https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-change Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 27 May 2026 21:27:33 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-change/page/2#post-706629 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 21:39:57 +0000 Anonymous 706629@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How did I forget to mention the mood swings! In my aquaintances it's the husbands who beg the doctor for HRT for their wives. When on it, they are rational and "normal". When off, they say their wives are impossible to live with.<br /> My SIL is in her 70's and still has bad night sweats, moodiness and menopausal fog. Her doctor says that some women have menopausal symptons for the rest of their lives. Hormones give relief but also cause sore breasts and lumps. Each case is different but it helps to know that you are not alone. My mother's generation never talked about such things </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-change/page/2#post-706546 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 20:18:50 +0000 Classically Casual 706546@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As I recall there was a simple blood test one's doc could order that specified where one was in the whole process? I remember begging for drugs. I had days at work when I would suddenly be filled with rage. (This was a long ways from my normal temperament.) HRT probably saved my job &amp; my marriage LOL. And just as I got to the point of needing it less, the big study results were released &amp; I tapered off with no probs.</p> <p>But there's a wonderful element to all these changes that's difficult for me to put into words. For me, I felt a desire to reinvent myself. I had great surges of creativity, a contentment with simple things, a calmness, less concern about what other people think, etc. So there can be some good mixed with the sweaty </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-change/page/2#post-706538 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 19:56:08 +0000 san 706538@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for sharing everyone. It's helpful to hear others stories.<br /> My grandmother said she breezed through menopause, my mother had a hystorectomy in her 20's so I didn't know what to expect. I was post menopausal at 48. I thought I had just breezed through it too but now I think I probably just didn't connect the dots as someone mentioned above.<br /> Even though my mom had a hystorectomy in her 20's she still had problems with hot flashes in her 40's-50's. I feel like even though I'm past menopause by 10 yrs I still have hot flashes sometimes and night sweats. It hasn't been too bad though. And boy is it a relief to not have periods anymore. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-change/page/2#post-706425 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 17:48:10 +0000 Lisa 706425@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great thread and I am really enjoying reading about everyone's experiences, very helpful! Thanks for starting this thread. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-change/page/2#post-706408 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 17:36:59 +0000 JR 706408@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've never experienced night sweats or proper hot flashes. I do get "warm flashes" though, when it feels like the temperature and humidity have suddenly spiked. Fortunately, I'm the only one who notices. I'm not quite officially menopausal, but not far off, unless of course, I do have another period all of a sudden and have to start the countdown again.</p> <p>The worst part of the process for me was one very bad period during which I was hemorrhaging so badly I went to the hospital. They told me I did the right thing. I was home alone at the time and didn't want to pass out from lack of blood with no one to find me. That was pretty scary, but only happened once. Other than that, it's been a pretty smooth ride.</p> <p>The most irritating thing long-term is the increased belly fat. Earlier this year I realized that despite losing ten pounds, my waistbands were still just as tight. I was not a happy camper, especially because I have so little waist to begin with. But with the decrease in estrogen, we retain our fat more like men, less in the butt and thighs, more on the belly.</p> <p>All in all, I am just glad to be done with periods. I am almost 55 now, and I was seriously starting to feel that it was unfair I was being burdened with them well into my 50s, especially since I was having very low blood iron problems. So glad to have all that in the rear-view mirror. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-change/page/2#post-706406 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 17:32:50 +0000 Kim 706406@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm pushing 51 now and so far, it's not too bad. I'm *warm* all the time at night, it makes my hubby laugh how much I put the covers on and off all night, but I rarely get a real sweat going.</p> <p>That being said I've had about 3 *real* hot flashes, complete with nausea and if that's what you are going thru you have my sympathy!! One time it happened while I was really stressed, my dog was dying in my arms and I ran upstairs to get dressed to go to the vets in the middle of the night, and what happens?? I have to sit down for a hot flash! Yes, it stopped me in my tracks!