Perimenopause

Know what's happening

• Perimenopause usually begins in your 40s, sometimes in your late 30s, and often lasts several years.
• Common changes include cycle shifts, sleep changes, mood changes, brain fog and hot flashes. Every woman's experience is different.
• Write down what you are noticing and bring it to your own doctor. Asking questions out loud is part of breaking the silence.

For entertainment and reflection only, not medical or mental health advice. Always seek a qualified professional about your health.

Use your voice

• You're allowed to ask for a second opinion or a menopause-informed clinician.
• Talk about it with friends, partners and daughters; talking takes the fear out of it.
• Redefine strength: rest, boundaries and asking for help count.

See who you're becoming

• This is a threshold into a new chapter of priorities, desire and purpose.
• Many women say midlife is when they finally stopped performing and started choosing.
• What you learn now becomes the words your daughter will need.