notes on life : cycles

Last September I was convinced I'd begun 'the change.' My period was super erratic, (so was my skin), and I went to my MD for confirmation. 

What I learned, (according to the tests), is that I wasn't anywhere near meno, (sob!), that I was just starting peri-menopause, and that I had options, mostly surgical.

You can imagine how discouraged I felt. 50 years old and still able to have a baby? One of the options was tubal ligation, or I could have a hysterectomy...Fuck right off!! 

The last regular cycle I had was February. Since then I've had my period twice, (May and August), and I know its begun.

The most fascinating aspect so far are the hot flashes. I thought I had had hot flashes before, but now I know. There is nothing like the experience and instead of being annoyed, I am fascinated.

Hot flashes are known as 'steaming bones' in Chinese Medicine, a concept that I could intellectualize and now see that I never really understood.

I get it you guys. 

It is the most bizarre feeling. First there's the sensation of being 'hot'. Then, from the inside out, I heat up until I am literally steaming; a fine mist breaks out on my chest and the back of my neck, and this usually signifying that the flash is passing.

The craziest part is that my clothes aren't soaked. Everything dries as the flash passes and you'd never know except for the rosy glow on my cheeks. 

Speaking of my skin, the moisture is seeping out of me! I've had to completely change up my skin-care products and knock wood, I think I've got it right. A combination of strong acne fighting principles, combined with anti-aging, and moisture-inducing particles that I hope is everything the package promises. 

At the beginning of the summer, my IBS felt a bit out of control, and I went back to the FODMAP list to see where I can make more changes.

Exercise has been my savior. I'm hoping it will be the way I ride this portion of my life smoothly and without too many bumps in the road.