#depressing really especially given how water-intensive cotton is

[military-bluebells]

this is like vaguely related but i do have story about the differences in fabric quality between countries.

so, basically, my sibling went to the US a couple of years ago and brought back two souvenir t-shirts for me.

now, first of all, the fabric was quite weird to me, like i'd never felt a t-shirt so soft and thin. i could tell the difference between these two t-shirts and the rest of my clothes by touch alone.

i no longer have either t-shirt.

they both began to degrade from around the third wash (the colours washing out, the fabric thinning, the words becoming illegible) and within a year or two, they were basically see-through and had a bunch of holes in them.

to put this in context, i also sleep in some of my sibling's old t-shirts. these are t-shirts that have been worn for years before they come to me and then i get several more years out of them. i had started wearing a few before i got those t-shirts and i am still wearing them now, years after those t-shirts disintegrated. i have clothes in my day-to-day wardrobe that are almost a decade old. i have a wearable shirt that is around twenty years old.

now, those t-shirts were probably from a souvenir shop so the quality was perhaps questionable. still, if this is anything like the quality of general fabric/clothes in the US, i'm not surprised they have problems with overconsumption if their clothes barely last two years.

I'm so pissed right now. I know that fabric has been declining in quality for a while but I just bought new pajamas from kmart and they are literally see through. Not just through one layer of fabric either; I can see through the leg, that is, through 2 layers of fabric. These aren't clothes. I am not exaggerating when I say that I have strained soup through cheesecloth thicker than these pants. These are men's flannel pajamas, the kind people wear in winter, and they are made if shittier thinner fabric than even the most bargain bin bullshit halloween costumes. This "flannel" feels like plastic and is thinner than a chux wipe. Why is this even for sale.

[sanjuno]

I'm trying to poke at my fic and; Why does it have to be emotional PAIN that awakens the sharingan? It doesn't really make sense. Like, in the warring clans era, ofc that's going to be the main way it happens, maybe even the only way. But, once the village was founded and kids weren't seeing their family die bloody at every turn, wouldn't it make sense that the sharingan would whirl into activity at great moments of JOY? The birth of a child, a moment of triumph, a sight of great beauty etc.

And, if the sharingan awakened as the result of joy instead of pain, would it be different? That might be interesting to explore. Thoughts?

It would be interesting but hard to do in reality, because the sharingan manifests as a result of a neurological shift due to a biochemical reaction in the Uchiha brain. It’s not necessarily pain that triggers the sharingan. It’s just that the side effects of pain-stress are a lot easier to ramp up to the point where the brain meat starts shooting off enough signals at once to hit on the right combination of hormonal hellfire to turn on the magic doom eyes. This pain induced stress-trigger is opposed to euphoria-joy you want to use, which is a state of altered consciousness that the Uchiha as presented in canon would need all the good drugs to reach, and even then it would need to be a joy so intense that it kicked off the chemical cascade in the Uchiha brain that somehow flips the sharingan on.

(Watch my brain run away now, nyoom thar it goes.)

Which would be hard for the Uchiha Clan as a whole to use consistently as a trigger, especially given that the neurological profiles of the Uchiha we meet in canon tend to lean more towards hyper-fixations, Aspergers Syndrome (which may just be me projecting on my favourite characters), and manic-depression. Not really the type of mental landscape that would allow for divine ecstasy as a sharingan launch code.

But you know the one canon example of an Uchiha activating a Sharingan out of Joy? Sarada.

Sarada was so happy that her father was back in Konoha that she activated her sharingan at the thought that her dad was right on the other side of that door. So Sarada is a limited but still valid example that it’s possible to activate the sharingan with mostly happy thoughts.

Meanwhile in the main canon we’re told that the Uchiha don’t get out much and that very few of them actually managed to activate their sharingan before the massacre. So obviously Tobirama’s plan to wrap the Uchiha in cotton wool so they don’t crack en masse actually worked, for the most part. It did mean that the Uchiha Clan circa. the reign of the Fourth Hokage were sheltered from the vast majority of emotional extremes.

