'Menopause isn't really that bad'...said no woman ever.
For those who are approaching or experiencing 'the change' (think reverse puberty), a time where hormone levels decline either through the aging process or by medical/surgical means.
Menopause and Perimenopause (the transitional time before Menopause) are unique to every person, and while there's no one-size fits all, we support each other on this roller coaster ride of wacked out hormones, absurd mood swings and random sweaty hot flashes.
Be kind. Be respectful. We are all in this together!
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I wonder if the more 'social' folk notice a distinct difference now in menopause. For me, I've always had a smaller social circle and preferred to be at home rather than out at different events, etc. I think the covid isolation contributed to being more of a homebody for a lot of people. Too much noise, too much stimulation, too much nonsense can really feel like an assault to our senses and our tolerance levels.
Well don't feel guilty for thinking those thoughts, I think we can all relate.
I have no idea. I know I feel like I'm having a very different experience to my three friends - maybe that's a source of resentment that I need to deal with. Although I'm the youngest I'm the only one that's actually hit meno, over a year ago, they're all still peri. My sex drive and my energy levels and my appetite for life in general have just plummeted, and they can't relate at all and don't get it. I think I do need to work on that anger and resentment. But yes, also, this is part of the process, and this is where I'm at, and I can't feel guilty because of it. Thank you.
You never know, they may be feeling somewhat the same way, but just don't want to share that information. Talking about our vulnerabilities is hard and when we do, we worry about other's perceptions...like will they think I'm depressed? a whiner? So we put our best foot forward, smile and try to be in the moment, but it's hard. Then there's the person who seems perfectly put together, capable and exudes confident happiness. You just never know what's going on inside, what their fears or worries are. It's hard to stop making comparisons.
I like to think that knowing when to take a step back, and realizing you just want to be alone at home and feel whatever emotions....could be a superpower too. Like we enjoy our own company and that is enough.
Hugs friend. I'm naturally introverted and nowadays I wish I could live like a hermit. I get everything you said. Remember that movie "The Net" with Sandra Bullock where she never left the house until she got tied up in some espionage scheme? I'll take that minus the espionage.