</p> <p>It may be going easier for me as I am on BC pills for extremely heavy bleeding. I won't even know if I'm finished my period until I'm about 55 when the doc thinks we should try and take me off and see what happens. Should be fun! NOT! LOL </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-change/page/2#post-706395 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 17:12:06 +0000 shiny 706395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm pretty sure HRT is out for me, as I have not been allowed to take hormonal B.C. since I had a stroke on the pill over a decade ago. Then again what do I know.</p> <p>Dianthus, the sleep disruptions due to night sweats are really getting to me lately. I sleep poorly anyway -- I snore and so does DH so one or the other of us ends up awake for awhile in the wee hours each night (we joke that we take turns sleeping). This leaves me foggy-headed the next day. However last night I tried melatonin for the very first time and it (plus hot flash fan on high) zonked me out for a blissful 12 hours. I hope that wasn't a fluke. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-change/page/2#post-706385 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 17:00:03 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 706385@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Shiny. I just posted on the health thread about the challenges of perimenopause. I am turning 50 in fall and although I don't get hot flashes, I do wake up overheated at night often and find my sleep is disrupted for a week or two at a time. It used to be that the hot nights were only one or two when I was at peak PMS but now it can last for a week or two. I am finding weight management to be a real challenge too. I think my metabolism has slowed. I have always had uncontrollable food cravings and moodiness during PMS and feel as though I am in that PMS state for weeks and weeks. I have also been awakened by abdominal cramps that are nasty. My periods were regular until about 8 years ago and then I went from a 4 week cycle to a 23-24 day cycle. Now I often go 6-8 weeks between. That would be great if I didn't feel PMS symptoms for the entire time from the 3rd to 4th week until I finally had a period. Not fun.</p> <p>I do believe that stress exacerbates the symptoms. I had my annual physical and my doctor said it could be a few more years but she has also mentioned that most women experience peri symptoms for close to 10 years but don't connect the dots for the first few years. I have been having a really hard time with allergies this summer too and the sinus headaches were severe and prolonged enough that my doctor ordered a CT scan. I have had two cancer related experiences so my doctor does not order any tests that expose me to radiation unless the severity warrants it. I'm not sure if the allergies are part of the peri phase but another YLFer mentioned the allergies so it could be part of it.</p> <p>Thank you all for sharing information on this topic. I read a book on nutrition for peri written by Ann Louise Gittleman and found it helpful but think I will try the acupuncture too. It might help the headaches and allergies too. Three birds with one batch of needles. :)</p> <p>I plan to follow this thread too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-change/page/2#post-706384 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 16:59:53 +0000 Gaylene 706384@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elizabeth's question about HRT is a good one that inevitably comes up in any discussion about menopause. Within my group of friends, we range from those who embraced HRT to those who used homeopathic methods to those who used progesterone creams to those who drank quarts of soy beverages... well, you get the picture. Ultimately, I think different things work for different women.</p> <p>My own preference was to just let nature take its course. I tried to pay more attention to the fundamentals of diet, exercise and rest, and then just got on with the other, more interesting parts of my life. I did try drinking soy milk for a week or so, but couldn't really see any difference. For me, it would have been more of placebo than anything else. </p> <p>Because I knew that weight gain was a possibility, I adopted a version of the Mediterranean diet, and watched my portion sizes, but I DID NOT try to adhere to a strict diet plan. My thinking was that, whatever changes I made to my diet, would have to be permanent--there would never be any point at which I could be "finished" with the diet. So I ate what I wanted. Those changes, along with exercising on the elliptical 3X week, helped me lose weight so I'm in better shape now than I was before menopause.</p> <p>in retrospect, I really think that laughter was my most useful tool. I kept reminding myself that, if I could maintain my sense of humor and continue to enjoy life, this too would pass. And it did. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-change/page/2#post-706382 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 16:53:10 +0000 merwoman 706382@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm 55, and reached menopause at 50. During peri-menopause had very erratic periods - timing was crazy and volume...anything from spots to a deluge. (sorry for being so graphic). Found it comforting to keep a change of clothes at work.