5 Perimenopause Myths Debunked

Perimenopause is such a significant time in our lives, but it often gets overlooked. You might think it's just a stepping stone to menopause, but it's so much more than that. It's a phase filled with its own unique symptoms and challenges. Picture it like a transition period when your body is slowly starting to decrease its female hormones, but you're still having periods and could even get pregnant, though it's becoming less likely. Then, once you've gone 12 months without a period, you've officially reached menopause, and that's when you enter the postmenopause phase of life.

But why does perimenopause matter? Why is it so crucial? Well, preparing your body for this natural change can make all the difference. It helps you smoothly transition into postmenopause and embrace some of the best years of your life with grace, self-confidence, and vibrant energy.

Now, let's tackle those five common myths about perimenopause that might have been swirling around in your mind…

1. Perimenopause only lasts 1 year.

Contrary to what you might have heard, perimenopause isn't just a quick phase that comes and goes in the blink of an eye. It's not like flipping a switch from regular periods to none at all. The truth is, perimenopause can last for several years, and it's different for every woman. Some of us might only experience symptoms for a year, while others could be navigating through this phase for a decade or more!

Yes, you heard that right – a decade! It's a long time, and many of us might not even realize that what we're experiencing are signs of our hormones shifting. We'll dive deeper into those symptoms in just a bit.

2. Perimenopause starts in your 50s.

Here's another myth busted: perimenopause isn't reserved for our 50s. Nope, this transitional phase can actually kick off as early as our mid-30s for some of us. Others might start noticing perimenopausal symptoms in our 40s, or maybe we won't even begin until our late 50s!

Think about it: having a baby at 35 years or older is considered to be advanced maternal age and a high-risk pregnancy. This is because there's a higher chance that our bodies are releasing fewer eggs, and the quality of those eggs might be decreasing. It's all part of our body's natural decline in female hormones. And while this might not be the case for everyone, it's worth noting that these two things – advanced maternal age and perimenopause – are more connected than we might realize.

According to the National Institute of Health, around 1.3 million women reach menopause annually in the US, typically between ages 45-56. And get this: 5% experience early menopause (40-45 years), and 1% have primary ovarian insufficiency before 40. Plus, black and Hispanic women have higher rates of premature and early menopause compared to white women.

So, with these national averages in mind and the previous myth we discussed, it's clear that perimenopause can stretch over several years, which means the average symptoms might start earlier than our 50s.

3. Perimenopause is just a few hot flashes.

Let's set the record straight: perimenopause is a whole lot more than just a couple of hot flashes. While those sudden waves of heat are definitely a common symptom, they're just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what we might experience during this phase.

During perimenopause, we might find ourselves dealing with symptoms like fatigue, vaginal dryness, and changes in libido. Our moods might swing like a pendulum, from feeling irritable and anxious to suddenly feeling overwhelmed with sadness or even depression. And let's not forget about the changes we might notice in our skin, hair, and nails, or the extra pounds that seem to sneak up on us and refuse to budge!

Our periods might start acting up too, with some of us experiencing heavier or lighter flows than usual, or maybe the time between periods becomes shorter or longer than what we're used to from our childbearing years.

It's important for us to recognize and address these symptoms because they can stick around for years, and they can really throw a wrench into our daily lives and overall well-being. Seeking support from healthcare providers and exploring various treatment options, as we'll discuss next, can make a world of difference in managing these symptoms effectively.

4. You just have to muscle through the symptoms.

Alright, let's squash this myth once and for all: we don't have to grin and bear it when it comes to perimenopause symptoms. Nope, there are plenty of ways we can ease the discomfort and make this transition to the next phase of our lives a little smoother and even exciting!

Imagine this: if your mom had a tough time during menopause, wouldn't you want to know if there were things you could do to improve your own experience? Of course, we're not saying we can wave a magic wand and make all our symptoms disappear, but there are definitely steps we can take to help make the process more manageable.

So, let's start with some self-care tips. First off, exercise is a game-changer – it can help improve sleep quality, bone health, mental well-being, and even help us maintain a healthy weight. And who doesn't want all of that, right?

Next up, let's talk about our diet. Fueling our bodies with whole, nutritious foods is key, especially as our hormones start to shift. Plus, it can help us steer clear of chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. AS I grow this blog I will dive into these topics so stay tuned. 

And let's not forget about stress! We all know that stress can wreak havoc on our bodies, and perimenopause is no exception. Finding ways to manage stress – whether it's through exercise, meditation, or just taking some time for ourselves – can make a world of difference in how we experience this transition.

These are just a few examples of the holistic approach we can take to support our bodies during perimenopause. And if we need a little extra help, there are medical treatments available too, from hormone therapy to non-hormonal options like SSRIs and clonidine.

When it comes to medical treatments, hormone therapy can be a game-changer for many women experiencing severe symptoms during perimenopause. By replenishing the hormones that are declining in our bodies, hormone therapy can help alleviate hot flashes, mood swings, and other discomforts that come with this transitional phase. It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss the risks and benefits of hormone therapy and determine if it's the right option for you.

On the other hand, non-hormonal options like SSRIs and clonidine can also provide relief for some women. SSRIs, commonly used as antidepressants, have been found to help manage mood swings, anxiety, and hot flashes. Clonidine, a medication typically used to treat high blood pressure, can also be effective in reducing hot flashes and improving sleep quality during perimenopause.

Ultimately, the key is to explore different treatment options, both holistic and medical, to find what works best for your unique experience. Whether it's through lifestyle changes, hormone therapy, or non-hormonal medications, there are ways to navigate perimenopause with support and comfort.

The bottom line? We don't have to suffer through perimenopause in silence. By taking proactive steps to care for ourselves, we can make this phase of life something to embrace rather than endure.

Now, onto the final myth..

5. How you view perimenopause and menopause has no effect on your experience.

Alright, let's get one thing straight: our attitudes and perceptions can have a major impact on how we experience perimenopause and menopause. Research tells us that women with negative attitudes toward menopause tend to report more severe symptoms and greater psychological distress. On the flip side, those with positive attitudes may find themselves sailing through this transition with fewer issues and a smoother journey.

Our outlook can influence everything from how we cope with symptoms to our healthcare-seeking behaviors and overall quality of life during this stage. Plus, societal and cultural perceptions of menopause can shape how we view and navigate our own experiences.

So, recognizing and addressing our attitudes toward perimenopause is key. By fostering a positive outlook and seeking out support systems, we can promote our well-being and resilience during this transitional phase.

In conclusion, perimenopause is a pivotal stage in our lives, lasting several years with its own set of unique challenges and symptoms. It's a time of fluctuating hormones, irregular periods, and various physical and emotional changes. But by addressing these symptoms through holistic and medical interventions, and by cultivating a positive mindset, we can navigate this transition with grace and resilience.

Here's to embracing perimenopause and all the possibilities that lie ahead!