The Hidden Truth About Perimenopause

Most people think of menopause as something that happens in your late 40s or early 50s, but perimenopause can begin in your 30s—sometimes even earlier. This phase, where hormone levels fluctuate wildly, can last up to a decade before actual menopause sets in. Yet, many doctors fail to acknowledge it as a significant health transition, often labeling women as anxious, depressed, or simply "stressed."

The Medical Gaslighting Epidemic

• Over 70% of women feel dismissed by healthcare providers when reporting perimenopausal symptoms.

• 45% of women are misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety when their real issue is hormonal imbalance.

• Many doctors don’t receive adequate training on menopause and perimenopause, leaving women without the care they need.

Instead of recognizing perimenopause as a legitimate medical condition, women are often prescribed antidepressants, anti-anxiety meds, or birth control as a quick fix—without addressing the root cause of their symptoms.

Shocking Symptoms You Were Never Told About

While hot flashes and irregular periods are commonly associated with perimenopause, many women experience unexpected symptoms that doctors rarely discuss, such as:

• Severe brain fog – Forget where you put your keys? Can't find the right words? It’s not early dementia—it's perimenopause.

• Rage and mood swings – One minute you’re fine, the next you’re in a full-blown meltdown. No, you’re not “too emotional.”

• Mania and panic attacks – Perimenopausal women are 112% more likely to experience manic episodes than at any other time in life.

• Chronic fatigue and joint pain – Feeling exhausted and sore all the time? It’s not just aging—your hormones are shifting.

• Food sensitivities and bloating – Your gut and hormones are deeply connected. When estrogen fluctuates, digestion takes a hit.

Sex, Perimenopause, and What No One Tells You

Here’s a surprising fact: Your sex life can influence when you hit menopause. Women who have regular sexual activity (weekly or monthly) tend to experience menopause later than those who don’t.

Why? Scientists believe that when the body perceives an active reproductive role, it continues to prioritize hormone production. Meanwhile, if sexual activity is infrequent, the body may assume reproduction is no longer a priority and begin the transition sooner.

This isn’t about forcing yourself into intimacy—it’s about understanding how lifestyle factors influence your biology in ways most of us were never taught.

Taking Back Control of Your Health

The first step in reclaiming your power during perimenopause is education. If you’ve been dismissed, misdiagnosed, or left feeling unheard, know this: you are not alone, and you deserve better care.

Here’s how to take charge of your health:

✅ Track your symptoms – Keep a journal of mood swings, energy levels, and menstrual changes to spot patterns.

✅ Advocate for yourself – If a doctor dismisses your symptoms, seek a second opinion. Look for a practitioner trained in perimenopause.

✅ Support your hormones naturally – Focus on gut health, stress management, and quality sleep to help balance your endocrine system.

✅ Stay informed – Menopause education is decades behind where it should be. Research, read, and join communities of women sharing their experiences.

You’re Not Crazy—You’re Waking Up

The more we talk about perimenopause, the more we dismantle the medical gaslighting that has kept women uninformed and suffering in silence. You are not crazy, and your symptoms are real. It’s time to demand better, break the silence, and reclaim your health.

Ready to learn more about navigating perimenopause with confidence? Click LINK to explore practical strategies for balancing your hormones and taking back control of your body.

References (APA 7th Edition)

Harvard Health Publishing. (n.d.). Perimenopause: Rocky road to menopause. Harvard Medical School. Retrieved February 18, 2025, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/perimenopause-rocky-road-to-menopause

JoinMidi. (n.d.). What every woman needs to know about perimenopause. Retrieved February 18, 2025, from https://www.joinmidi.com/post/what-every-woman-needs-to-know-about-perimenopause

Northwell Health. (n.d.). Gaslighting in women’s health. Retrieved February 18, 2025, from https://www.northwell.edu/katz-institute-for-womens-health/articles/gaslighting-in-womens-health

NY Post. (2025, February 14). You may be able to delay menopause with your sex life. Retrieved from https://nypost.com/2025/02/14/health/you-may-be-able-to-delay-menopause-with-your-sex-life

NY Post. (2024, October 14). Most women don’t seek medical knowledge on this life-changing stage. Retrieved from https://nypost.com/2024/10/14/lifestyle/most-women-dont-seek-medical-knowledge-on-this-life-changing-stage

The Times. (2025). Perimenopause linked to mania and depression in new study. Retrieved February 18, 2025, from https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/perimenopause-linked-to-mania-and-depression-in-new-study-7dps25r3n

News4Jax. (2023, April 27). Gaslighting in women's health: What doctors don’t know about menopause. Retrieved from https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2023/04/27/gaslighting-in-womens-health-what-doctors-dont-know-about-menopause

Welt. (2025). Menopause: One-third of women experience severe symptoms. Retrieved February 18, 2025, from https://www.welt.de/253677504