Perimenopause and Puberty Coexist

My oldest son turned fourteen today.  In another twelve days I will turn 49.  We are two different generations sharing similar issues as we anticipate the events for our age groups.  These changes we are facing at this time of our lives is not very different. 

 These issues cover:

• personality changes – we both are having highs and lows, and leave me alone issues
• emotional issues – we all need a good cry once once in awhile
• hormones – they seem out of whack at times
• bone density – we need to take our vitamins, leg pains and growth spurts
• changes in body composition - belly fat showed up uninvited, taller/shorter
• needing more sleep – teens stay up late and sleep in, adults need 7.5 hours
• hunger pains – chocolate, snacks, all day grazing
• depression lingering – sets in as 50 approaches, sadness, loneliness
• acne appearing - more freckles than pimples for teen, eczema worse in 40s
• bad hair days – too much work to color hair, his goes in all directions
• frequent bathroom visits – as long as I can find one in time we are good

My son is also on the autism spectrum and spending the middle school years doing virtual school.  He has books to guide him along the journey with visuals showing him how his body will look at various ages.  I would prefer not to see any visuals on the body changes that take shape on the female body as we exit the 40s and move into the 50s and menopause.  Although many famous women seem to state how much better they feel in their 50s and 60s, so maybe once over the hump it is smooth sailing.

We both seem to be adrift while we wait for these changes to complete their mission. Another similarity we have is that we both want to leap into our new roles and get on with our lives.  My son would rather be at the age of sixteen where he can volunteer at the zoo and get a license to drive.  I am looking forward to dating once I get past menopause. 

I like to read books by Suzanne Somers like Ageless and Eight Steps to Wellness.  Christine Northrup, M.D. has an excellent book entitled The Wisdom of Menopause. 

Bonnie has many Autism Family Adventures and writes about Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Related posts:

1. The Road to Puberty
2. When Puberty Strikes
3. Skin Changes In Our Forties
4. Embrace Your Forties
5. Exercise Dilemma for Single 40 Something Mom