Perimenopause: The Transition No One Prepared Us For

Perimenopause. Just saying the word out loud feels like we’re breaking a rule, doesn’t it? For something that affects literally half the population, it’s shocking how little it’s talked about—and how unprepared so many of us feel when it hits.

On our latest No Expiration Date podcast episode, we dove into the truth about perimenopause—the stage leading up to menopause that can start in your mid-30s and last up to ten years. Yes, you read that right. A whole decade of changes that most of us didn’t see coming.

What Is Perimenopause, Really?

Perimenopause is the body’s natural transition before menopause, when estrogen and progesterone levels begin to fluctuate. These hormonal shifts can trigger a wide range of symptoms, and no two women experience it exactly the same way.

Common symptoms include:

• Irregular periods

• Hot flashes and night sweats

• Sleep disturbances

• Anxiety and depression

• Mood swings

• Fatigue

• Joint pain

• Vaginal dryness

• And everyone’s favorite… brain fog

Research shows that nearly 70% of women feel unprepared for perimenopause, and only 30% seek medical help. Even more startling—many of us go years without a single healthcare provider ever mentioning it.

More Than Hot Flashes

For decades, perimenopause was reduced to a punchline about mood swings and hot flashes. But the truth? It’s far more complex. Studies reveal that:

• 75% of women report at least one severe symptom that disrupts their daily life.

• 60% experience depressive symptoms, but only 20% receive hormone-related treatment.

• Chronic sleep loss during perimenopause can double the risk of cardiovascular disease.

• Bone density begins to decrease, raising the risk of osteoporosis by 25% in just five years.

This isn’t just about “getting older”—it’s a profound physical and mental shift that deserves real attention.

The Emotional Toll

The mood swings, anxiety, and brain fog aren’t just “in your head.” Perimenopause can increase the risk of major depressive disorder by up to 70%, especially for women with a history of mental health challenges. And yet, too often, the response is to medicate symptoms instead of addressing the root hormonal cause.

That lack of conversation leaves many women feeling isolated, embarrassed, or simply confused about what’s happening to their bodies.

Taking Back Control

So, what can we do? The first step is awareness. Talk to your friends, your daughters, your coworkers. Normalize the conversation. Seek out providers who do take perimenopause seriously.

Ways to manage symptoms include:

• Regular exercise (shown to reduce hot flashes by up to 50%)

• Mindfulness or cognitive therapy for stress and anxiety

• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), for those who are candidates

• Calcium and vitamin D for bone health

• Simple lifestyle changes like adjusting sleep hygiene or diet

Why We Talk About It on No Expiration Date

Because staying silent isn’t helping anyone. Women deserve answers, support, and the chance to thrive during every stage of life. Perimenopause may be a transition, but it doesn’t define us—it’s just another chapter in the bold, beautiful lives we’re writing.

If you’re experiencing symptoms and wondering if it might be perimenopause, talk with a healthcare provider. And don’t be afraid to share your story. You never know who needs to hear that they’re not alone.

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MHMx-CEx61g

👉 Listen to the full episode of No Expiration Date wherever you get your podcasts, and let’s break the silence on perimenopause together.