<br /> Had a few months of night sweats but that's all. Found drinking hot fluids like tea and coffee could induce the sweats as well. My mom experienced very heavy sweating..but not me - everyone is really different.<br /> yes my shape has changed - I have changed from a kind of petite hourglass, to being a predominatn IT with flat butt. I seem to be reverting to my pre-pubescent body shape - which my brother called "hockey stick with hair".<br /> Skin - for the most part still toned, but dry. I use a lot of mosturizer. Hair still thick and minimal grey (?? knock on wood) but eyebrow hair getting sparse.<br /> My whole metabolism seems to have reved up - which means that the ice maiden is now comfortably warm all the time. Dear SO feels the cold, so our brilliant solution was to purchase heated mattress pad with dual controls. This thing is LIFECHANGING. Imagine hoping into bed on a winters evening and having it all toasty warm!<br /> Final word - menopause is nothing to be afraid of - keep active my YLF sisters, and be good to yourselves. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-change#post-706361 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 16:20:39 +0000 sarah 706361@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, what a fantastic thread! I'm 48 and don't have perimenopausal symptoms (yet), altho I'm on OCs. But my body is definitely changing in major ways (my metabolism has slowed to a crawl, barely). I will add this thread to my faves, to come back to again and again. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-change#post-706352 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 16:13:43 +0000 Patty 706352@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great thread Shiny!<br /> I don't want to jinx myself by talking about still being normal at 49 LOL---but reading your real stories here sure is helpful --thank you all! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-change#post-706331 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 16:03:34 +0000 Aziraphale 706331@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am reading this thread with keen interest. I haven't hit perimenopause yet, but it's probably coming in a few years. Lots of women are having symptoms by their mid-40s, or so I'm told. And I had crazy night sweats for weeks after the birth of both children, so I have some idea of what's in store for me. </p> <p>What are the benefits of toughing it out without hormones? And my mother-in-law has all these hilarious but horrifying stories about weird stuff that happens, er, down south. She says all her friends are in the same boat. Frankly I'd always thought I would beg for estrogen and take it as long as they let me, to help stave off such effects. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-change#post-706077 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 07:38:31 +0000 Caro in Oz 706077@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I couldn't put it any better than Gaylene:) It does pass ( for some women very easily) &amp; the emotional strength one gains from the process makes it an amazing experience. My friends &amp; I used to call hot flashes "power surges". </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-change#post-706067 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 06:30:30 +0000 Fruitful 706067@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not at that stage of life yet but for anyone interested in natural approaches to menopause, I love the book (New) Menopausal Years, by Susun Weed. I get a lot out of it for other women's health (and general health) issues and will be turning to it for menopause advice when the time comes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-change#post-706062 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 05:52:34 +0000 deb 706062@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, I know fibroids can be very painful so I am sorry you are going through it. I had stopped my periods by the time I was 39 then in my late 40's I started hemoraging again. It was awful. They tried cauterizing my uterous first and it helped for a few months. The biopsy done with the cauterization showed I had adenomyosis so the only solution was the hysterctomy. I was so glad I had the surgery! I felt so much better, the pain and bleeding stopped. I did not realize how bad I had felt. They also fixed my bladder while they were in there. I got a two-fer so it was a double blessing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-change#post-706056 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 05:41:53 +0000 Ginkgo 706056@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I went through the change at the "average" age of 51/52 and the hot flashes were pretty frequent for several years after that (I'm now 59). I deal with it by keeping the covers partly off me at night, and trying to keep the temperature not too hot, as it seems that there's a tipping point where I just lose it. Cooking dinner for example, I start roasting along with the meal! Although the hot flashes have decreased to a few times a week rather than per day, I've noticed that I no longer wear turtlenecks during the winter in our cold house --- so it seems my thermostat has been reset to some extent. And I concur with the advice about vigorous exercise being a big help.