Sandwiched
When I will look back on 2020, I know that I, along with all of you, will shudder. The year not only brought COVID-19 and other challenges that rocked our headlines, but for me, it featured the craziness of weird perimenopause symptoms. Millions of us in the sandwich generation DO NOT need this on top of other problems in this stage of life.
Perimenopause is the transition before menopause, sometimes lasting a couple of years. You’ve probably heard of the typical symptoms of hot flashes, lack of sleep, and weight gain. I have not only battled (and thankfully conquered) those fun symptoms, but other bizarre, less-known ones as well.
Let’s start with the itching. Yep, you can get itchy skin in this stage of life. My itchy time of day is, of course, right when I go to bed. I’ll get all snuggled, comfortable, and ready to drift off, when suddenly my back begins to tingle and itch in about four different, difficult to reach spots.
Solution? My husband bought me a wonderful, retractable back scratcher that I keep right by my bed. It works quickly so I can get back to catching my ZZZs.
Next: (I can’t believe I’m sharing this with you) Constipation. Thanks to our dropping hormones, this can hit women in perimenopause as well. I’m been lucky that was rarely an issue for me before. I certainly don’t want it to become one now.
Solution? Prunes. I absolutely cringe typing that. I’ve always connected prunes with … well … people of a certain age. But guess what? They’re yummy and good for us no matter what your age! I started adding six of them to my breakfast each day and things are now moving right along.
Third: Dizziness. THAT was an interesting one. I woke up one day last summer and felt like the world was tilted on its axis. Thankfully I didn’t have to drive anywhere, but I did go on a three-mile training walk that morning. I got through the walk okay, but standing up and down as the day continued felt completely weird.
Solution? Time, lots of water, and getting up slowly from my chair. I felt much better the following day and the dizziness was gone after that. Let’s hope that little bit of fun doesn’t return.
Finally, heart palpitations. Once again, blame those crazy hormones. The first time I had one I absolutely freaked out. Now, I’m used to them, but I’ve been certain to read up on when to be concerned with these and when not to be.
Solution? I don’t get heart palpitations often anymore, but I’ve read that staying hydrated, working to control your hot flashes, avoiding caffeine, eating right, and avoiding panic all help. Definitely talk to your doctor if this is a concern for you!
There are other things I’ve experienced that aren’t quite appropriate for me to share in a newspaper, but thankfully these and the others I’ve discussed can all be managed. As always, do your research, talk to your medical professionals, and reach out to me through The Reporter if you have questions.