Late 40s / Early 50s - Is This What You Expected?

Can you use the knowledge you now have to guide your DC and turn it into a positive?

I haven't, I just assumed this was life in your 50s. Maybe I should, thank you

Have you seen your GP with those symptoms? Low vit D can cause some of those.

Exhausted. All. The. Time. As a result, literally no energy at all to do anything, let alone exercise. Frequent migraines, low mood and insomnia. I feel quite fed up really.

Generally feel about the same, although face has started looking middle aged. Figure is same, although have a thin layer of fat that I can't seem to shift. Probably start to think that I'm old(er) when I'm 50+ I imagine.

I'm 47 today with an 8yr old and a 3yr old....life is great! I changed my career last year and absolutely loving the change of direction and learning and hoping to start my Employment Law qualification later this year, I have a loving husband and we live in my childhood home which we are starting to extend and refurb next month, financially we are in a good place and heading for a decent pension, health wise I'm not great but ultimately as CBT has taught me "pain in inevitable, suffering is optional" .....I have a young family so have to go through it 🤷🏻‍♀️

Very kind to say!

it’s just sharing experiences and expectations. Nothing wrong with that.

in real life I’m not that honest about what’s going on (a select few only). This thread has enabled me to share my real thoughts and I appreciate it.
Most people have no idea about my circumstances.

Honestly this forum is so full of women who are miserable, far too negative about themselves, struggle through things without trying to solve it. Who won’t make changes.

I am 50, have just started HRT. Night sweats have gone straight away ( thank goodness) but i feel a bit worse otherwise. I will stick it out as I know you need to give it time. And I am keen to protect my bones as am slim and know I will be at increased risk of osteoporosis.

I would echo what others have said about fatigue, anxiety, lack of confidence. I have had bereavements and other difficult times in recent years. I feel defeated at times , and have nowhere near the energy or resilience of my younger self. I worry more, perhaps not about myself but about everyone else.
On a positive note I have a job I like , a beautiful family and good health generally even if perimenopause is messing with that at the moment.
I think this is s tough time of life. I wish I had had more sympathy for my mum when she was going through menopause xxx

My 30’s was the worst decade of my life when i found the courage to leave my abusive ex and was left with my two small children. So I never had any expectations of my 40’s/50’s. Sheer luck had me meet my dh who carries me through life, an exceptional step dad. My only complaint is the worst insomnia I’ve ever had!

NorthernishLass, I agree.. obviously if you have serious health issues, fair enough
My late DF used to say ",this isn't the dress rehearsal, this is it, make the most of it".

Oh to be able to go back in time and tell our 20 something self what not to choose.

My dds do this too walk ahead and then wait impatiently!

I marvel at people taking stairs two at a time. I’m v jealous. I remember bounding down the stairs and jumping the last few effortlessly.

Yes, I'm a keen hiker and so is my 16 year old, and nowadays he effortlessly outpaces me 😱. All those years patiently waiting for a toddler to catch up, and now he does this to me!!

I absolutely love my life and I’m late 50s, if I was reading all these comments about how hard life is in my 40s I’d be scared.
i think the post has more people answering who aren’t happy because to answer positively may sound a bit smug, so this skews the posts.

It's up to you to make your life more interesting.
No one else can do that.

If you're not happy, think about what you can change.

Sounds like you're married to the wrong man, but if that's a choice you're happy with, do your own thing and start enjoying life. You only get one shot at it.

@StrawberrySundaes You can use transdermal HRT, not tablets.

The Migraine Trust has info on HRT and it's allowed for women with migraine unless of course there are other circumstances.

I've migraine and used hrt for years through a meno consultant.

I tried it for over a year and it did nothing so I stopped. I think I felt a bit better when I stopped it actually!

I have severe migraines and have scalp botox for it. No issues accessing HRT.

@Imbusytodaysorry are you affected by illness too? Again only if want to share.

Severe CHF
i know I nearly died and I try to see every day as a gift now.
sometimes I think someone’s out to get me!!

Generally though I was doing alright till I got to 50. Even menopause symptoms didn’t kick in for awhile. I never really understood how important our hormones are to us.

@Dreamsofanidiotmaybenot i hear you. I’m sorry . Life can be cruel.
May i ask what it is , if you feel able to share ?

I never thought I would be single at 50.
i am healthy . I have a full time job and everything I own is mine - no credit .

However i don’t earn a lot - always worked around kids so career took a back seat .
I feel my best years are behind me now and I fear that life is going far too quickly .
I wish I could rewind the clock and make some different choices !

I’m not allowed on HRT due to the severity of my migraines. Stroke risk apparently.

I don’t know what I expected but I absolutely LOVE being early 50s. Love myself a lot more than in previous decades. Happy and thankful with what I’ve got.

Im looking forward to the next 30 years! 🎉