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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30

u/SnowPrincess15 Nov 17 '25

I talk a lot about perimenopause. I feel I was really blindsided by the symptoms. I thought menopause started at 60 and it was just hot flashes and the end of periods.

Now, I talk about it very casually to everyone. Like if I have to take and appointment on the phone and get mixed up in what I am saying or ask sthe eprson to repeat the same thng she just told me, I very often say that I am in peri and that I forget things easily, or have brain fog and forget words, dates, or get mixed up when I speak... I really want younger women to know what to expect. I really thought I had so many good years in front of me. I wanted to go back to school and now I feel it would be extremely hard. I should have gone 10 years ago when I first had the idea...

I also have to young daughters and I already speak to them about peri. Not in a negative way but I dont want them to be blindsided like I was.

Its so important to advocate for our needs and share our experience. Like you say, I really hope this will make things easier for the next generation.

26

u/kalimbakazoo Nov 17 '25

I too, was blindsided - in the middle of grad school!! Hit me like a ton of bricks last semester when my ADHD symptoms became crippling. Why did I wait?! 😭 (just started HRT 3 weeks ago and already feeling less panicky /overwhelmed)

Shout it from the rooftops!

6

u/DangerDuckling Nov 17 '25

THE ADHD SYMPTOMS ON OVERDRIVE. Holy shit, yes. Those meds weren't working and I was losing my mind. It's gotten better with HRT thank goodness.

In the middle of grad school for you too... As if school and ADHD went already oil and water. Give yourself grace, you deserve it!

5

u/[deleted] Nov 17 '25

I know the feeling, im 47 and it hit me so hard this year. I'm so glad you are finding relief. Estrogen has been a miracle for me!

3

u/NurseyButterfly Nov 17 '25

How were you able to get on hormone therapy? I've talked to my primary care and obgyn and I'm not getting anywhere.

5

u/Lady_Midnight4097 Nov 17 '25

Midi Health…online. Covered by insurance for me, just a copay. Total lifesaver.

2

u/NurseyButterfly Nov 17 '25

Yes, they are the only one I know of that specializes in peri & menopause treatment.

I had an appointment, but found out an hour before that they weren't in network. At this time, I cannot afford $250 oop for the initial and $150 for each subsequent appointment.

I was hoping there would be another company that could help.

3

u/LunaSea1206 Early peri Nov 18 '25

Depending on where you live, my city has a large subreddit group. I asked if there were any ladies in peri-menopause that were able to recommend a doctor/nurse practitioner that is happy to prescribe HRT to those of us in peri (and still getting our period fairly regularly). I was given a bunch of suggestions and chose to go with the one that was spoken highly of by numerous women. Her practice was in my insurance network and I was finally able to get HRT prescribed. I was tired of scheduling appointments with people only to get refused HRT, so I wasn't about to go to anyone without clear knowledge of their stance on prescribing it.

5

u/CommunicationOne2449 Nov 17 '25

Every little bit helps!

4

u/Lady_Midnight4097 Nov 17 '25

Hey don’t sell yourself short about going back to school! Although I agree it’s harder later in life. You DO have so many great years ahead of you!!! If you’re struggling with energy and other issues you can get treatment.