I was floored by how long it took me to connect my perimenopausal symptoms to perimenopause—and I write about health for a living! This realization prompted Jancee Dunn, bestselling novelist, journalist, and former MTV VJ, to write her latest book, *Hot and Bothered: What No One Tells You About Menopause and How to Feel Like Yourself Again*. After two decades covering health and science, Dunn was shocked by the dearth of information surrounding perimenopause, a term unfamiliar to many women (despite thousands entering it daily). The limited instruction medical students receive on menopause (often just one hour) only exacerbates this knowledge gap.
Dunn’s research, which involved interviewing ob-gyns, neuroscientists, dermatologists, and psychologists, aims to empower women by demystifying menopause and providing strategies for symptom relief, including managing hot flashes, painful sex, and mood swings. This work is particularly relevant as younger generations embrace aging with a newfound openness, yet a stigma still surrounds menopause. Dunn avoids the often-imposed pressure of associating menopause with ‘wisdom,’ instead advocating for open conversations mirroring the acceptance surrounding periods and mental health struggles.
Here’s Dunn’s guide to seven often-unmentioned aspects of menopause:
1. Understanding Perimenopause vs. Menopause:
Perimenopause typically begins in the mid-40s and lasts 4-8 years, marked by erratic periods and bodily changes. It often coincides with significant life events like career demands and family responsibilities, making it easy to overlook symptoms. Dunn describes this stage as a “hormonal road as rocky as puberty,” potentially worsening PMS symptoms. Menopause, the average arrival age being 51, is defined as 12 consecutive months without a period. Post-menopause follows, and for Dunn, perimenopause proved more challenging than the transition to menopause itself.2. The Wide Range of Symptoms:
Hot flashes are common knowledge, but the spectrum is far broader. Symptoms can include brittle nails, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, and even “formication” – the sensation of bugs crawling on your skin. Dunn notes that the actual number of symptoms likely exceeds the commonly cited 34. Understanding this range is crucial; an irregular period, for instance, might be dismissed as stress or a birth control issue, obscuring the perimenopausal connection. Dunn emphasizes the importance of early recognition, including the recognition of perimenopausal depression, which deserves routine screening due to its vulnerability period.3. The Importance of Open Communication:
Normalizing the conversation is paramount. Dunn emphasizes the need for transparency with partners, friends, and family. Many women suffer in silence, a trend Dunn broke by actively discussing her experiences with her husband, friends, and even her teenage daughter. Open communication not only eases personal burdens but improves intimacy in relationships; avoiding discussions can lead to emotional distance and misunderstandings between partners, especially when it comes to intimacy and declining libido.4. Overhauling Your Beauty Routine:
Menopause often necessitates a complete beauty product overhaul. Skin becomes sensitive and dry, requiring a shift to eczema-friendly products, retinols, and an arsenal of oils. Dunn recommends products she found effective for her changing skin and hair, including layering products, using peptides, and incorporating hydrating facial mists. Her hair care solution involves using Lolavie Perfecting Leave-In to manage the increased frizz often associated with the hormonal changes.5. The Reality of Flash Periods:
Dunn addresses the phenomenon of “flash periods,” irregular menstrual bleeding episodes, confirming its common occurrence through consultation with menopause experts. Her experience with a flash period during a swimming assignment in the Bahamas proves an unexpected but memorable event, highlighting the unpredictable nature of these sudden episodes.6. Seeking Specialized Care:
Consulting a menopause specialist is highly recommended. Primary care doctors often receive minimal training, making a dedicated appointment with a certified menopause practitioner crucial. Dunn suggests using the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) website to find qualified practitioners; many are leading researchers capable of creating comprehensive treatment plans. This coordinated approach aids in handling diverse symptoms effectively.7. The Temporality of Symptoms:
Many menopause symptoms are temporary and manageable, reassuring women that the experience isn’t necessarily a constant struggle. Brain fog, for instance, often resolves, and Dunn shares her personal experience of significantly improved symptoms over time. While some women experience few symptoms, for others, the journey involves managing the symptoms effectively using available treatments and support.This comprehensive guide, drawing on Dunn’s personal journey and extensive research, emphasizes the importance of understanding, communicating, and effectively managing the various aspects of menopause and perimenopause.
