At joni, we believe that female wellness can’t be compartmentalized into neat phases of “before, during, and after” menstruation. Our lives and experiences are dynamic, interconnected, and beautifully complex. The transition into perimenopause is no different—it’s not an end but a new chapter in our longer journey. And understanding this chapter is key to empowering ourselves and advocating for our well-being.
Perimenopause is often painted with a brush of anxiety, as though it’s a one-way ticket to “old age” or something to dread. But it’s time to change that narrative. The word itself—stemming from the Greek for “around the pause”—suggests that something is stopping. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Perimenopause isn’t a pause in our lives; it’s a natural part of the cycle of having a uterus. It’s just as fascinating and beautiful as any other phase of our lives, and we deserve to know what to expect so we’re not caught off guard.
Why Knowing Your Body Matters
One of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves is the knowledge of our own bodies. So many of us enter perimenopause without even realizing it because we’re often not taught to recognize the signs. In many cases, our perimenopause symptoms are brushed aside or dismissed—both by others and, sometimes, by ourselves. Knowing what to look for means we can take charge, advocate for ourselves, and get the care we need.
We’ve been conditioned to segment female health: menstruation, pregnancy, menopause. But there’s more to the story. Perimenopause is part of the longer, natural cycle our bodies go through, and understanding it can be incredibly empowering.
Rather than fearing the changes, we can learn to embrace them and listen to what our bodies are telling us. This knowledge doesn’t just help us—it ripples outward, increasing awareness for others who might be going through the same thing. Together, we can help build a space where more people feel seen and heard.
What Are the Signs of Perimenopause?
Perimenopause can feel like a mystery if you don’t know what to expect. The symptoms often overlap with what we experience in everyday life, making them easy to brush off or misattribute to stress, aging, or other causes. Here are some signs that might indicate perimenopause is on the horizon:
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Irregular Periods
Periods that were once predictable may start to show up early, late, heavier, or lighter. This unpredictability is one of the hallmarks of perimenopause. -
Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
That sudden rush of warmth, often followed by sweating, is another classic symptom. These hot flashes can come on at any time, leaving us feeling overheated and uncomfortable. -
Mood Swings
Feeling irritable, anxious, or emotionally up and down? Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause can lead to emotional shifts that may seem out of nowhere. -
Sleep Disruptions
Sleep might start to feel more elusive, with trouble falling or staying asleep becoming more common. Sometimes, it’s those pesky night sweats that wake us up! -
Vaginal Dryness and Changes in Libido
A dip in estrogen can lead to vaginal dryness or discomfort during sex. It’s a sensitive topic, but one that deserves attention and care. -
Brain Fog or Forgetfulness
Ever have those moments where you just can’t seem to remember what you walked into a room for? That’s brain fog, and it can be a frustrating companion during perimenopause.
We Deserve to Be Heard
For many of us, the hardest part of perimenopause isn’t the symptoms themselves—it’s not being listened to when we talk about them. How often have we told a doctor about our fatigue or mood swings, only to have them written off as stress or “just aging”? It’s an all-too-common story, and it leaves so many people navigating this transition alone and in the dark.
Advocating for ourselves starts with education—knowing what to ask for, what’s normal, and when something feels off. The more we arm ourselves with information, the better equipped we are to push back, ask questions, and get the support we need.
Symptoms That Might Be Missed
Perimenopause doesn’t always come with a big, flashing sign. It can sneak in with symptoms that are easy to overlook or attribute to something else. Here are a few that often fly under the radar:
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Anxiety or Depression: Hormonal shifts can trigger an increase in anxiety or depressive feelings, but these mental health changes are often dismissed as life stressors.
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Heart Palpitations: Feeling like your heart is racing or skipping beats? This can be linked to perimenopause but might get misdiagnosed as anxiety or heart issues.
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Joint Pain and Stiffness: Many people start to notice more aches and stiffness in their joints, but this is often blamed on aging or physical strain rather than hormonal changes.
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Changes in Hair and Skin: Dry skin, thinning hair, or changes in texture can also be a sign that estrogen levels are dropping, though it’s often attributed to other factors.
Where to Find Support and Information
It can be overwhelming trying to find reliable information about perimenopause, especially when it feels like the world hasn’t caught up with our experiences yet. Fortunately, there are experts out there who are changing the conversation and providing real support. Here are a few places to start:
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Dr. Jen Gunter (@drjengunter): A leading voice in women’s health, Dr. Gunter breaks down the myths and misinformation around menopause and perimenopause with a no-nonsense, science-based approach.
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Dr. Jolene Brighten (@drjolenebrighten): A naturopathic doctor who focuses on hormone health, Dr. Brighten is a great resource for understanding the hormonal shifts of perimenopause and how they affect us.
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Amanda Thebe (@amanda.thebe): A health and fitness expert, Amanda Thebe is the best-selling author of Menopocalypse. She speaks candidly about menopause and perimenopause, offering practical tips for managing symptoms and staying active.
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The North American Menopause Society (NAMS): NAMS is a fantastic resource for up-to-date information and research on perimenopause and menopause. Their website offers articles and advice from medical professionals.
These sources can help guide us toward understanding our bodies and making informed decisions. They’re a great first step in finding the right care and support.
Empowering Ourselves, Empowering Others
When we take the time to learn about our bodies and advocate for our wellness, we’re not just helping ourselves—we’re helping others. By spreading awareness and sharing our stories, we’re shining a light on the experiences that have long been overlooked. Perimenopause is not something to fear or dread. It’s an important, empowering stage of life that deserves our attention and care.
By educating ourselves, we’re setting the stage for more people to be seen, heard, and supported. Together, we can push for more awareness, better resources, and a more holistic understanding of female health. Let’s look after ourselves, ask the right questions, and create a ripple effect that will help others navigate this transition with confidence.