Although if you’re really determined to have the Uchiha wake up the sharingan in a moment of joy nothing beats a sex pollen attack. Something ROOT thinks is going to be a poison that weakens them but really works more like Uchiha catnip in the water supply or dropped over the compound and suddenly every single Uchiha has the sharingan. Meanwhile every single Konoha shinobi who was kinda uncertain about if their Uchiha friend was really their friend now has an armful of jacked-up hyper-active pyromaniac with magic doom eyes and while the confirmation of affection is really nice to have could we perhaps not set everything on fire? Please?

Kakashi and Tenzo, currently wearing their Uchiha teammates like scarves: “What the fuck.”

Shisui and Itachi, flying high with the moon and with the Makengyou now: “I can see everything, Taicho. All the things.”

On a more individual basis, Obito arriving on the scene of Rin’s kidnapping before she gets the bright idea to suicide would mean a chance for Rin and/or Kakashi to tackle Obito and profess undying love and affection. Perhaps with desperate make-outs. Which would flip Obito’s silly brain from terrified to thrilled so fast he’d spontaneously manifest the makengyou.

Anyway, that’s all I can come up with off the top of my head. Hope it helps.

Also:

My previous posts on how the sharingan functions and the effect it has on the Uchiha who have it:

https://sanjuno.tumblr.com/post/166065900107/if-you-dont-mind-could-you-tell-us-your

https://sanjuno.tumblr.com/post/166061490687/if-you-dont-mind-could-you-tell-us-your

[femalehealthfacts]

What is menopause?

Menopause is the time in your life when you stop having periods because of hormonal changes. This usually happens in your late 40s or early 50s, but may happen earlier.  

What happens during menopause?

Born with a uterus and ovaries? Menopause is a natural and normal process that happens to you as you get older. Menopause usually happens between ages 45 and 55, with 51 being the most common age.

Menopause starts when your ovaries stop making estrogen, and slow down making other reproductive hormones, like progesterone. Without these hormones, you stop getting your period and stop being able to get pregnant.

If you’re between 45-55 and you haven’t had your period in a year, you aren’t pregnant, and you don’t have a serious illness, you may be going through menopause.

Not everyone goes through menopause because of aging. Sometimes other health issues kickstart menopause. If your ovaries are removed through surgery, you may experience sudden symptoms of menopause instead of the gradual change that usually happens. Medical treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can also make menopause happen early or suddenly.

Your doctor or nurse can help you figure out if you’re going through menopause. They can also help you manage menopause symptoms.  

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause means the time leading up to menopause where you may have symptoms. This stage can last anywhere from a few months to up to 10 years, and is a process that may start, stop, and start up again.

Perimenopause usually begins in your 40s, but it can start earlier, too. People who smoke usually start perimenopause 2 years earlier than nonsmokers.

The amount of estrogen made by your ovaries starts to change in your 30s and 40s — it can go up and down. You may notice this is happening because your periods begin to change. Changes to periods during perimenopause is common and totally normal.

Some changes you might notice include:

The time between one period and another changing (either longer or shorter)

Totally skipping a period

Bleeding patterns changing during your period (heavier or lighter)

Bleeding between periods

Changes in menstrual bleeding are pretty normal during perimenopause, but it’s still a good idea to talk with your doctor or nurse about them.

You can still get pregnant during perimenopause. If you don’t want to get pregnant, continue using your birth control method for at least a year after you have your last period. Your doctor or nurse can talk with you about stopping your birth control method and answer any other questions you have about perimenopause.  

What are common menopause symptoms?

Some common menopause symptoms are:

Irregular periods: Periods becoming shorter, longer, heavier, lighter. Skipping periods.

Hot flashes: A hot flash is a sudden, sometimes intense feeling of heat that rushes to your face and upper body. Hot flashes can be really uncomfortable, but they usually only last a few minutes. They can happen a few times a day, a few times a week, or a few times a month.

