D'vorahDavida
Yetzirah

The Chocolate Chip Food Group
Sat Feb 22 2003

I went to my doctor just recently for my annual check up. I’m 52 now and my body is cautiously looking into the upcoming transitional phase from a predictable monthly psychosis to what I can only surmise will be smooth sailing normalcy or permanent, entrenched psychosis. One or the other. Needless to say, I am a bit nervous about the whole thing. Nervous enough to write on the form they gave me at the doctor’s office in the space provided that asked, “ What would you like to ask the doctor today ?” these words:

Menopause, what is it and how can I avoid it ?

This got a nice chuckle from the doctor when she read it. But after describing my symptoms to her, she cheerfully informed me that she had 40 year old patients with more symptoms than me. I didn’t know whether to be cheered or depressed by this news. I started thinking that I was going to be one of the bench mark cases. Statistics say that menopause can occur anywhere from age 30 to 60. I hope I am not aiming at 60 ! Eeek !

So though I am not technically in menopause right this minute, my first born, INTJ, Aquarian nature urges me to analyze the entire thing to death so that I will be prepared for the beginning of. . . “the change.”

That is an interesting if vague phrase don’t you think ? It could describe a LOT of things. “She changed, into a manic depressive.” “She changed her hair color.” “She changed her philosophy of life.” “She changed her socks.” “She is changed, I don’t know her any more.” That last one is the one I fear.

Although, it’s possible that “change” is a positive thing. “She’s not afraid to walk into a room full of strangers anymore.” She brings her pistol with her now.” She’s a better cook.” Chocolate chip cookies are now on her list of major food groups.” “She’s more likely to talk back to men.” “She’s more likely to snap your head off.” Ooops, maybe that one belongs in the first group. Don’t you think the Queen in Alice in Wonderland must have been going through “The Change” ?

Anyway, I left the doctor’s office mildly encouraged by the things she told me. (It’s ALL normal) And VERY encouraged that since last time I was there, I lost 12 pounds. I was quite smug standing on the dreaded scale. I think I made a little face at it in defiance. “You don’t scare ME bucko!”

But to tell the truth, sailing off into the seas of the hormone unknown is not for the faint of heart. I’m annoyed with my monthly mental illness, but I am USED to it too. What I will be trading it in for remains to be seen. Or “Changed”, whatever that means. . .oh dear, I think I am back at the beginning of the worry loop. . . Menopause, what is it and how can I avoid it?



3 Comments
  • From:
    Bookworm (Legacy)
    On:
    Sat Feb 22 2003
    Lol, you're in fine form at the moment. I hope I can face menopause with the same spirit as you. ;-)
  • From:
    Pragmatist (Legacy)
    On:
    Sat Feb 22 2003
    Menopause! I thought I'd NEVER get through it. First signs started when I was pregnant with my last child. You can imagine what my (male) doctor said. Ok, so maybe it was my imagination, but the hot flashes weren't.
    I finally got through it when I was about 55, and I can tell you, nobody was happier to see the end of something...the monthly nuisance!...than I was.
    Stay away from HRT if you can. It only prolongs things.

    Love, and Shabbat Shalom!
  • From:
    LadyMargaret (Legacy)
    On:
    Fri Nov 26 2004
    Silk Nog seems to be an imminently (eminently? em'n'iminently?) wholesome beverage (pls excuse, I come from the era before spelling was standardized.)

    Yay, I've heard soy is good for those of us who are facing the changes of which you speak
    *lowers eyes demurely* I've heard there's a bit of controversy over it: but concensus seems to be: a little is better than too much, and some is better than none.

    *raises goblet filled with Silk Nog* To your health, and adventures in life ahead!