Our life hasn't slowed down a bit; we've all got "stuff" going on. The Caveman and I have been in a bit of a slump emotionally and financially, while we both deal with some health issues and general worries around work and family.
I noticed an increase in my menopause symptoms, so I saw my doctor for an increase in Menopausal Hormone Therapy. When I first realised I was experiencing peri-menopause the idea of using MHT (or HRT, as it used to be known) was not even on my radar. Around 20 years ago, the media reported that hormone therapy caused an increase in breast cancer rates. It was enough to scare lots of doctors and menopausal women away from using it, including me when I started showing signs of peri-menopause. I was determined to deal with the changes "naturally".
Luckily, I know now that the main study that prompted those headlines was flawed. The risk is slightly increased if you already have pre-cancerous cells. Otherwise, MHT IS the most natural treatment and the health benefits far outweigh the risk of me developing breast cancer. Besides, menopausal symptoms can actually be quite debilitating if left untreated.
Some women breeze through this stage and barely notice a difference ... well, it turns out I'm not one of them! The hot flushes and mood swings (the main symptoms people talk openly about) are bad enough to deal with ... but throw in fatigue, depression, anxiety, "brain fog", bladder issues, sleeplessness, joint pain and the charming bonus of vaginal atrophy, and most people would try anything that has even a small chance of helping.
I joined a menopause support group online and discovered so many other women going through the same things. I got a lot of information about MHT and saved my sanity by getting onto the right treatment. Not to mention with MHT I'm cutting my risk of various other cancers, dementia and loss of bone density by supplementing my hormone loss.
On top of dealing with the joys of middle age, I've had a lot going on at home. Having a baby in the house is exhausting (no surprises there!). I help my daughter as much as I can, and I know she's grateful, but then she sometimes feels inadequate for needing help in the first place so it's important I don't overstep the mark. Seeing her trying to balance being a single mother along with her job makes me feel so proud, but I worry about her wearing herself out too.
Our eldest son is currently going through some upheaval in his life and our youngest is struggling with a lack of motivation which is affecting his interest in attending school, so as a mum it's natural for me to worry about them as well.
My husband's health can present challenges too; from physical limitations to mental health fluctuations. In fact, I've recently been assessed as being at risk of "carer strain".
(Considering the whole point of my day job is to relieve the strain for my client's carers, the irony of this is not lost on me!)
On the subject of work though, I'm finding my job also wears me down more than it used to and I definitely feel the effects of burnout sometimes.
It all sounds a bit doom-and-gloom, but it's not really. I still find time for friends and relaxation, plus I generally keep a good sense of humour about most things. We've all known too many people who have passed away at an early age, or had life-altering health issues when they least expected it. If there's one thing I do want to do, it's to look after my health and enjoy the life I have while I can.
Like most mums, I wear myself out trying to do everything for everyone, so I'm working on that too. I have become better at not holding onto as much stress as I get older - I can figure out what matters and let the rest go.
Sometimes I'm convinced I'm like the proverbial duck ... appearing calm on the surface, but paddling madly under the water!
