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Inspired this week by a patient who called me “her ChatGPT” 😂 I asked chatGTP for the #1 perimenopause question women ask AI. And this was it… “Do these symptoms sound like perimenopause or is something wrong with me?”

It wasn’t about hot flashes or weight gain or hormone therapy - it’s women looking for reassurance that they’re not crazy. That there’s a reason for the exhaustion, rage, anxiety, overwhelm, heavy periods, sleepless nights, or the overall feeling of NFLM (not feeling like myself)

Perimenopause is a nuanced diagnosis taking into consideration age, symptoms, cycle length, and labwork to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms.

The most common symptoms associated with perimenopause (based on research-standard clinical questionnaires):
✨changes in menstrual cycle - more/less frequent; more/less flow; more/less difficult
✨vasomotor symptoms - overheating, changes in body temp, night sweats, heart palpitations
✨sleep problems-problems falling or staying asleep and sometimes both
✨mood changes - feeling more anxious, inner restlessness, feeling down, depressed, irritable, hypersensitive to sounds, smells
✨physical and mental exhaustion - decrease in performance, forgetful, problems multi tasking, trouble focusing
✨reduced libido
✨bladder/urination problems - increased frequency, stress incontinence, more frequent UTIs
✨vaginal dryness
✨vague joint and/or muscle pain

These are the most common symptoms that bring women into clinic. And the good news … they’re treatable! Diet, exercise, mindset and lifestyle matter. Correcting nutrient deficiencies and musculoskeletal issues matter. Hormone therapy can be a piece of the puzzle. Perimenopause is natural but that’s doesn’t mean it’s easy or that you need to suffer through it. Help is here if you need it🫶

There’s a common misconception that hormone therapy can only be prescribed to women after menopause.
In fact hormone therapy can be helpful for some women in the years leading up to menopause. Not always needed but always worthy of a discussion. 💫

New year planning = choosing my yeses… and my nos.
Time and energy aren’t unlimited, so when I say yes to getting better at this or doing more of that, something else has to give.

In my house? That something is often housekeeping—cosy and comfy is the theme, not magazine clean. And ‘there appears to have been a struggle’ isn’t far off most days 😂

What will you be doing less of this year so you can say yes to something else?