One of the most common things I hear from people is:
“I’m not there yet.”What they usually mean is menopause. Sometimes perimenopause. Most doctors acknowledge perimenopause once your periods start to become irregular, which typically happens in your late 40s or early 50s. For many women, though, perimenopause symptoms start years earlier than that, even as early as your late 30s. These early symptoms can be changes in sleep, increased anxiety, low mood, lack of concentration, irritability, fatigue, headaches, tendon issues, and more. Still, the most common thing doctors hear is, “I just don’t feel like myself.” It’s a subtle sense that your body does not feel the way it used to even if you can’t quite put your finger on what EXACTLY is different. Because these changes happen gradually, and often well before periods start to change, they are frequently attributed to stress, aging, or written off as “just how things are now.” A large part of my work as a menopause doula is helping people connect the dots between what they are experiencing and hormonal changes, so they can stop spinning their wheels and start making informed, supportive choices. Not only can it make your life easier now, it can help set you up for a healthier menopause.
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