More on menopause – research, wrinkles and jump scares

Menopause discussion part two:

My last post was about menopause – and I’ve got a little more to say.

I am a geriatric millennial and it seems everyone in my millennial/Gen X my friendship groups are talking about menopause. Mostly perimenopause.

Before my hysterectomy, I had not researched menopause much because I thought I had time. At least eight more years, if I went by my Mum’s experience. And to be fair, the only time she and her friends discussed menopause was when it was opening the windows and turning the aircon cooler. I feel lucky it’s discussed (and treated) much more publicly now.

I have bought a few menopause books, but none are in audiobook format, which I prefer. I had too much overwhelm and brainfog immediately after surgery to read, and even now, I’m struggling.

The weirdest symptom I have had, that may be related to menopause, is jump scares. I’ve asked others who have had cancer and reached early menopause, and also who don’t have cancer but are going through perimenopause if they get this too, and some said they did.

Ever since my hysterectomy in June, I feel physical jump scares. I feel a physical fright in my body – mostly in my upper body, but sometimes it feels like when you drive down a steep hill. I get minor heat palpitations, and an upper body tingle.

It happens when I’m driving and a car gets close, or if I misstep, or whenever I’m surprised by something. It feels far more frequent and pronounced than before I was operated on and diagnosed.

I wonder if this is due to a lack of oestrogen, or could it be the cumulative (mildly) traumatic effect of the surgery, cancer, cancer treatments and lack of oestrogen ?

Does it happen to you too?

Image: Carly, a woman with red skin, wearing a floral scarf on her head, a cream floral shirt and bright green pants, a navy, purple and green floral jacket and gold shoes.

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