</p> <p>It seems that it takes several years after menopause for the full blast of hormonal change to hit you; I suddenly aged a couple of years ago around age 57, my skin is beginning to wrinkle and sag despite facials and creams, and even though I'm still slender I began to get a roll of fat around my waist. Cutting out processed food from my diet and walking a lot more pretty much took care of that.</p> <p>Meanwhile, finding YLF and dressing better is making me so happy that I can deal with all this --- we're fortunate to have made it this far! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-change#post-706047 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 05:04:14 +0000 MNsara 706047@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I need to come back to this tomorrow - a lot of your words really resonate with me and I'm so glad you bright this up, Shiny! I can't tell you how many times I wish I had my wise YLFers to commiserate on this journey! (Not quite really a 'style' journey, yet such a major aspect of our lives is bound to affect us in *many* ways!)</p> <p>But, here I am at 54+ still seemingly firmly in perimenopause! I guess some ladies need to be on the far end of *the change* to create that average age of 51.</p> <p>In the past year I REALLY see physical changes that I don't think I can undo with a little more exercise or a little less calories. I'm okay with it, but still feel caught off-guard. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-change#post-706035 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 04:47:27 +0000 Janet 706035@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm 47 and have had a couple of episodes of night sweats, but it's been a while, and no hot flashes during the day. I'm still on a predictable cycle but it's less predictable than it used to be -- things are starting to change. My skin is definitely showing a difference in the last few years. . </p> <p>My perimenopausal symptoms are being complicated by fibroids, and in the coming months, my doc and I are going to meet to decide on whether a hysterectomy is needed. The number (7!) and size (the largest is the size of an orange) will probably dictate that hysterectomy is the way to go. I just want to keep my ovaries if possible (doc thinks I can) so I'm not forced into early menopause. </p> <p>My sister was done by the time she was in her early 40s, and my mom had a full hysterectomy at 45 (endometriosis, and now I wonder if she had fibroids as well), so it's hard to tell what's in store for me. Neither had much trouble with hot flashes, etc, but mom took HRT for years. </p> <p>Thanks for bringing this up. It's been on my mind lately -- I'm definitely a little anxious about the surgery, as I've never had surgery in my life -- but the whole "change" thing starts staring you in the face when you reach a certain age, and it's a little disconcerting. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-change#post-706012 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 04:06:33 +0000 Anonymous 706012@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I started having night sweats at 30 and they continued and are still going on at 49. The only differenced is at 30- 48 I only had night sweats the night before my period started. I didn't start having hot flashes in the day time until after my periods stopped. I have not had a period for 1 year 8 months so I am officially menopausal. </p> <p>I started using natural progesterone cream in my late 30's and still use it. I find my hot flashes come when I am mentally stressing about something. I can shorten them if I stop and breath. </p> <p>For night I don't like my sweaty skin sticking so I wear fitted workout pants that are made for moisture wicking and a sleeveless tank, this works best for me. I use all cotton sheets and a down comforter and cotton blanket. I toss layers on and off as needed. </p> <p>In the day I live in sleeveless tops (often no bra) and add a cardi on and off as needed. Staying hydrated helps too. I usually have one coffee in the morning, caffine is bad for hot flashes so is alcohol which I still have during dinner, pretty sure I would have less trouble if I gave up the caffine and alcohol but one has got to live a little. : ) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-change#post-706000 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 03:49:04 +0000 cciele 706000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am learning so much from this thread! I keep wondering when I will hit perimenopause. My doctor said the age when it starts often runs in the family. I guess I should ask my mom when it hit her </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-change#post-705915 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 01:57:14 +0000 Jaime 705915@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh thank you for starting this thread! I was just thinking about this myself. I am 46 and feel like my hormones have gone haywire. I haven't had hot flashes, but my period has become erratic and with it all sorts of related PMS symptoms. I just told my husband that I have been in PMS for 6 weeks! I wish I had some wisdom to add but mostly what I have is commiseration. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-change#post-705903 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 01:47:36 +0000 nancylee 705903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think everyone's experience is different. I'm 50 and definitely perimenopausal, but I know women my age who are full-fledged menopausal. I started getting some first noticeable symptoms when I was about 47-48. Hot flashes haven't really been a big problem during the day (it's probably only happened a couple of times), but I have had night sweats off and on. Mood swings were more my issue, but acupuncture has really helped me there. That, along with regular exercise, yoga, meditation, and not overdoing alcohol have made the passage easier. </p> <p>I can't stress enough how much acupuncture has helped me. I have been almost asymptomatic since I started about one year ago. If you can stand needles, I highly recommend. :)</p> <p>It's really unfair how this time coincides with so many other difficult changes (like the empty nest *sob*), but there are ways to make it less grisly without resorting to HRT. I also recommend the Christine Northrup book. It makes the misery make more sense. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-change#post-705886 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 01:23:59 +0000 DonnaF 705886@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Deborah, and all you younger gals out there:</p> <p>Not all women get hot flashes or hot flashes for prolonged periods of time! I had less than a month of *warm* flashes, and night sweats lasted maybe two weeks. I run very cold so almost nothing makes me hot. During peri-menopause I developed a rare autoimmune disease (and took prednisone for a prolonged period of time) so who knows if that was a factor. [With the prednisone, I had NO seasonal allergy symptoms!]</p> <p>My shape has changed; I suppose it is hormonal: Even more of a pancake butt, less waist -- but waistlines STILL tend to be too big!!! The good news is that my fat arms have gotten thinner, but maybe that is because they are less toned? I can't grip any more, so can no longer hold weights. </p> <p>Now that I'm 59, I seem to be developing osteopenia and have gotten .75" shorter, so I'm down to 5'1". No falls, but a recent x-ray show old pelvic fractures and a possible new one. WTF?!? I've been exercise walking 1 hr/day/6 days/wk for the past 7 years or so, but that weight bearing exercise doesn't seem to have made much difference, or else all that prednisone more than a dozen years ago eroded the bones; I know it did my teeth no favors.</p> <p>We're all different, and I'm thankful that I was basically spared the hot flashes. But like Shiny, as of this week have an empty nest. My trusted wardrobe adviser is now at college. DH has suggested I (learn to) take photos and send them to her. But that's what this forum is for. Must buy tripod. Must learn to use new camera. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-change#post-705810 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 23:40:15 +0000 Deborah 705810@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny thank you so much for starting this thread. I will be reading all of this with great interest. I am 47 and I think I have had one hot flash a couple of months ago. Coming up two years I go I had a hysterectomy and one ovary removed. I have no idea what to expect or when. I have been reading up particularly on dietary information and natural remedies as I have no intention of using HRT. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-change#post-705798 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 23:30:52 +0000 deb 705798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is the perimenopause where all the bad stuff happens. Once I hit true monopause, my body calmed down. I read the Christiane Northrup book, The Wisdom of Menopause and it helped me understand what was happening to my body and what to expect. Shiny, I am sorry to hear about your fibromialgia. I wonder if that has certain effects on the way a body goes through the change. Or even the meds you might take. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-change#post-705796 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 23:28:48 +0000 shiny 705796@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene, thank you! I have employed all these strategies, including the twin comforters (winter strategy: DH gets the thick one and I get the thin; in summer he gets the comforter and I sleep with just a sheet or nothing at all). And, I am on "Hot Flash Fan" number 3 (personal size, on my nightstand). I burned out the first two from overuse. When I have had that fan running in dead of winter with the bedroom window wide open, I've chased DH into the guest bedroom... because whereas I am having hot flashes, he is having anemia so he bats for Team Freezing Cold all the time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-change#post-705790 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 23:24:49 +0000 Transcona Shannon 705790@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I work in the Women's Health Program at my hospital and am also in full blown perimenopause so hopefully can share a bit of information.</p> <p>Technically, you have reached "menopause" when you have gone a full 12 months without a menstrual period. The stage prior to that where you experience hot flushes, night sweats, etc. is "perimenopause" and that can start anywhere between 30 - 45 years of age. Everyone is different and not everyone experiences the same symptoms. </p> <p>Symptoms can include hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, itchy skin, acne, weight gain (particularly around the middle), forgetfulness, increased facial hair and thinning hair on your head. I personally have experienced all of these except for the balding.