Sadly, I missed yesterday's vlog link-up due to the constant wiping of The Boy's runny nose and having to cuddle him to sleep for a much-needed nap. Therefore, to get my Mama Kat fix today, I'm linking up with the Writer's Workshop.
Prompt #4: Tell us the last thing you Google searched and what you learned.
Fine, then. I was going to write about it eventually anyway. I searched "Irregular Periods." You see, I'm a self-diagnosis junkie. I want to know as much as I can about a particular medical issue before I talk to a doctor about it. That way, I'm armed with knowledge and myriad questions. I have a history of issues with my girly bits; swelling of the cervix, pre-cancer (displaysia), Endometriosis, yet all coupled with very regular, on-the-dot periods. Prior to having 3 children, that is.
Ever since I had The Boy I've been having irregular periods. Last year my doctor chalked it up to "getting older." Hah! I'm not that old yet (cue gloomy music as my birthday is just weeks away)! What she didn't mention was this term that Google taught me: Peri-Menopause.
peri·men·o·pause
noun \-ˈmen-ə-ˌpȯz, -ˈmēn-\ (Medical Dictionary)Medical Definition of PERIMENOPAUSE
: the period around the onset of menopause that is often marked by various physical signs (as hot flashes and menstrual irregularity)
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peri-menopause
Peri-Menopause is the period of time prior to Menopause. It can last months or years, much like it's successor. However, while Menopause is official after you've gone without a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months, Peri-Menopause is where your periods become irregular, your ovulation slows and also becomes irregular and you get to enjoy many of the well-known symptoms of Menopause itself! Grand, isn't it?
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| Artwork by Cindy B. via Flickr |
Since I've been experiencing nearly all of the above with the exception of hot flashes, I'm feeling... concerned. I don't quite have the words yet for how I'm feeling. Maybe it's my impending birthday, seeing those lines on my forehead deepen, the silver that the hair dye won't seem to hide anymore, the knees that creak and groan, the carpel tunnel that makes it difficult to lift my babies sometimes...
Maybe it's finally realizing that I'm getting older. My brain still thinks I'm 25 years old, but my body is telling me differently. My forehead is telling me differently (note to self: grow hair long enough for braids! Click that link later to die laughing). I'm still healthy, in relatively good shape, but things are changing (cue Bob Dylan).
So, armed with knowledge garnered from Google, I'm off to the doc tomorrow for a full physical of the feminine nature. How lovely to be a woman.
***Want to link up to Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop? Do so here!
I'm sorry that is what you Google. I had a conversation about this very thing with my neighbor yesterday. Those fluxing hormones are very real. Poo on them. We'll make it though.
ReplyDeletePoo, indeed! Thanks for your support! ;)
DeleteAin't being a girl grand?! We just have so many parts to have issues with.
ReplyDeleteHope everything checks out ok.
Thanks! Me too. Men have it so easy (except for the part of dealing with our hormonal mood swings)!
DeleteIsn't it amazing how Google has changed things? How in the world did I make it through college without it? I still think that I'm in my 20s but my body definitely doesn't agree with me. I hope that everything checks out OK at the doctors too.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christine!
DeleteI've made it thru the peri and the pause and lived to tell about it. Thank the stars for Google.
ReplyDeletewell done! How long did it last?
DeleteMy mom called me a "google mom" as opposed to a "soccer mom", so I relate. Also, I was told I was having a "geriatric pregnancy" when I was pregnant with my daughter. Did like that much!
ReplyDeleteGeriatric! Crushing term. However, I like the term "Google mom." It's apt.
DeleteI'm right there with ya, oh wait, I was. I forcefully stopped my periods with an ablation. You can google that. :)
ReplyDeleteSounds scary!!! Time to Google...
DeleteI'll take the hot flashes over varicose veins!!! WTH?? I'm too young for old lady legs!!
ReplyDeleteI feel you! Except I WAS having the hot flashes and mood swings and when I asked my gynecologist about it, he mentioned perimenopause and I thought he might put me back on the pill for hormones. He told me they don't do that anymore and gave me a prescription for something sounding lovely that would help. Of course, before I filled it, I went home and GOOGLED it and discovered it was just a new name the industry had given to prozac so that women would be less offended when it was prescribed to them for being hormonal. I. Was. Livid. So, I called and asked about it.. the doctor told me that my hot flashes and description I had given him sounded like anxiety. I assured him it was NOT and ended with, " I have been depressed before, I know what that feels like. I am not depressed. I am just hot. And I am REALLY pissed off about it!"
ReplyDeleteThat's the kind of thing that would make me switch doctors! Completely unethical and frankly, sexist!
DeleteThis was SO interesting!! Sadly, it's inevitable for all of us. I think the more we know the better so I'm glad you educate yourself and shared that information here! I'm with you though, kind of dreading these next stages.
ReplyDelete