Can you do self-insemination at home ?
Updated: June 1, 2021
Originally Published: March 31, 2021
It’s like a dry spell has settled in across my entire body — my hands, hair, and even my intimate areas have all changed. No amount of creams or lotions seems to restore the hydration my skin once enjoyed. My typical Aries moodiness has evolved into something more complex than just my usual stubbornness. I can’t keep blaming my irritability on my zodiac sign anymore; I’m pretty sure this is the onset of menopause. My body feels entirely different, including my desire for intimacy. Everything points to the onset of perimenopause.
The Symptoms of Perimenopause: An Exhaustive List
Honestly, there are so many strange symptoms that it’s hard to know where to start, and I’m left wondering if I should attribute them to perimenopause or just a frustrating day. Here are some of the most common signs of this transitional phase:
- Hot Flashes: These can easily be mistaken for just a particularly bad day — a sweaty mess punctuated by sudden hot flashes. While we often think of hot flashes as a hallmark of menopause, they can start during perimenopause too.
- Irregular Periods: One of the most noticeable changes is the irregularity of periods and ovulation. You might find yourself with a 60-day cycle one month and then your period returns every two weeks the next. Fun!
- Vaginal Dryness: Alongside mood swings and irritability comes the reality of vaginal dryness, which can occur even outside of sexual activity. This is where lubricant becomes essential.
- Painful Intercourse: Dyspareunia, or painful intercourse, is rarely discussed but is a real concern for many. Increased dryness and thinner vaginal tissue can make penetration uncomfortable, contributing to a sense of constant tightness. It’s no surprise that 17-45% of menopausal women report pain during sex due to inadequate lubrication.
- Lowered Libido: For some, the desire for sex diminishes as estrogen and testosterone levels drop. Many women find it harder to reach orgasm, and who doesn’t want to enjoy that experience?
A Personal Surprise: Elevated Cholesterol
Entering perimenopause is significant and can last for up to ten years before menopause fully sets in, according to my gynecologist. As hormone levels fluctuate, many women experience an increase in cholesterol. My latest blood test results caught me off guard; my cholesterol had risen since last year. Scrolling through my health app, I was stunned. How could my LDL cholesterol be higher? I’m careful about my carb intake!
Perhaps adjusting my diet will help boost my HDL, the good cholesterol, promoting better health. According to WebMD, there are proactive steps we can take to ease perimenopausal symptoms, including regular exercise, quitting smoking, getting more sleep, consuming less alcohol, and increasing calcium intake. Basically, it’s about embracing a healthier lifestyle — not just because menopause is on the horizon.
Embracing Acceptance
I could try to ignore this reality (and I want to), but I’m learning to listen to my body. It’s not enough to simply relish the absence of a regular period; I need to give my body the attention it deserves. I’m taking a page from Oprah’s wisdom on menopause: “Many women perceive this phase as an ending, but it’s actually a chance to reinvent yourself after years of prioritizing others. It’s time to clarify what matters to you and pursue it with vigor.” Amen to that.
For more insights, check out this other blog post, and for an excellent resource on fertility treatments, visit March of Dimes.
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In summary, perimenopause is a challenging transition filled with a variety of unexpected symptoms. From physical changes like dryness and irregular periods to emotional shifts, it’s a time that requires attention and acceptance. By understanding these changes and embracing a healthier lifestyle, we can navigate this phase with grace and clarity.