It all began subtly enough. The change in seasons brought with it some unexpected surprises. One morning, I woke up feeling like I had just run a marathon in my sleep. “Must be my fault,” joked my partner, Alex. “I cranked up the heat while I was showering; it was chilly when I got up!”
That made sense, right? The heat was on, I got warm, and I broke into a sweat. Totally normal. But now, it feels like I’ve joined a sweat lodge every morning, and I find myself couponing for deodorant like it’s a new hobby.
Then there’s the back pain. One day, I overdid it and felt it the next. I thought it was just a temporary issue, but now I can’t remember a time when my lower back hasn’t ached. It’s as if my body is constantly preparing for a visit from Aunt Flo—complete with cramps, fatigue, and that bloated feeling. I snap at everyone, including my cat, and I’m not even sorry about it. If you think I won’t lose my mind if you step over that piece of trash one more time, you’re mistaken.
Strangely, my period is still regular; it’s not late or erratic. It’s acting like it always has. That’s why it took me so long to consider that I might be experiencing what my mom and grandma referred to as “the change.” If it weren’t for a passing comment from a friend on social media, I might still be blissfully unaware.
I’m 39. Thirty-nine! My body feels like it’s aging, while my mind insists it’s still 25. The issues I once thought were “old people problems” have suddenly become my reality. Once I realized what was happening, I went on a frantic search for answers.
First, I typed into Google, “Do I need to see a doctor for menopause?” I never visited a doctor when I got my first period, so why would I need one now? Who has the answers to these questions? Menopause feels like a taboo topic, whispered about in hushed tones. When I searched for “why does my back hurt so much,” I panicked when I found answers about rare diseases instead of menopause.
Why is it so challenging to find straightforward information? Why am I turning to Google instead of asking friends? I don’t know, and it’s frustrating. Honestly, I could be losing my mind. Or maybe it’s just perimenopause.
Speaking of talking to people, that’s been a struggle lately. Recently, I mentioned feeling hot, and Alex made a joke about hot flashes. Let’s just say that didn’t end well. So, I’m opting for less social interaction for now, thank you very much.
But while I’m avoiding people, I’m also facing some interesting challenges. Two symptoms often associated with menopause are reduced libido and dryness. Let’s just say those aren’t my issues at all. In fact, the opposite is true. So much so that Alex is starting to wonder if I’ve been secretly using some new kind of female Viagra.
This whole situation is confusing. Nothing is unfolding as I had expected. Is it just me, or are we all still stumbling through this conversation? Do we really know what to expect when it comes to menopause and perimenopause? Or have we been misled by outdated generalizations?
Maybe I’m not perimenopausal at all. Maybe I just can’t sleep, my back hurts, and I’m feeling hotter than ever. If someone doesn’t turn on the air conditioning right now, there will be consequences!
Okay, maybe I should just schedule an appointment with my doctor next week.
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Summary:
Navigating the unexpected challenges of perimenopause can be bewildering. From sweating at night to persistent back pain, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. It’s important to seek information, whether through friends or reliable online resources. Don’t hesitate to consult a doctor if you’re feeling confused or concerned about your symptoms.