“Say what you want about long dresses, but they cover a multitude of shins.” – Mae West
Yes, peri-menopause is making me a changed woman. It is doing things to my body and brain that I never knew it could. It is also changing my house. How, you ask? Because menopause is transforming the bedroom into a brothel.
But, not in the way you would think.
The other morning, I made an astute observation. I stepped into the bedroom and I began to blush – and not from a hot flash. If someone walked into our room, they would raise an eyebrow. Or two.
This is how menopause makes the bedroom look like a brothel:
• You never know which woman will be in the room:
It could be the sentimental, sappy, romantic, “I-need-a-hug-because-I-cried-at-the-ending-of “The Notebook”-again.” Or, it could be the screaming, road-rage-crazy lady who could take out Chuck Norris and Batman at the same time because the estrogen and testosterone are battling it out for the win. I guess this can add a little mystery and excitement. But then again, it might not…
• Love Potion Number 9:
All those tiny little brown glass bottles next to the bed? Love potions? Hardly! These bitty bottles are filled with essential oils, carrier oils and herbs that are slathered on in the attempt to control the battling hormones and the achy legs. If you want to know if these work, the answer is yes. But if someone feels better thinking they are for another use, go right ahead…
• Lingerie on the door handles:
Not what you think. These styling, thigh-high hose keep my legs from aching and support circulation. They also are a great upper-arm workout because they are part of my cardio exercise every morning. Putting support hose on makes me limber and creates beads of sweat. The only merit these miracles of the medical world have is that they are made in Italy – only the uppermost in fashion for my support-needing legs.
• Dim lighting:
Not from flickering candles, but from night lights so that I don’t break my neck fumbling around in the dark for my glasses.
• Fifty Shades of Gray:
Not the book – just my own gray hair.
• High-heels in the corner:
Yes, they were tossed in the corner quickly, and not due to a state of undress. My lower back and baby toes protested loudly, and the pile of shoes will be donated. Soon.
• Expensive perfume:
What used to be reserved for special events and evenings out has become a necessity, because, well, I may need to cover up the results of a hot flash.
• Bed sheets in disarray:
Tossing the pillows and ripping the bedding off the mattress has a brand new meaning when living your own personal summer.
Maybe I should not complain, because, in many ways, menopause is keeping me one hot lady with a sexy-looking bedroom. Maybe I should not have revealed what is going on behind the scenes. Maybe it’s better to fantasize about our room being a brothel instead of a staging area to keep my hormones in check. One thing is for sure, retaining a sense of humor about this life-changing event is critical – well, until the mood changes again. Which it could. Today. In an hour. In a minute.
© Lynne Cobb – 2014
Lynne is a writer, journalist and blogger, with articles and essays published in local and national publications. She is a military spouse, a military mom and an almost-empty nester. She shares her midlife musings, known as “Midlife Random Ramblings” at http://lynnecobb.com where this post first appeared. You can also catch up with her on Facebook or follow on Twitter: @LynneCobb.
I think I read this when she originally posted it. Some people have a gift for finding humor in every situation! ;-)
Thanks, Leslie! Yes, have to find the humor in this phase….
Just beginning to see this all myself. Oh the things to look forward to.
As my mother always says, considering the alternative… good luck with the change! ;-)
Are you sure you didn’t accidentally walk into my bedroom?
Hah! You wear those lovely, fashionable stockings, too????
This has been me pretty much since I got my period at 16. The only thing you forgot is the linens in total disarray…or at least on my side of the bed. The tossing and turning all night going from hot to cold and cold to hot…oy! And I went through menopause two years ago so, sorry to say, some things will never change…or be the same again as your case may be :) Thanks for sharing via Better After 50 Writers.
I have just begun the tossing and turning….maybe more fodder to write about?
Wow, sounds so familiar. My little brown bottles also hold herbs to help me sleep:) This is everything happening in my bedroom minus the high heels. They got the heave ho years ago!
Yes, lavender is great for sleep, when I remember to use it…