Until I turned 50 earlier this year and experienced the first signs of the menopause, I realised that women are still having to deal with stigma and prejudice when they approach their midlife years.
In a dating forum I once noticed a discussion between men, who agreed not to date women, who were currently going through the menopause, because 'they could be moody and unpredictable'.
When you google the term 'menopause', you will notice that most links relate to health issues, mental disorders and sexual dysfunction.
Menopause is still regarded first and foremost as a disease rather than a new life phase that will offer new possibilities and opportunities.
There isn't much about the positive aspects of the menopause, and that indeed you can still have a great sex life despite falling oestrogen levels. Discover vaginal moisturisers (the hormone free varieties), and painful sex will become a thing of the past.
In your later years, you can even become a best-selling and prolific novelist like Mary Wesley, who in her seventies gave us the beautiful and timeless Camomile Lawn and A Sensible Life.
Above all, it's about mindset. Reject words and phrases like can't, lost youth, too old, over the hill, past it etc. You can make bold fashion statements, be a sex goddess or achieve business success even when you're well past 50.
Honestly, you can.
Nowadays there is no longer any reason whatsoever to become invisible, lose your passion or turn into an old hag of the fairytale variety.
And if you wonder, what to look forward to when you've reached the menopause, then read this inspirational article.
A blog about turning 50, midlife crisis, menopause, love and dating in your 50s, depression, fun and all that jazz.
Showing posts with label menopause. Show all posts
Showing posts with label menopause. Show all posts
Wednesday, 15 October 2014
Tuesday, 11 March 2014
Let's Get This Midlife Party Started
Although I saw that one coming, it still came as a shock.
My current situation doesn't make it any better.
A few days before Valentine's Day, my boyfriend broke up with me all of a sudden. Just like that.
Had no idea he was that unhappy with me. After all, it was early days. We just got together six weeks before, and it seemed to go well.
He never said anything until he ended it.
Stupid.
Before that, my marriage of 20 years broke down in 2011, and for some reason I managed to get entangled in a stormy relationship that left me feeling drained from too much tension and drama.
Right now I'm feeling alone and pissed off whilst experiencing some ridiculous menopausal symptoms, which started a week ago.
They say it doesn't rain, it pours.
Dammit.
Where do I go from here?
I have no effing idea. Let's find out, shall we?
One step at a time. One blog post at a time.
My mission:
- to make the most of what life throws at me on the road to getting old
- to overcome my insecurities
- not to give up
- to be happy despite all the shit that happens
- to find new love
- to embrace change and uncertainty
- to ask questions and explore the answers
- to be comfortable in my own skin
Now I'm 50.
I face the music and dance.
And you, dear Reader, come dance with me.
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