The day we are born, we carry all the eggs we’ll ever have. By 30, only 10% remain, and by 40, just 3%. As these eggs dwindle, so do our estrogen and progesterone levels, ushering in perimenopause. This natural part of aging can begin as early as 35, and its symptoms are as varied as the women experiencing them.
While hot flashes and night sweats garner the most attention, perimenopause can also manifest as debilitating fatigue, brain fog, unexplained weight gain, depression, panic attacks, decreased libido, dry skin, hair loss, digestive issues, vertigo, dizziness, heart palpitations, joint pain, and itching sensations on the skin. It’s a vast and often misunderstood spectrum of symptoms.
My own perimenopause journey began with a frozen shoulder. The pain was excruciating, and despite multiple doctors, tests, and therapies, the cause remained elusive. Throughout this year-long ordeal, none of my doctors mentioned hormones. This fueled my investigation, leading me to a Duke study that linked frozen shoulder syndrome to perimenopause in women between 40 and 60—my age bracket.
The realization was both enlightening and infuriating. I learned that doctors often lack proper training in perimenopause, leading to underdiagnosis and inadequate treatment. This lack of education stems from a dearth of research on the subject, a consequence of the flawed Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study that discouraged hormone therapy due to perceived risks.
However, newer WHI data reveals that for younger women, the benefits of hormone therapy might outweigh the risks. Despite this, federal funding for menopause research remains minimal. Thankfully, initiatives like Halle Berry’s push for $275 million in federal support are bringing much-needed attention to this critical issue.
My journey to find relief led me to a gynecologist who, like many, initially relied on a single blood test to assess my hormone levels. This proved insufficient due to the fluctuating nature of hormone levels during perimenopause. Further testing revealed that my symptoms weren’t necessarily hormonal but stemmed from other factors.
Fortunately, another gynecologist recommended genetic cancer testing, paving the way for a potential hormone therapy solution. I discovered that most women are candidates for hormone therapy, which can include estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, with certain medical conditions as contraindications.
I was determined to find relief. I explored options like telehealth and specialized menopause care websites, ultimately opting for hormone therapy, guided by a comprehensive menopause master plan that addressed my symptoms and long-term health goals.
This journey highlighted the need for a deeper understanding of perimenopause, and the importance of seeking out doctors who are well-versed in this critical life stage. If you experience any symptoms, be proactive. Track them, document changes, and advocate for yourself.
While hormone therapy may not be the solution for everyone, it’s crucial to have open conversations with your doctor about all available options. If you encounter resistance or dismissive attitudes, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion. Your health is your responsibility, and you deserve to be heard and treated with the respect and expertise you deserve.
