Well, here we are. The big 5-0 is knocking on the door, and let me tell you, it isn’t exactly bringing a bouquet of roses. More like a bucket of lukewarm water, splashed right in the face at 3 am. Yes, I am losing my youth, and no, I can’t shove everything into the “I’ll do it in my thirties” or the “When I turn 40!” boxes anymore. Those boxes have long been packed up, labelled “Good Intentions,” and lost in the attic of my mind.

Now, society has this charming little notion that women over 50 are about as appealing as a half-eaten sandwich left out in the sun. Sure, we *know* women in their fifties are attractive. I mean, have you *seen* Michelle Pfeiffer? But does society know? Oh, society knows a lot of things. Like how to set unrealistic beauty standards and then casually ignore us when we don’t meet them. Because it’s not enough to know your own worth intellectually; you’ve got to actually *feel* it, which, let’s be honest, is a bit tricky when you’re being told that “youth is beauty” at every turn.

Perimenopause is just the cherry on top of this mid-life sundae. It takes a warrior of a woman to keep believing that we still have worth when our bodies are apparently staging a rebellion. Hot flashes? More like personal summer vacations—every 30 minutes. Mood instability and irritability? Sorry, was I supposed to *not* feel like throttling the next person who suggests I “try yoga”? Poor concentration and brain fog? Oh, that’s just perfect when I’m trying to remember if I’ve paid the electricity bill or if I’m actually supposed to be in a Zoom meeting right now. And decreased libido? Because nothing says “fun” like feeling about as sexy as a damp dishcloth.

Yet, despite all this, I still stand here, somewhat upright, a little more cranky, but definitely still here. Because, dear society, you may think I’m past my prime, but I’m just getting started. And for every woman out there who’s navigating this labyrinth of hormonal chaos, there’s a community ready to laugh about it.

Here are five Instagram accounts that prove you can face the flames of perimenopause and still keep your sense of humour intact:

1. **@menopausebarbie** – Dr. Barbie Taylor breaks down menopause with the enthusiasm of a cheerleader and the knowledge of a seasoned pro. She makes hot flashes sound like a carnival ride you can laugh about.

2. **@thepelvicroar** – A trio of pelvic health specialists who mix education with hilarity, making the less glamorous aspects of midlife a lot more bearable.

3. **@jenmannauthor** – Jen Mann, author of “People I Want to Punch in the Throat,” provides a sarcastic take on middle age that’s both relatable and laugh-out-loud funny.

4. **@mybloodyuterus** – It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s often hilarious. This account is all about the honest journey through the ups and downs of womanhood.

5. **@themidult** – Self-described as “funny stuff for grown-ups,” this account tackles the absurdities of middle age with wit and wisdom, proving you’re never too old to laugh at yourself.

So, here’s to the next chapter. May it be filled with more laughter, fewer hot flashes, and a societal recognition that beauty doesn’t come with an expiry date. Cheers to us, the real warriors of womanhood.

I have coffee to drench my sorrows in and a cheerie personality to uphold.
Until later my Queens, until later.

/L