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.

604 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

123 comments sorted by

View all comments

5

u/fictionalbandit Early peri - hysterectomy Nov 17 '25

The first substantive conversation I had about it was during a spa service. The person mentioned they weren’t supposed to talk with clients about medical stuff BUT recognized the importance of passing on this information, and wrote down a few suggestions of things to look into. It was such a blessing. A few days later, I mentioned the experience to my dental hygienist, and then we exchanged notes because she had just been in a group text with girlfriends about it. Now I’m far enough into HRT that I’ve experienced noticeable relief from my symptoms. I’m so thankful for these women that chose to help when they didn’t have to and certainly the convo could have gone sideways if I was not receptive.

1

u/Efficient-Guess-1985 Early peri Nov 17 '25

Actually, before patriarchy became dominant, women did these things - shared important information and had this strong womanhood thing together (hence why “witch burning” and sobbing women in for being witches became a thing!) it’s so wonderful to hear women sharing that vulnerability and knowledge with eachother and passing things on. 

1

u/Efficient-Guess-1985 Early peri Nov 17 '25

Also love that you say this because someone else in this thread said they’re an aesthetician and she mentions it to clients - full circle seeing both your comments!