Remember the video we all watched when we were in the 7th or 8th grade? You know, the one about Our Changing Bodies? The boys had their version, we had ours, everybody uncomfortably giggled, hopefully learned something, and walked out scared to death?
Yeah, well, Ladies, if you’re in the 40 – 50 year old range (maybe a bit younger, maybe a bit older) it’s happening AGAIN but this time, we don’t get a film or a cute little pink box to take home with samples.
It’s PERIMENOPAUSE time! So let me just calm you down because a) you’re not going crazy b) it’s real c) nobody really provides much help or comfort because it happens in a time of your life when you’re too damn busy to even seek help or ask questions.
So what might you be experiencing? Here’s an exhaustive list from the internet, (from Christiane Northrop, MD, whom I LOVE btw) but here’s what’s going on with me:
- Hot flashes/cold flashes
- Sleep disturbances
- Weight Gain
- FREAKING OUT OF CONTROL HUNGER
- Bloating
- Tender Breasts
- Mood Swings/Anxiety
- Flooding (this has been abated thanks to my amazing doctor who has put me on a low dose bcp)
- Scattered brain, trouble focusing, ADD, whatever you want to call it. My brain isn’t working right.
Your list may be very different, but the truth is this is a THING, Friends, and we need to know that we’re not alone. And also, why are all the women in the pictures like 70 years old? We’re in our mid 40’s, Folks, we are the Jennifer Anistons and Michelle Obamas of the world! We are running companies and running marathons and running our families so please, drug and medical companies, update your pictures!
I have ZERO emotional issues with this time of my life. I’m not crying in my Chardonnay because I’m done having children. I love the three I have but no, just no. I’m not questioning my decisions or worried about the future (which is a miracle). But the physical stuff . . . UGH.
So what can we do?
If you’ve read the blog much, you know I’m all about trying to do what I can holistically first, so here’s some great info I found:
- Exercise
- Reduce Stress
- Eat well
- If the symptoms are bad, have your doctor check your hormone levels
So, basically the same things you should be doing to live healthy normally, but now it’s MORE IMPORTANT than ever.
If I’m honest, the symptom that’s bugging me the most is my increase in appetite. Back when I was in high school, I would binge eat pretty regularly before my periods. I was like a crazy person and it wasn’t psychological (well, maybe a little) but I was REALLY REALLY REALLY hungry. That’s happening again, now, and it’s making it super important that I keep the junk out of my house. But 3 apples just doesn’t do it for me like 3 chocolate chip cookies. Or 7.
I have had frank conversations with my husband and teenage boys about what’s going on with me. Does that surprise you? It really shouldn’t. This isn’t something to be shy and coy about, Friends, this is your PHYSICAL BODY. And while we’re on the topic, I’ve talked openly with my boys since they were in early elementary about women and their cycles. Normalizing the conversation is the first step toward raising a generation that looks at women as equal image bearers!
I’m rambling. If you’re where I am, hang in there. It will be over at some point and in the mean time, we have each other. If I could, I’d hand you a little pink box with your survival guide and some samples. But let’s face it, it would really just be a huge bottle of wine and some chocolate
I’m right there with you. Feel free to send wine and chocolates…
Ok, explain flooding. What is that?
Ahhh . . .yes. I should have elaborated. Basically, you have something like a period but instead of normal flow it’s like you’re bleeding to death. For me, it was 4 super plus tampons per hour and even sometimes that wasn’t enough.
Hate that part about going through “the change” I had to cancel a half-marathon Sunday because of a surprise visit – I couldn’t make the logistics work and I felt horrible, so instead of the start line I was in bed with double-dose of Midol and a heating pad.
UGH! I hate that! But you might enjoy this post from the WDW marathon in 2015 that I really SHOULDN’T have run for the same reason. Sorry you missed but you really made the right call! https://www.jenlefforge.com/reflections-on-my-fourth-marathon-disney-world-2015/
I am 50 and I have few of the symptoms ( Focus issues, hot and cold flashes, and emotional instability more than ever) . You are right on target about the diet and exercise, but why is it when we need to eat well more so than ever ( except for during pregnancy of course) our hormones make us raging lunatics around food now? I swear I could polish off a half gallon of icecream and still not feel satisfied! Ugh! Luckily I love to exercise, running is my first love but unfortunately my left knee is injured and I can’t run more than 3 miles without immense pain. So I do other stuff . Exercise saves me from even worse symptoms and I am thankful for that. Thank you for writing this piece. I love reading your blog/posts! Take Care!
Exactly, Deb. I am craving so many things that are NOT good for me! The struggle is real! So good to know I’m not alone. Thanks for your kind words!
Amen…running 25-50 miles a week according to what I am training for, eating healthy and still got the menopausal pooch. Wassup with THAT!! Hotflashes…foggy brain. Yup.
Normalizing this topic is definitely a step in the right direction. I’m in my early thirties but just had a ovary and tube removal. Based on my family history perimenopause will be knocking on my door sooner rather than later.
Wow, I’m sorry about the surgery! But I am grateful that doctors, at least, are starting to take perimonpause more seriously. A few years ago, when I went to my (male) OBGYN about my ridiculously heavy (and life altering) periods, I was told, “well, this is just the way it is. It will get much worse and then it will stop in a few years. Deal with it.” Um, what?? I changed doctors;).