teenage dream…

I’ve only read a handful of books/articles, stalked a few IG accounts and listened to a couple podcasts but I’m learning that more symptoms than I would have previously suspected are related to the menopause transition.

Again, my menopause has been treatment induced but the sudden symptoms have been tough. The hardest part is dealing with it all while life is in full swing.

So far I’ve experienced raging hot flashes, no longer look forward to hopping into bed for the night because my sleep is constantly interrupted by an overly alert brain or night sweats, in pictures my skin is starting to take on a chalky appearance, and my hip joints ache for the first half of most days. I’ve had crazy mood swings, experience joy in greater ways than before, but also have moments where I feel great sorrow.

I’m finding relief reading that so many of these things are normal and not completely scary but it’s still a strange transition.

The last couple of months have been filled with more self reflection and self care. I’ve been spending more time in the mirror like I did during my teenage years.

It was a time when I was laser focused on myself and had to figure out what worked best for me. I was learning who Teyonna is. I find myself doing that more now. These sudden changes have required that I start to prioritize myself in very specific and intentional ways. I haven’t done that consistently in at least 10 years (that’s when I became a mama).

Now, I’m constantly checking the tracking info for all the new goodies I’ve been ordering and carving out time to learn how to use them all. I may even post a video—with the help of my kids. :)

I know the menopause transition is not to blame for every symptom I’m experiencing. I’m firmly in mid-life and some things just come with age. It’s a crazy time because my kids are getting more self sufficient and we’re doing the work to build up their confidence and support their evolving interests. However harkening back to my teenage self by reconnecting with who I am and trying out new things, may be helping more with this.