Are you sensing the beginnings of menopause? While those hot flashes and mood swings might not feel like a celebration, it’s not all doom and gloom. Many women start to notice symptoms of this life transition in their 40s. Here are four reasons to embrace it rather than dread it.
When I was young, my grandmother whispered about the “change of life” as if it were a taboo subject. When I innocently asked what she meant, I was told it signified the end of having babies and the end of “that time of the month.” As a 7-year-old, this didn’t sound too terrible to me—I had a younger brother and knew that babies could be a handful. I wasn’t entirely sure if “that time” was a curse or just a naughty word that would earn me a bar of soap in my mouth, but still, this “change of life” seemed tolerable.
Fast forward to today: we’ve evolved from hushed talks about our bodies to prime-time TV ads promoting sexual wellness products. These commercials often showcase flirtatious women of a certain age enjoying life with charismatic partners. Television wants us to perceive menopause as a time of vitality and allure. And you know what? I’m fully on board with this idea. Here’s how I’m thriving during my own personal menopause journey:
1. Embarrassment? What’s That?
Let’s talk about hair—specifically, the unwanted kind! Chin hairs, neck hairs, ear hairs, and yes, even nipple hairs have made their unwelcome appearances. My 40s introduced me to a rogue hair that seems to sprout out of nowhere. I once had a coworker mistake it for a string! After that little incident, my capacity for embarrassment has hit rock bottom. If this is part of some twisted hormonal joke from above, then I’m rolling with it.
2. Goodbye, Monthly Nuisance!
Say farewell to Aunt Flo and her monthly visits. No more cramps, uncomfortable products, or the stress of managing leaks. Menopause offers the freedom to skip that aisle at the grocery store—unless, of course, you deal with light bladder leakage, which is a whole different ballgame. While I do miss the occasional indulgence of chocolate during my period, the ability to wear white pants whenever I want is a fantastic trade-off.
3. Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot!
Speaking of feeling good, I’m experiencing a newfound sense of heat. We’re talking about spontaneous hot flashes that could rival a sauna. Imagine your body temperature skyrocketing in mere seconds. If it gets too intense, a little undressing seems to spice things up—not just for me but also for my husband, who sees it as an invitation to intimacy. Who knew menopause could bring some unexpected perks?
4. A New Chapter of Intimacy!
Yes, you read that right. The wild ride of hormones has led to a refreshing change in my love life. With a little help from some products that come in tubes (hint: starts with a K and ends with a Y), intimacy has never felt better. We might not have the frequency we once had, but the quality is through the roof.
I can only imagine what my grandmother would think of my candid approach to menopause. Would she be shocked by my carefree attitude toward chin hair and other not-so-dainty topics? While I won’t go as far as to label menopause as glamorous, I can confidently say I’m owning it and enjoying the journey.
This article was originally published on June 11, 2015.
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Summary:
Menopause can be a challenging time for many women, but it also comes with its own set of liberating benefits. From shedding the embarrassment of hormonal changes to enjoying a newfound freedom from monthly cycles, embracing this phase of life can lead to unexpected joys and a revitalized sense of intimacy.
Keyphrase: Menopause benefits
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