</p> <p>Don't let anyone tell you you're crazy when you can't remember something - the "menopausal fog" is very real.</p> <p>I have chosen to go through "the change" without HRT (hormone replacement therapy) but that can be helpful to some and should be discussed with your Gynecologist for more information.</p> <p>Natural remedies which have helped me tremendously is red clover and soy. If I drink my soy milk every day, my hot flushes are few and far between. I also took Red Clover capsules when the night sweats were really bad. Caffeine and alcohol are also major triggers for hot flushes and so I limit those. I can have two cups of coffee in a day and be ok - if I have that third one, I'm in trouble.</p> <p>Wear breathable fabrics as much as possible (cotton, linen, silk) and layer. This is why I almost always wear a blazer over top - I can take it off when I get hot and then put it back on when the chill comes afterward. Sometimes, that blazer goes off and on 20 times in a day!</p> <p>When the night sweats were at their worse, I kept a basket beside my side of the bed with a couple of t-shirts and knickers in it and would change in the middle of the night when what I was wearing would become damp from the sweats. That stopped for me about a year ago (I'm 49 now).</p> <p>I hope I've given you some helpful information and whatever you experience, you're not the only one! Every woman goes through it and every woman survives it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-change#post-705786 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 23:22:39 +0000 shiny 705786@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>AG, around my 45th my OB/GYN told me he was sure I was at least a decade away from menopause. I asked how could he possibly know, without running any tests? Without blinking he said, "the condition of your skin." Now, yes, he sees hundreds of women. And yes, I do look young for my age (baby face). But c'mon! Anyway I haven't seen him since.. eek, that reminds me; need to make an appointment! </p> <p>All I can say is that *I* see a huge difference in the past two years. I don't know if he'll notice it. If he just looks at my face, which has never been without sunscreen since my 20s... but that's not the skin I'm talking about. </p> <p>And if I'm still years away then how do you explain these freakin' hot flashes? They are misery. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-change#post-705772 Tue, 28 Aug 2012 23:15:27 +0000 Gaylene 705772@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As someone who is, more or less, finished with that part of her life, it doesn't last forever, thank goodness-- and it is nice not to have to deal with periods and birth control anymore. Although my DH still teases me about the winter night when he looked over, and there I was with all the covers tossed aside and an arctic wind blowing through the window. Ah, relief!</p> <p>But seriously, here are a couple of things that helped me get through:</p> <p>Always dress in layers. I usually wore a sleeveless, silk or cotton knit top under my jackets and cardigans so it was easy to take off the outer layer and still look presentable at work. High necks, long sleeves, and heavy fabrics were not my friends during this period. My sister was given a small, folding fan as a joke by one of her girlfriends, but she swore it saved her more than once at work and on social occasions. I kept a small fan in my office that I could turn on when I needed a breeze.</p> <p>Throw a few blotting papers into your handbag and use them if your face gets too damp. It also helps if you keep your makeup light and simple so that it is easy to do a quick repair after you blot your face.</p> <p>My sister and her hubby have a king-size bed so she opted to use two twin comforters instead of single king-size one, Hers was quite light, while he could snuggle under his heavier down one. My hubby and I switched sides so that I slept nearer the window. I also found that wearing a short, lightweight chemise at night was more comfortable than PJs.</p> <p>It's important, I think, to eat right and drink fluids. I like a glass of wine with dinner, but, for me, more than a glass seemed to bring on the hot flashes. I think eating a well-balanced diet and keeping up a daily exercise routine also helps with the mood swings. If nothing else, you stay in shape and feel better about yourself.</p> <p>The first place I noticed skin changes was on my neck, so I started using a heavier moisturizer on my neck which helped keep the skin more supple. I also found that it paid to experiment a bit with products since my old favorites sometimes made me feel greasy or made my skin break out. I also threw away all of my mineral and powder makeup which seemed to give me an ashy, cakey look. </p> <p>Finally, it pays to keep a sense of humor about the whole thing. If I started to get cranky, my husband would stand up, click his heels together, and salute me saying "yes, my captain!" It never failed to crack me up and both of us would end up laughing.<br /> My sister and her friends called themselves the "glow girls" who were "hot, hot, HOT!" </p> <p>And don't be afraid to tell your family when you need to find that AC. RIGHT NOW!!!! </p>