A Writer's Approach to Menopause

The title of this post sounds like the start of a joke. It's really not. Lately, I've been forced to face a few facts. The big one is that I'm NOT getting any younger. Each day since turninng forty has been interesting to me. The changes a woman faces once they hit that age can seem overwhelming. And while this may seem like I'm just being overly dramatic, it's downright depressing too.

No two ways about it, our bodies slow down. Joints begin to hurt. Exercise becomes a have-to sort of thing. Even our skin tone seemes suddenly different. Our hair lacks luster. A regular period is anything but regular. And this is just the very beginning stages! Soon the slightly annoying hot flashes turn into all day sweat fests. Panic attacks, zero sex drive. It's enough to make a woman really pissy.

However, I've decided to tackle this the way I tackle everything else. With research and notes. It's what we writers do. If we have a difficult plot we don't hide in bed, we take to the internet. We hit the library. Start randomly interviewing anyone who will give you the time of day! And while I was spending my morning surfing various sites and learning all that I could about menopause it got me thinking. Does everyone tackle their health problems in the same way they would a manuscript? LOL Am I just THAT strange? Please tell me I'm not the only one who does this!

So, here I am, nearing 43 years old and armed with my lists. One contains the various vitamins I aim to purchase. Another details my new exercise schedule, which will include yoga. And the third lists the different food items I plan to buy that reportedly helps promote estrogen levels.

Yes, I'm a writer. I research, I make lists, and then I attack! How about you? And while we're at it, if you've 'been there, done that' give us your helpful advice on menopause. What helped, what didn't.