Menopause
'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!
RULES
1. All genders can post
We are all here to learn about menopause and how to help anyone experiencing menopause, so be supportive and respectful.
2. Don't be a bully, creep, jerk or troll
This means no personal attacks, no misogyny, no misandry, ageism, racism, or otherwise hateful or disrespectful commentary.
3. Read the Wiki (wiki will be included shortly) and use the search tool before posting a new question
4. No selling products or services
You can recommend products/methods that work for you, but soliciting clients or patients is not allowed. No advertising or self-promotions, including using this sub to drive traffic elsewhere.
5. Research surveys/studies are allowed ONLY after contacting the mods with details of the survey (purpose of survey, academic associations, how will the data be used, privacy/confidentiality policy)
Mods will determine whether to approve the post or not. Those choosing to participate in surveys, must do so at their own risk.
6. No posting lab results
We are not a substitute for medical advice. Questions about your lab results should be directed to your medical professional. Hormonal tests are not an accurate diagnosing tool for perimenopause.
7. Selfie posts are only allowed in the Weekly Stickied Off-Topic thread.
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Content warning: creepy crawlies
I had an Incident. Saturday afternoon I went for a hike with two of my friends. One of them insisted I let her spray me with tick repellent. After I got home I sat around for a couple of hours, ate dinner, relaxed, then discovered I had a tick attached to my calf in spite of the spray. I should have showered and taken off my hiking clothes as soon as I got home. I found another adult tick, unattached, while showering and then found a couple of pinpoint sized ones over the course of the next few hours because I sure as hell wasn't sleeping. Besides I had to get the clothes in the dryer. But for some reason even though I've found ticks on me before, this one set off a full-body whole-life panic attack that is still ongoing. I'm crying at everything. Everyone is irritating me. And I just feel itchy and crawly all the time. I've examined crevices of my body I haven't looked at in years. I shaved places I haven't shaved in years. I've made my husband do several full body exams...he didn't seem to mind somehow.
Apologies if I've now contaminated you with the creepies.
I'm glad you got them all...little buggers. Crying jags are a weird thing, one little issue could cause a few tears, and then it's open flood gates the rest of the day. I don't know if it's some weird phenomenon or if there's some scientific evidence for it, but once I start crying, the tears easily come hours later (for no reason). Even if I'm laughing!