What is Perimenopause?

What’s happening to me? Am I the only one who:

• Is exhausted, but can’t sleep
• Has a willing partner, but no sex drive
• Is eating less than ever before, but still gaining weight around my middle
• Is never sure when a period is going to start
• Can’t drink hot coffee without sweating through a blouse
• Gets up at night to stand in front of the open fridge to try to cool off

If any of this sounds familiar, let me reassure you. There is a name for what you’re experiencing: Perimenopause!

The Secret that no one talks about

There are as many different experiences of midlife as there are women. The truth is way, way, way before your periods stop completely, there’s a time of transition, known as Perimenopause, which may continue for 3-10 years. Yes, you read that right, this may not be a short 3-6 month experience but can go on for years.

Perimenopause is a not so magical time in a woman’s life that is very similar to the hormonal roller coaster of puberty during your teen years. Remember those days? When your body was changing in ways you had zero control over? Ok, this is kind of like that, only now, the changes are different. Now, it may be hot flashes by day and night sweats that leave you exhausted, barely able to function

Everyone’s experience is different

For some women, the changes are subtle and barely noticeable, sort of like a gentle breeze that wafts through their life with barely a feeling of warmth or any other bothersome symptom. These lucky few don’t have night sweats that wake them 2-12 times a night, their periods are light and infrequent and their sex drive is just fine, thank you very much.

Other women experience midlife and perimenopause like a Class 5 Tropical storm with overnight drenching hot flashes and night sweats, mood changes, exhaustion and a complete disruption in their lives. They may also be experiencing very heavy irregular cycles, vaginal dryness and a complete lack of interest in sex

You don’t have to power through Perimenopause

If you’re experiencing the hormonal rollercoaster of perimenopause, first, let me reassure you, you’re not alone. Secondly, you don’t have to try to power through this or just put up with these disruptions, because there’s a menu of options, that can help every one of your symptoms. These may range from diet, exercise, herbs, and supplements to over the counter treatments, prescription medications, and hormones.
And fear not, there’s a lot of research on safety and effectiveness to help you decide what’s best for you.

More Resources:

I like this article from HealthyWomen.og: What No One Tells You about Menopause

For more information, check out the North American Menopause Society’s

You can also find more information in my book, The Hot Guide to a Cool Sexy Menopause.