Night sweats: Hot flashes that wake you up in the middle of the night.

Sleep problems: You may have insomnia — trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. You may also start to wake up much earlier than you used to.

Vaginal changes: The lining of your vagina may become thinner, drier, or less stretchy. This can cause dryness or discomfort during sex.

Urinary or bladder infections:  You may have to pee more often or get more frequent urinary tract or bladder infections.

Mood changes: Hormone changes can make you feel anxious, irritable, and tired. Your sex drive might change, too.

Weaker bones: Your bones will probably weaken during menopause. If it’s really bad, it can lead to osteoporosis after menopause. Making sure to get plenty of calcium and vitamin D can help.

Some people may have a long and difficult perimenopause, up to 10–12 years. But most people find that the common menopause symptoms (like mood changes and hot flashes) are temporary and only last 3–5 years.

A few common menopause symptoms (like vaginal dryness and changes in sex drive) may continue or even get worse when menopause is over. Your doctor or nurse can talk with you about treatment if you have symptoms that bother you.

What are hot flashes?

Hot flashes can be a pretty unpleasant symptom of perimenopause and menopause. We don’t totally understand the cause of hot flashes.

Most people describe a hot flash as a sudden hot feeling that spreads all over your body — but mostly the upper body, like your arms, chest, and face.  You may also get sweaty, and your fingers may tingle and your heart may beat faster. A typical hot flash usually lasts anywhere from 1 to 5 minutes.

Hot flashes at night are called night sweats. Sometimes they can get so severe that you soak your sheets with sweat.

Hot flashes are super common. More than 3 out of 4 people have them while going through perimenopause and menopause.

Nothing will make hot flashes stop completely, but there are some things you can do to help relieve them. You can try:

regular exercise

not smoking cigarettes

keeping a healthy weight

meditation, or other stress-relieving activities

taking a cold shower during a hot flash or before bed

cooling down the temperature of your living space (especially your bedroom)

cutting out alcohol, caffeine, hot drinks, and spicy foods

wearing thin layers of cotton clothes (so that you can remove layers during hot flashes)

keeping a record of when you have hot flashes to help you figure out if anything is triggering them

Prescription hot flashes treatments can be helpful, too. Hormone therapy, as well as medicines used to treat depression, sleeping problems, and seizures can help treat hot flashes. Your doctor or nurse can help you find the best treatment for your hot flashes.

Herbal medicines may also help with hot flashes. You can get these without a prescription at many drugstores. Some helpful ones are isoflavones (such as soy and red clover) and black cohosh. But remember that herbal medicines have side effects and risks just like prescription medicines, so check with your doctor or nurse before taking any.

Can menopause affect my sex drive?

Yes, menopause can affect your sex drive — but it doesn’t mean your sex life is over.

Dealing with the physical and emotional symptoms of menopause can make you feel less sexual desire. The symptoms can also affect your sleep and lower your energy — which might make you not so into sex. Vaginal dryness and decreased sensation can also feel like a turn-off. It’s also normal to feel a range of emotions, including anxiety, sadness, or loss while going through menopause.

If you lose interest in sex during this time, it’ll probably come back when your symptoms stop.

A pretty common symptom that can affect your sexual desire is vaginal dryness, which can make sex uncomfortable or even painful.

For symptoms that affect your sex life, trying one or more of these things can help:

Use water- or silicone-based lube when you have sex. You can buy lube at most drugstores or online.

Give your yourself more time to feel aroused. Moisture from being aroused protects sensitive tissues.

Practice pelvic floor exercises. They can make the muscles used in orgasm stronger and can help with bladder leaks. Ask your doctor or nurse about how to do these exercises.

Ask about prescription hormone medicines. Estrogen creams, tablets, or rings may help with dryness if you find that lube isn’t enough. These products can help you enjoy sex during menopause and after.

Talk with your partner. Being open about your feelings and what menopause is like for you helps you connect more with your partner, and may take the pressure off of you to have sex if you don’t feel like it.

