So, it’s been a short time since I started the pill. True to form my hormones are having to adjust and I’m noticing where my normal period would have started. I’m getting a little more than a bit sensitive and being generally annoying. In the real world where estrogen remains queen, my period usually comes every 21-24 days a month. Thanks to the little pill I pop every morning, suddenly it’s every 28. My body says yes, but my hormones say no. Needless to say this is an adjustment to the dismay of my boyfriend and close friends.
I went on the pill with the intention of removing any chance of having a period while on the trail. Last year, thank you Mother Nature, I got my period three times in two months while attempting to lay some mean miles. I felt like I was wearing a diaper. It was terrible. So, this year I thought I’d get smart. I got myself put on the pill with the intention of skipping the placebo week for the two months I will be out. Diaper gone!
The only issue I foresaw was getting my body used to this new schedule and hormone regime long before start date. The hope was my body would adjust by then and extracting the placebo from the routine would be phase two basically in a finely laid plan to thwart having to carry feminine hygiene products with me on trail. Hey, every ounce counts. And again there is the feeling like I’m wearing a diaper issue, but alas, I’m free. Minus a few freak outs.
Taking hormones is definitely not my first choice, since I have basically gone without my whole life. I find it comical I’m going on the pill at 45, but I seriously don’t have the time to deal with such nonsense on the trail, not while trying to beat a world record.
So, with the blessing of Planned Parenthood, my adventure in female hormone manipulation begins. God help us all.
