Dear Menopause
As I pour out what you are causing me to endure, I wish we could come to terms with our differences.
I’ve walked into this room more times than I can count for a specific reason or to finish up something and can’t remember exactly what it is I’m to do. Therefore, I’m walking back and forth until my lightbulb comes on and the pieces finally connect. I will be in a deep conversation and all of a sudden, I’m trying to figure what I want to say or if the words are coming out right or if they are coming out at all. Now because the words are not formulating brings me to another level of irritability and that’s a different subject all together. I will be working, resting, not exerting myself at all and then all of a sudden, my body temperature has jumped up to at least 100 degrees. I feel sticky. My face and freckles have changed colors. I’m hot. I’m sweaty. I’m cranky. My handheld fan doesn’t work fast enough and there’s nothing to keep me from throwing it at the wall! There’s steam coming off the top of my head and my hair goes from straight to curly in a blink of an eye. Sweat relentlessly pours like Niagara Falls from head to toe.
Is there any reason why this added weight should be here on my body? As much as I walk day in and day out, I would have thought by now that I would be in shape or at least muscular. One word comes to mind, nope! Also, there should be one chin, not two! Feel as though my entire face grew overnight, or my chin has doubled in size before my eyes. These joints! I can’t be sure if it’s my Psoriatic Arthritis or the effects of getting older. I tell myself that using the stairs or parking a distance from the entrance is good for you, yet with regards to my left knee and right hip, I beg to differ. Not to mention my hands. I would ask my hubby to help relieve some pain/discomfort by gently massaging or squeezing them to help.
My mood changes like the weather and it’s not a good thing either. If it’s not my facial expressions, it’s my attitude. If I don’t catch myself from going to 0 to 100, it’s going to be a problem for the person who had to joy of encountering my crazy. Justbeingmelani said it perfect, “We do not care”. Why am I crying over the smallest thing or getting emotional? My anxiety level has reached heights beyond my control and I’m doubting myself with every turn I make.
Menopause is definitely a natural part of aging. I used to think those who reach menopause are old, well guess what, I’m there now and many of us are as well, especially if you’re reading this. There are three stages of menopause; Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause. (www.clevelandclinic.org)
Perimenopause or menopause transition can begin eight to 10 years before menopause when the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen, usually in your 40s. You’ll start to have irregular periods, hot flashes and mood swings.
Menopause is the point when you do not have any menstrual periods any longer for over 12 consecutive months.
Postmenopause is for the rest of your life. You may have continued mild menopause symptoms for several years. This stage also increases the risk for Osteoporosis (medical condition that weakness bones) and heart disease due to low estrogen levels.
It’s an honor and a blessing to be able to experience such changes in life. There are so many family and friends who did not make it to this stage. The word tells us that reaching an older age is a blessing, bringing with it wisdom and purpose. So, with our sore joints, gray hair, roller coaster weight and physical changes, we will continue to bear fruit and be a guidance to the younger generation.
I’m grateful to BE-KEPT!
