Yes mid-life motherhood takes on a variety of forms. This last week my doctor wanted to run blood tests to see where I am in the menopausal cycle. I turned 50 in November so it seemed like the right thing to do since I’ve been on hormones for the last 4 years for all the peri-menopausal symptoms that have been plaguing me.

In advance I posted a facebook message to all my family and friends who see this “I apologize in advance for any shortcomings and irritability on my part this coming week. Preparing for some blood work which required to stop hormones I’m on, probably not the best week to do this with my husband going to be out of town, but alls well, hopefully the next hormone protocol will be even better when all is said and done!”

A week ago Friday was my first day off, not a bad day as my body still had hormones coursing through my body. But that was the last good day. The next was a headachy day and then onto the migraine as the hormones seeped out of my body. After the migraine started so did the blues which were not helped by the rainy weather. Overnight waking with insomnia, night sweats and the whole shebang! All I wanted to do was curl up in my bed with the covers up, but as a mom with a 7- and 5-year-old that was not going to happen.

Add that the week we (my doctor and I) chose to come off hormones was a business travel week for my husband. Yes I would be alone parenting with no break for this week which may not have been the best timing.

The headache pretty much continued for the week (possibly stress induced as well as no hormones) and my insomnia returned. Luckily with school and extra curricular activities for both girls the week breezed by.

The results of my blood test show that I am still peri-menopausal so back to the regime that helped me keep the active symptoms away.

It was not the easiest week because of the physical symptoms but I am glad I did it when I did to learn what next treatment protocol would be needed on my journey in my 50s!