Rather than having one big “TALK” with my mom about how babies were made and how boys and girls were different and so on, I learned those things gradually over the years. My mom answered questions as I asked them, and I knew everything I need to know. But one day in elementary school, I came home telling my mom that some boys on the school bus had a condom and teased me that I probably didn’t know what it was. I assured them I did know but refused to tell them.

She asked me to tell her what I thought it was.
I said, “You blow it up and sit on it and it goes pbbbbbbbbbbth…”

After she stopped laughing at the fact I thought it was a whoopie cushion, she realized it was time to talk about a few more things. In addition to talks with my mom, I learned more of what to expect from hearing friends talk about their experiences with puberty since most of them reached that stage WAY before I did. {Proof of my late-bloomer status: this photo from 6th grade. I’m the one in the middle. Yes, we’re all the same age.}

But now I’m at a far different point in life. Among my friends and family, there is more talk of menopause than PMS. I’d still love to be happily surprised with pregnancy, but I wonder how I’ll know when menopause is coming.

I’ve heard of perimenopause, but I’m still pretty clueless. My mom had a hysterectomy decades ago because of severe endometriosis; my aunts and a few of my cousins have also faced surgical menopause. One of my cousins, younger than me, rather suddenly hit menopause a year or so ago — but my sister is much older than me and has not reached that stage yet.

I really have no idea what to expect — and that’s the idea behind Poise’s emphasis on urging women to have “The 2nd Talk.” In fact, they want one million women to pledge to have this talk by World Menopause Day on October 18. By joining the conversation, women will gain more menopause knowledge, support, and solutions.

When I knew what to expect in regards to hitting puberty, I felt comfortable about the changes I knew would come. I’m not ready for menopause just yet, but I would like to be prepared! Poise is introducing a line of over-the-counter products for use during menopause, designed to work naturally and provide comfort and relief from symptoms of menopause: Roll-On Cooling Gel and Body Cooling Towelettes to help you feel refreshed when a hot flash strikes, and other products to feel fresh and confident.

To kick off this product launch, BlogHer and Poise is offering a chance to win a $250 Visa Gift card! To be entered for a chance to win, just leave a comment answering the question, “When do you feel most confident?”

Rules:
No purchase necessary to enter or win.
Only unique Entries will be counted; duplicates will not be considered as an additional entry.

You may receive entries on this post by selecting from the following entry methods starting on July 26, 2012 at 9am PT and ending on August 24, 2012 at 5pm PT:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post.
b) Tweet (public message) about this promotion, including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: #sweepstakesentry; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post.
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post.
d) To enter without posting comments, see official rules.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail and will have 72 hours to respond or a new winner will be selected. Void where prohibited.

Be sure to visit Poise’s brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. Thank you to all who participated!

Jamie

Wife, mom, J-ma. Introvert who enjoys good books, sunshine, and authentic conversation. Often seen with a steaming mug of tea in hand – unless it’s lost yet again in the microwave. Read more »