Butrfly's Wonderings

Okay, guys, this one you might wanna skip. ;) This is for us wimens to discuss.

It is amazing what a little chemistry can do to make you feel like an entirely new person.

I've suffered from heavy bleeding and severe anemia for several years. Currently, I am without medical coverage and no money to spend on tests, doctor visits or hormone therapy.

I saw a Dr. Phil show on natural remedies for perimenopause, ordered progesterone cream and a book to read further on the subject. Almost immediately, I felt a difference in my body. As I described to my mom, it felt like there were cells in my body that were waking up after a very long sleep. I was almost tingling. My skin cleared up, the hair on my upper lip stopped growing as thickly or as rapidly, my blood pressure and heart aren't constant worries anymore, my spirits were uplifted and I have a lot more energy. I eagerly awaited my next period to see if it would be different too.

I have learned that progesterone is the hormone that is supposed to be dominant in the second half of our cycles. Estrogene gets the first half. Progesterone is the one that has control over preparing our bodies for pregnancy and maintaining it until birth. If you're interested in further information, here's one of the many websites with information.

Facts and Myths

It is as if I am in a completely different body. No more extreme pain and cramps from passing very large fibrous clots (sometimes it felt like I was giving birth), no more stained furniture, bedding and clothing, no more feeling my heart struggle to overcome the excessive bleeding. No more spending all that money on products that just get flushed down the toilet and the freedom to be more then a room away from a bathroom! I am a much different woman today then I was three months ago.

This month I am also cutting way back on the amount of carbs I eat in the form of breads and pasta. No, I'm not doing Atkins, but I am incorporating some of his science into my diet. And, I do feel a whole lot better because of it.

The biggest benefit is the energy I now have. I'm making progress on getting back into physical shape. Starting from a point of having to pull myself up the apartment stairs one leg at a time and then collapsing onto the couch to catch my breath, I'm now climbing the stairs with both legs and no hands (look ma, no hands!) and just this morning I reached a new point in my swimming efforts. I swam 4 continuous laps of breast stroke without having to take a break. The weight and inches are falling off of me! I think I'm just about ready to wear a smaller sized pant (wouldn't be caught dead in public yet though, it's too tight for my tastes).

I'm so damned proud of myself! If this progress keeps up, I'll finally be in good enough shape to start looking for work again.

It's been so hot around here, that swimming is a real treat I look forward to in the mornings. I'm usually the first one there and have to kick mama and her ducklings out of the pool. The ducklings are starting to get their adult feathers so they will probably be leaving soon to start their migration. I have a ball watching all the insects in the area; bumblebees, butterflies and dragonflies abound. Those dragonflies can be ornery suckers. They like to dive-bomb or buzz around my head when I come up for air in the pool.

The finches on my balcony are still fornicating. This crop will be the fourth one of the season. I swear their baby manufacturing rate rivals that of rabbits! I feel sorry for the mama birds. They are starting to look really scrawny and ragged. Motherhood is taking a toll on them. I'm glad I can help them out with the bird feeder and bath I have for them.