Some people may actually find that they want to have sex MORE after menopause, because they don’t have to worry about getting pregnant. This may give you a sense of freedom to enjoy a renewed and exciting sex life.

Remember that even though you don’t need birth control after menopause, you can still get or pass on STDs. Use condoms and dental dams to protect yourself and get tested regularly if you have new sexual partners.

Menopause is a natural biological process. And while it marks the end of your ability to get pregnant, it definitely doesn’t have to be the end of your sexuality.

What other life changes affect menopause?

Menopause can be a rough time. In addition to the symptoms that may be tough to deal with, a lot of stressful life changes can happen around the same time as perimenopause and menopause.

Some changes you may go through during this time in your life include:

anxiety about illness, aging, and death

anxiety about the future, getting older, and losing independence

anxiety about being disabled

changes in family, social, and personal relationships

changes in identity or body image

children leaving home

getting divorced or losing a partner

having a partner become ill or disabled

more responsibility for grandchildren

loss of loved ones

changes in your financial situation

retirement

These kinds of things can be overwhelming. You may want to talk to a friend, partner, or therapist about what’s going on. And you may want to spend time with some other people who are going through menopause and experiencing the same things. The point is, you’re not alone.

Your body stops making some hormones during perimenopause and menopause. Taking them as medicine can help with symptoms and have added health benefits for some people.

What is hormone therapy?

Hormone therapy works by replacing the hormones that your body stops making when you’re going through perimenopause and menopause — estrogen and progesterone.

There are two different kinds of hormone therapy:

Estrogen therapy: This is the best treatment for hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. If you’ve had a hysterectomy and don’t have a uterus, estrogen therapy is given.

Combined hormone therapy: If you still have a uterus, your doctor may prescribe combined hormone therapy. This is estrogen and also artificial progesterone (called progestin) taken together. Combined hormone therapy helps prevent uterine cancer and may also help prevent colon cancer.

Hormone therapy can help with:

reducing hot flashes

vaginal dryness

sleep problems

urinary tract infections and sudden urges to pee

arthritis pain

lowering your risk of colon cancer

lowering your risk of diabetes

Some of the options for how to take hormone therapy are like the options for taking hormonal birth control. These options are:

pills

patches

rings

vaginal creams (best for people who only have vaginal dryness as a symptom)

What are the side effects of hormone therapy?

Hormone therapy can have some side effects, but they’re usually mild and tend to go away after a few months. Side effects can include:

bloating

sore and tender breasts

headaches

difficulty going to the bathroom

upset stomach

vaginal bleeding

What are the risks of hormone therapy?

Hormone therapy can have some risks, depending on your personal medical history and your family’s medical history.

Combined hormone therapy may increase your risk for:

heart disease

breast cancer (if you take it for more than 3-5 years)

blood clots

Estrogen therapy may increase your risk for:

blood clots

breast cancer (if you’re on it for more than 10-15 years)

uterine cancer

gallbladder disease

heart disease

It’s best to take the lowest dose of hormone therapy possible, for the shortest amount of time possible. Hormones that you swallow in pill form increase some of these risks more than hormones that you take in other forms.

If you’re thinking about taking hormone therapy, your doctor or nurse will ask about your personal and family medical history. They can help you decide if the benefits are worth the risks.

Are there other treatment options for menopause symptoms?

People sometimes choose other methods of treating menopause symptoms if they’re worried about the risks of hormone therapy.

Some other methods are:

homeopathy

herbal treatments

Chinese medicine

acupuncture

Research hasn’t proven that these therapies are safe or effective. And they can also have side effects and risks. So if you want to go in that direction, consult someone who’s skilled and experienced. They can help you decide if their method is right for you and help you do it safely.

Where can I get treatment or more information?

Your OB-GYN as well as some Planned Parenthood health centersprovide services for people going through perimenopause and menopause. Ask the staff at your local Planned Parenthood health centerwhat services they offer.