Not your mother's menopause

Thank goodness for hot flashes so I can rule out a brain tumor. This morning, I momentarily forgot one of my student’s names…what she looked like…and the fact that she’s in my class… I drew a total blank for about 30 seconds—my coworkers stared at me in alarm.

I could actually feel my brain fizzing and popping—it was quite interesting. Then, I literally felt a knob turn, and my thoughts focused. All of this was quickly followed by a hot flash, and I assured my coworkers I was qualified to teach.

Midlife changes are the most unnatural, "natural" experiences I’ve endured—I think most women would agree. I wish men could share the joy, although they would swear they already do. Cringing because we’re a little moody doesn’t count guys, you need to suffer the physical changes too.

I became aware of perimenopause when I was 38…far too young in my mind. I remember standing barefoot in the snow when we lived in Colorado, drenched in sweat, scared I was going crazy. I did some research, gathered family history and realized I was headed toward menopause. My doctor didn’t agree, assuring me I was too young.

Eight years later, doctors are more aware, and I’ve learned that perimenopause takes its own sweet time. There’s no rhyme or reason to this process. Some years are better than others, sometimes I have few symptoms for months on end.

I don’t know when I’ll actually reach menopause, nor do I care. There are no benefits, my health risks increase and I’ll continue having hot flashes. But, thank goodness I don’t have a brain tumor…