Today was a resting day. I had terrible cramps and headaches, and I just couldn’t get up. I practically stayed in bed all day. Come to think of it, it was my first time to spend a whole day inside the room after we moved to Morocco. Well, couldn’t help it.
So, my symptoms: I looked them up, and I found out something. 調べてみると、このようなことがかいてありました。
“Perimenopausal hormone fluctuations can worsen your familiar, underlying premenstrual and menstrual symptoms, as high levels of estrogen can cause your body to release prostaglandins, or chemicals that make your uterus contract, which cause pain like heavy cramps.”
Also, I haven’t slept well for a while. That’s supposedly another thing about perimenopause. I wake up so often, like every one or two hours, or, I get strange dreams. Usually dreams with nonsense stories. Apparently, I ask my husband questions when I wake up (he is often awake next to me, as he is working with his laptop) and poor Olof has to listen to my silly stuff which doesn’t make sense at all…
For example, this is the kind of dream I have. Note: my son is an artist, but I am not. 例えばこんな夢。絵で説明します。ところで、絵を描く才能があるのは息子であって、私ではありません。
Olof is working, Tomo is Studying, Ewoks from Star Wars are patrolling us with their guns. – なぜか離れた部屋でそれぞれ作業中の夫婦、スターウォーズのイゥオークが拳銃を持ってパトロール中。
Olof wants to go to the Cave to buy his “Adult Beverages” but Tomo worries that he will be shot by Ewoks. – お酒を買いに行こうとするオオラフを「イウォークに撃たれちゃうから、やめて！」と必死に止めるトモ。
But, his passion for “Adult Beverages” was big. Ewoks await. Tomo cries. – オオラフはお酒屋さんへ出発。イウォークは定位置へ。トモは泣く。The End.
According to my husband, when “Bad Olof” (such as this) appears in my dreams, it is NOT a real Olof. That “Bad Olof” is a “Norwegian Olof.” Because the Real Olof is Swedish.
Anyone who is going through Perimenopause or menopause: Do you have bad dreams? Do you experience cramps? Do you have a Norwegian partner who appears to be Swedish in your dream? I hope we are able to survive during this challenging time together (with a good sense of humor and lots of understanding from our partners) 💝💝💝
If you are human with female reproduction organs, you will likely have to go through various menopause/perimenopause symptoms. And they are no joke. I am 52 years old, therefore, I AM experiencing all sorts of crazy stuff every day – the hard ones are brain fog and dizziness. Wait, I also get sleepless nights and terrible headaches. Am I moody? Ask my husband, he will tell you. I learned that they do come in whichever continent you live on, even when you live with the most caring husband in the world (Je suis désolé, mon mari.).
By the way, I always wonder why menopause/perimenopause issues are not so discussed openly. I also wonder how in the world ladies at my age stay positive & get support during this challenging phase. Anyway, here in my salon, I decided not to be shy about my journey through this transition – so that we, as women in “second puberty”, can feel that we are not alone, that we don’t feel ashamed, and that we can overcome together!
One of many many many reasons of our relocations to Morocco is, I find (and I would like to believe!) that Moroccan life seems to be more gentle & more friendly to my “second puberty” days. Here are some of my findings I would like to share 😍
Mint tea heaven Yes, Morocco’s national drink, Atay bn3an3a (mint tea) is great for women in menopause, as mint can be effective in reducing the discomfort of hot flashes, rebuilding the hormonal balance, and helping to get a better sleep (I heard). Merveilleux!
Interaction with people – real, physical ones Since I don’t drive here, I walk every day, go to school, do grocery shopping, etc. So, I make physical contact with people. Then, I learned that Moroccans are the most hospitable, the kindest, and the sweetest people on earth. Plus, they are so good at smiling at strangers – even with silly foreigners like me. Some uncles look kind of scary at first, but then when I say “ssalam lekum (hello)” or “aafak (please)”, they give me the biggest smile and some Bollywood star-like hand gestures which make those uncles look like SRK. I don’t underestimate the power of human energy.
Fresh Produce Heaven (and nuts) Markets here are full of fresh produce, and shopkeepers make sure to give us the best stuff! Avocado, leafy greens, carrots, tomatoes. Everything tastes good.
新鮮な野菜やナッツが豊富で、お店の人も良い素材を選んでくれちゃう。幸せでございます。
No need to show your bodylineDjellaba is our friend. One way or the other, we need to accept that we all gain weight anyway, so, why not be more acceptable to our body and also be flexible about our choice of clothes? Furthermore, Jellaba is pretty, and people will appreciate you when you wear local clothes – which’ll make you feel good (energy boost!)
Honey of Good Quality I am not talking about the kind that comes with the shape of a bear. A real, pure, organic, made-from-one-kind-of-flowers honey. Rich in nutrients, antioxidants, and probiotics.
Schwiya-Schwiya (slowly-slowly) life You learn to slow down a bit here, it’s just a way it is. Let’s have a bit of patience. Schwiya-Schwiya. You might not even need to look at your phone – maybe let the beautiful Adhan lead the approximate time of the day.
So, what do you think? Would you like to visit Morocco for your break from Menopause/Perimenopause shenanigans? You and your girlfriends can join the tour such as…
