*WARNING: If you’re under 40, this post might not appeal to you too much.
Well, what do you know? Here’s a new topic for you!! But, I’ve got to address it. It’s like the elephant in my room head, in my body. I just feel weird. I feel different. And it’s not in an absolute perfect sort of way. Lately, I’ve been searching up “signs of menopause” more frequent than I’d like. But, on the otherhand, I’m 47, and as a woman “celebrating” (not dreading) life, I am getting older. The “Change of Life” is bound to happen… (That’s the nickname I found for the transition from peri-menopause to menopause.)
To date, this is what I’ve been noticing from the Change of Life:
A belly that I just can’t get rid of! I used to watch my wait for a time, and things would happen. Currently, nothing, I mean NOTHING, is working!! I found this video by Dr. Becky Gillaspy to be helpful. Now I need to to put what she says to my mouth!
Image found from Momfeld.
I’ve woken up in the middle of the night completely drenched. The first time it happened I was so confused. Then, yes, I figured out exactly what it was–it’s called a night sweat. And they’re kind of weird and gross all at the same time, and when I have been woken up by totally wet pajamas, I’m too tired to do anything about it. Luckily, for now, I’m able to fall back asleep. And luckily for now (knocking wood), it happens once or twice a month.
I’m plucking more and more white hairs. This could be simply age and have nothing to do with perimenopause, but I’m having to tweeze more and more white hairs from my head. Now, I should be grateful: I still have my natural hair color. But what do I do when I can’t keep up with tweezing? Am I suppose to color? I had a dream that I got my hair dyed black the other night. I grew up with a white haired mother, so I plan on just letting my hair go naturally, but I definitely take after my father who still has his color–on the hair he has left. I’m going to save this decision for later and keep plucking away!
My white hairs are the only thing I’m plucking! Meanwhile on my face, the strong bristly black chiny chin chin hairs continue to come in full force. What started as a few black chin hairs has become dozens. Ugh. Double ugh!
“I call the Change of Life “Orchids” because menopause is such an ugly word. It’s got men in it for goddsakes.” –Lisa Jey Davis
My eyebrows are out of control! Ok, I’ve always had a strong brow. And I’ve always appreciated my brow game. But now, I’m starting to get the curly, wire-y, old man, long eyebrow hair. It’s just weird. I’m mean, really? Is that age or something else?
Speaking of hair, on the legs and underarms it is less! Ok, no complaints here; this is a great thing. Seems like I only need to shave once a week these days. Thank you. I’ll take it Change of Life!
My skin feels saggy and dry. Again, this could just be age, but my body just feels different. Even my hand skin feels and looks a bit differently–not to mention the skin around my eyes, mouth, and chin. It’s as if the wrinkles are literally pouring in–or I should say folding in, shouldn’t I?
That’s enough for now Change of Life!
Are any of my readers noticing the same thing? Have any of my readers already experienced this? Please, weigh in and advice, commiserate, or just console! Oh, wait. Forget that. I’m celebrating remember!? Here’s to this next phase I’m entering. My I do so with GRACE! (Did you know that’s the meaning of “Ann?’)
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