I sat over my breakfast today and listened to this very interesting interview entitled "There will be blood: Evolution and function of menstruation" over on Skeptically Speaking (it's an hour long but worth sitting through). The woman talking is Dr Kate Clancy who is a researcher into all things menstruational and who also writes an interesting blog over at Scientific American. The talk was partly about the evolution and physiology of periods but also some more cultural aspects and the impact on women. Particularly interesting was the prevalent urban myths around the whole subject. The idea of 'synchronisation' of cycles amongst women who live closely together is debunked and I just loved the fact that someone had bothered to research whether it was safe to go camping while on your period ... apparently there is no evidence the scent of blood will make you more vulnerable to attack by a bear:-)
(I borrowed the image here from The Period Blog)
Having had another extended break between cycles I then had a period that lasted ten days. On the plus side there were no cramps, which have got gradually worse over the years. No particular other symptoms that I might be able to attribute to my hormones.
I went a whole year without one ... then suddenly out of nowhere - I was standing in the supermarket in front of the "Feminine items" shouting (in my head - I'm not completely bonkers, yet) "Why??? I thought we had parted company for good) five weeks later I had another very brief one (last month) and now I feel the tell-tale signs again. What are these? Mother Natures last laughs? On the plus side the hot flushes have stopped and the night sweats too.
ReplyDeleteHi Jane
ReplyDeleteaccording to the web sites you are considered to have been officially 'menopaused' when you have gone a whole year without a cycle. I am beginning to feel that the unpredictability is the most annoying aspect, annoying because the regularity and predictability of it all have been a feature of your life for so long. I agree, definitely feel like Nature is having the last laugh:-)
much love
martine