One writer’s diary of living with menopausal VMS symptoms.
It’s 10 p.m., and the heat is on. Warmth radiates from my torso, up my spine, to my neck. It bubbles from within toward my skin. It’s my regular hot flash, and it’s the barometer of how the rest of my night will go. I can almost set my clock to it.post-menopausal
, and this nightly bout of vasomotor symptoms , the medical terminology for hot flashes and night sweats, is the most predictable part of my experience. Aside from my 10 p.m. flare-up, I can never tell when a hot flash will strike. An indoor cycling class, a walk down the street, or lunch with my family can elicit an open-faucet-like sweat release from behind my left ear.In my life before menopause, I was a sound sleeper, and I like to think it’s because I have a bedtime routine.
My body pulsates with heat as I move through the darkness, feeding my furry friend and making my way back to my bed. I switch pillows, looking for relief. I have a pillow I save just for this moment that lies untouched until the heat comes, so it’s optimally cool when I need it.If I’m lucky, I’ll fall back asleep. The pillow’s coolness against my hot skin is just what I need to relax me and allow me to sleep until my alarm goes off — or for an hour before the next hot flash.
My cat sees an opportunity. Stomach full, it’s time to cuddle. He makes his way to my belly and curls up beside me. He doesn’t care that the waterworks have begun, that my wet nightgown is sticking to my skin, and that the fan that I so desperately needed because I was so hot is now causing me to freeze. Wet skin and clothes don’t pair well with the breeze.
I feel my body and clothes dry. I check the clock. The alarm will go off in 90 minutes. I’m not willing to give up on sleep yet, so I make myself a deal. I’ll head to the gym if I’m still awake after five cycles of counting deep breaths from 10 to one. Inhale, 10, exhale. Inhale, nine, exhale. Inhale, eight, exhale, and so on. I lose count after three cycles, then I lose count all together. Next thing I know, my alarm goes off.
Argentina Últimas Noticias, Argentina Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
A novelization of RBG's life reminds us what the Supreme Court once stood forElizabeth L. Silver's new novel, 'The Majority,' features an 83-year-old Supreme Court justice (RBG, obviously) contemplating her groundbreaking life.
Leer más »
Look Inside Emily Carroll's Graphic Novel, A Guest In The HouseA Guest in the House is a brand new graphic novel by Emily Carroll being published by First Second on the 15th of August 2023.
Leer más »
New Rikers Island report reveals graphic details about unsanitary conditions, fire safety and ventilation systemsThere has been another damning report about conditions at the Rikers Island corrections complex. This time, there are graphic details about unsanitary conditions, fire safety and the ventilation systems. MKramerTV reports.
Leer más »
Shakira Goes Avant-garde in ‘No’ Trenchcoat for Viktor & Rolf’s Couture Fall 2023 Show in ParisShakira made a statement at Viktor & Rolf’s fall 2023 haute couture show in Paris on Wednesday, wearing a white graphic trenchcoat by the French label.
Leer más »
'Strange Planet' Adaptation Gets Long-Awaited Release DateThe series is adapted from Nathan W. Pyle's bestselling graphic novel.
Leer más »
Kaia Gerber’s Parisian Date Night Look Is Surprisingly AutumnalAs one of Hollywood’s hottest couples of the moment, you can count on Kaia Gerber and Austin Bulter to turn heads while in Paris.
Leer más »