruel joke, robbing us of our youth and beauty while tormenting us for years. But hey, no more periods—so that’s a silver lining, right?
I’m currently navigating perimenopause at 37. With an 8-year-old and a 3-year-old, I feel constantly exhausted and overwhelmed. It’s depressing, and I’m scared of what’s to come.
The physical symptoms of perimenopause are a wild ride. Who doesn’t want to deal with teenage acne and gray chin hairs while sweating through their shirt at work? It’s a real nightmare!
And let’s talk about some of the effects that nobody warns you about—beyond the mood swings and hot flashes. Itchy skin, constipation, and painful intimacy suddenly become part of the fun. Perimenopause doesn’t play nice with life, especially when you’re juggling toddlers or dealing with a pandemic on top of everything else.
Dear Mom, I apologize for ever judging you for your behavior during your own perimenopause struggles. Now that I’m living it, I completely understand.
Who knew perimenopause would feel like a never-ending PMS cycle? Mood swings, cravings, and bloating but with no period to provide any relief. I find myself longing for my period just to feel somewhat normal.
And then there’s the rage. It can erupt over the most mundane things—like dishes in the sink or kids misplacing their shoes. We boil over and then calm down, only to find ourselves back in a rage-fueled spiral soon after. The best part? This phase lasts for years!
If you’re experiencing symptoms like hot flashes, irregular periods, or unexpected bodily changes, know that you’re not alone. We’re all in this together, navigating the chaos of perimenopause while trying to keep our families afloat.
So here’s to perimenopause—the latest chapter in the lives of those of us blessed with fallopian tubes. And yes, we truly are grateful (even if it’s through gritted teeth).
For more insights on this journey, check out this post from our collection. And if you’re seeking reliable information about at-home insemination, visit Cryobaby’s guide for expert advice. If you want to explore family-building options, don’t miss this excellent resource.