Hot Flashes, Mood Swings, Menopause...Oh My!
How a change of life brought my husband and me closer
I've
had it with menopause! OK, I've said it. I've gone
through the hot flashes, the mood swings, – oh boy, were those fun – the weight
gain, and the fuzzy thinking. Now, as I'm reaching the end of this
sweaty, teary menopausal road and into my postmenopausal years, I wonder if
there is a silver — besides my hair — lining waiting for me. After
all, aren’t we told that women over 50 enjoy life more because
they've reached their best years? Uh-huh.
So
far, I’m not so sure. Here's my experience with the menopausal
cycle, or as I prefer to call it: my life on the evil roller coaster from
hell.
First, Comes the Fire From Within
I
remember the day so clearly. To celebrate a special anniversary,
my honey and I decided to dine at our favorite restaurant. It was a
special occasion, so I dressed up; my hair and makeup were
perfect. Within seconds of the server seating us, I caught on
fire. Literally.
Frightening
the server, she ran to retrieve a tall glass of ice water. Dousing
me with the icy water would have been an improvement. My dress and
hair were drenched, and my makeup slid off my face. This, my first
hot flash, was 20 years before the official beginning of
menopause. Oh my!
It's Official; I'm Going Crazy
Over
the next decade, the calm, perpetually happy person I was turned into
that crazy
person on the street you don't make eye contact with. I cried, just
because. I became incensed, just because. I couldn't
think straight. I gained and lost the same 10 pounds. (Those darn
pounds kept finding their way home.) And, if that wasn't bad enough,
no more caffeine! Coffee began to cause my heart to dance to the
swinging 80s. Heart pounding, angry, forgetful – except that I was
angry about something – and always in tears, was my new
normal.
My
poor hubby, quite adeptly, learned how to say, "Yes, dear" and really
mean it during those days. Of course, he also learned what all good
husbands learn: Chocolate and wine – not together unless the wine is
red – can save a marriage.
Post Menopause? Is it really you?
Supposedly,
as we approach the end of our menopausal years, it is normal to lose attributes
associated with youthfulness, like skin elasticity. Clearly, it is
true. My menopausal years are grinding (referring to my teeth as
well) down. Yes, I can think clearly again; I'm no longer going
through an entire wardrobe each day; and my moods are in
check. However, my skin is now bone dry—everywhere. Honestly,
it seems that my entire body is shriveling up into a dust mote.
The Last Rant of the Day
Now,
is any of this really fair? I mean really. Women endure
years of menstrual cycles – erg – childbirth
and hormone-related acne, just to end up a dust mote. It's just not
fair. Not at all. It seems that women should receive some
sort of metal of hormone...I mean honor. Geez, I thought the
fuzzy-brain issues were behind me.
How'd That Relationship Thing Work Out?
Menopause
has overshadowed our entire marriage. Surprisingly, I feel the
experience has strengthened our relationship. Through our sense of
humor and open dialogue, we've adapted to my changes each step of the
way. This also includes those difficult intimacy discussions and
options for enjoying each other fully. Yes, it is possible.
Now,
on to my next adventure.
Health
Tips for Women: Why You May Need More Sleep
Why the
Mediterranean Diet is Best for Long-Term Weight Loss
Exercises Every
Woman Over 60 Should Include in Her Daily Routine
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