And now...Something Gross

It's amazing the impact that stress can have on your body. Since I consider this a forum to share my innermost thoughts, fears and successes, I will relate the following. So, after three missed periods, four negative pregnancy tests, and some praying, Aunt Flo has finally arrived. Wow, I feel like such a junior high schooler again, calling it Aunt Flo. But anyway, I'm finally surfing the crimson wave. Ha, another really bad euphemism. Over the past three months, I have been scared about my lack of menstruation. At first I thought I was pregnant. Then when it became month two without, I thought maybe I had some sort of tumor that was blocking the flow. During month three, I was convinced it was early menopause. During this three-month wait, I often told myself it was just stress. I had read several articles about stress causing missed periods. I hoped this was the reason. Now I am convinced.

Over the last three months, although I have tried not to show it, the stress of unemployment had taken its toll. It's amazing to me that my body can react in a somewhat protective manner, I guess shielding me from the possibility of getting pregnant. However, didn't my body get the fact that missing my periods was causing me more stress? Again, my "little friend" is here with a vengeance. I'm pleased that I am not menopausal, but also frustrated because, what woman enjoys getting her period?

I'm sorry to share something so intimate and gross with you, but those that are really close to me know how much this has frightened me over the past three months. So, welcome Aunt Flo, please visit monthly. This will serve as a reminder to me to take better care of myself, keeping focused on how stressed I really am.