ladies,
I wish that the changes of menopause would confine themselves to being irritable, hot flashes and not sleeping well, but unfortunately they don't. I guess the one thing that bothers me, almost as much as no sexual desire, is the changes in my looks. Sometimes I look in the mirror and seriously think "Who's that?"
I would love to hear form other woman who are noticing REAL changes in their looks and bodies. ANYBODY???? Sagging skin, thin shin, hair that is disgusting, hair that shouldn't grow in certain spots BUT it is. Bat wings, and can't wear shorts any more?? Tummies that have a layer of fat that can only be described as Santa? AM I ALONE HERE???
So if you have seen some odd changes, please submit your list. I'd love to know how everyone else is coping with this. Cause meno is for the birds.
Hi Gailannie
You are not alone and I'm glad I'm not alone either..
It seems it happened over night
For me first started the extra belly fat then was droopy eyelids hair as you mentioned growing in weird places muscle loss ..can't stand looking my self in the mirror even putting make up on it doesn't apply or look the same anymore..I feel so old just turned 50 and feel 80! I gone from dress size 4 to 8/10 and I don't eat more then usual..
I don't want to go shopping or go out anymore..
I don't even know where to start with the physical changes at 46...thinning frizzy dry hair that I finally had to cut short, no more waist, big tummy bigger than my breast now 
dry skin, dry everything, droped eye lids and so on so on, like you I see myself in the mirror and don't recognize myself anymore, I have gained 12 pounds in 2 months and I am not eating more than normal at all, I am very short and kind of petite, and always looked younger than my age but not anymore!!! This year has been a transforming year for me...on the other hand after a few months of denial I finally admit that I am changing and I am trying to enjoy the change and be happy that I get to live it...my kids are getting older too, they don't need my constant attention anymore so I have more time for myself and my husband and I am grateful for this change as well...
My appearance has really went downhill. I've lost self confidence, and hate socializing these days. My hair has changed too. I hate this
I can see myself getting older but my eyelids haven't drooped as such yet. I've only just started to get a cluster of Grey hairs now.
I have always been a big girl, it's getting harder to try to shift a few pounds. I'd say I'm still looking reasonably young first my age, but it is begining to slowly catch up to me physically. I'm 46 next February.
There are changes yes, and I don't like it, especially when younger people make silly comments. My periods are still full on but give horrible side effects such as very bad headaches, back and womb ache. Just generally feel rotten each month and most days......
Oh, have I mentioned the horrible hot and cold flushes! ? 😨
Hi Gailannie, you are definitely not alone. I have dry, thin hair, droopy eyelids and what about the crepe paper looking skin. Ugh! It did seem to happen over night. Another part of life right?! Has anyone found any good lotion to help hydrate any part of their dry skin? Hope all of you are having a good night.
OMG Maria, I can't believe you mentioned thar makeup doesn't apply or look like it used to. I HAVE THE SAME THING GOING ON. Ya know, I always wondered why my mom's makeup looked so bad, apparently it has something to do with this horrible skin we get. Wish I could say LOL, but darn it I can't.
LM, I am short and petite also. My kids are also grown and gone. But these changes are something that I really didn't want or expect. I was always so active, happy and always on the move. Now it seems I could care less. It barely seems worth it to even try to dress up and enjoy an evening out.
I know Colleen, it just stinks. Hair is one of the things that bothers me the most. And of course, I have an added fear, because my sister who is nine years older is bald and has to wear a wig full time. That's scary stuff.
The sad part is, I had so many plans when I finally got the kids gone and now had a new husband. Vaginal atrophy and dryness, and feeling like I look horrible somehow wasn't a part of the plan. Again, I'd LOL if I could.
Theres, it does come on slowly. But when you hit that certain tipping point, it seems to go down...down...down from there. I was doing great at 46, and actually didn't mind the small changes. But 60 is another story.
Sometimes I feel the same way, It happens when you least expect it, I got to the point that I didn't want to smile for a photo or even be in photos anymore, then my daughter told me she wished I could at least smile a little to look happy...that is when I realized that in the future they could care less if I have a double chin (one of the changes I really hate) or wrinkles they would remember if I was happy or in a bad mood all the time (most days I feel that way) when I was with them, so I am trying to change my attitude, is not easy but I am trying...there are times when is harder...that is what I love about this forum, you can vent and also get reassurance that we are not crazy and not alone on this ride!
OMG Becky, you hit another one of my hot buttons...CREPE PAPER SKIN. What the heck is that all about? And like you it did happen over night. I wonder if all women seem to see this as an "overnight" thing.
I was using Ahoba (sp) oil mixed with some lotion. It worked really well.
LM, I know just what you mean about all this. My daughter told me that the sexiest thing about a woman was her smile. The guys in the room, including her husband, gave her a look like she was crazy. (They know better) LOL
But she's only in her 30s, so I'll give her a pass until she personally understands how her once sexy, cute mom is feeling right now.
I'm trying to change my attitude also. But that's going to include removing every mirror in the house! And simply living in a world of pretending.
AND WHERE'S THE WOMEN WHO WANT TO COMPLAIN ABOUT SAGGING BREASTS???????? I used to have great ones, where the heck did they go?
Hi gailannie, yes I have noticed physical changes in a short amount of time also. My breast have fallen a little, they are less firm. I have fine lines on my forehead, which weren't there before. The texture of my hair is changing also. My skin is much drier, disgusting chin hairs.
I am also battling with vaginal dryness, along with decreased sexual desire too. Poor husband. Depressing isn't it
Thank you! Im going to try that mixture....I need some type of serious skin care help. Save the crepe paper for the party streamers! Lol! Take care!
My high firm breast went south with my hormones.
Sorry Maria, I couldn't help but chuckle just a little. falling breasts, lines on the forhead, hair problems, dry skin, chin hairs, vaginal dryness and no libido! Wow isn't this fun? Can you believe that some scientist hasn't figured this out yet. The guy would be a MULTI BILLIONAIRE. Every woman around would be after that formula.
I'd love to give you my "crepe paper". You could throw us all a big party.
So now we have streamer crepe paper skin and deflated party balloon breast. Ugh! This surely doesnt feel like a party to me lol!