The "M" word, menopause. I don't know what the"meno" is but I know all about the pause! There are not many parts of me left that have not been put on pause from this and I'm not sure how to restart any of them.
For me, it has not been, like everything else, the more common symptoms that you hear all about. Yes, the fatigue, sleep deprivation, hair thinning, and, belly fat, but, have you heard of cold sweats, digestive issues, and contractions?? Yeah, I know, leave it to me to try and stand out from the rest! LOL! Seriously, though, after a weekend of breathing through the pain while my teeth chattered, I've learned the twists and turns of how my body is truly suffering while my estrogen is sadly draining out of me.
My body has carried me through three pregnancies, two miscarriages, and a pulmonary embolism not to mention all the scrapes, cuts, and scars I've put it through. We faced them together, both me and it, telling us both what to do, but, this is different. It is the first time I've felt that we are separated and not communicating the way we usually do. I don't like this disconnect and I need to unpause myself sooner than later.
My usual reaction to everything is to not ask for help, grit my teeth, and push through it but all the self -care I can do on my own like following an inflammation diet, taking supplements, and getting exercise are not going to change the fact that I need my estrogen back, dammit! So, my journey begins with finding a doctor that will work with me and my blood clot history (since my current one will not) to customize some kind of hormone therapy that my body can tolerate and feel better with. Research has led me to the understanding that gels are safe options for me and I feel knowledgeable enough to discuss and advocate for myself given I can find the right doctor.
So, I leave you with this. Making jokes about hot flashes or not bringing up the "M" word is not going to cut it. This is way more than what you have been told or what you thought it would be and living in the shadow of your former self is not necessary or even smart for that matter. Don't listen to your mom, aunt, sister, cousin, coworker or friends. This is not their menopause. This is yours. Knowledge is power and yes, those weird symptoms are menopause just as much as the more common ones. The fog won't lift if you don't blow it away. Eat the greens, proteins, and nuts, drink your calcium, and find time to stretch and walk in the sunlight and relax but get to the doctor and be honest. Say the "M" word, menopause, out loud and get your life and vitality back asap. Your body, mind, and soul will thank you for it!
Photo credit: https://pixels.com/featured/menopause-vivian-mosley.html
