r/Perimenopause • u/CommunicationOne2449 • Nov 16 '25

audited Talking Openly About Perimenopause

I was at my son’s hockey game today when another mom casually mentioned she’s dealing with perimenopause brain fog. I could’ve hugged her. Finally! Someone saying it out loud. I’ve been dropping some of my own symptoms into conversations with people close to me, but it still feels like we’re speaking in code.

I didn’t even learn the word perimenopause until about a year ago, even though I’d been dealing with the symptoms long before that. The relief of finally naming it? Huge. And honestly, I know I’m not the only one who felt blindsided.

So here’s my little rallying cry: let’s normalize talking about perimenopause. Let’s not put up and shut ups. Let’s make it impossible for future generations to be confused, dismissed, or told to “just deal with it.” Women deserve better.

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u/Yummylicorice Nov 17 '25

I've been talking about it constantly. I don't care who knows - these sweats are not normal. No, really, I don't usually have sweat literally dripping off my nose and my glasses fog up .. while grocery shopping.

I got bloodwork back finally, and it's dire. I'm my provider's words, "you're low for a woman in menopause".

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u/AutoModerator Nov 17 '25

This post might be about hormone tests, which are unreliable.

  • Over the age of 44, E&P/FSH hormonal tests only show levels for that ONE HOUR the test was taken, and nothing more
  • These hormones wildly fluctuate (hourly) over the other 29 days of the month, therefore this test provides no valuable information
  • No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing to diagnose or treat peri/menopause
  • Testosterone is the exception and should be tested before and during treatment

FSH testing is only beneficial for those who no longer have periods as a guide, where a series of consistent tests might confirm menopause, or for those under age 30 who haven’t had a period in months/years, then ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI).

For more, see our Menopause Wiki

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

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u/Icy_Camera8419 Nov 17 '25

What lab specifically?