“Why Do I Feel So Different?”
As women approach their 40s and 50s, they often encounter a significant and sometimes bewildering phase of life:
Perimenopause and menopause.
This transition, which can span several years, marks the gradual end of menstrual cycles and reproductive years. During perimenopause, fluctuating hormone levels can lead to a range of physical and emotional changes, leaving many women feeling unlike themselves. From unexpected hot flashes and mood swings to shifts in energy levels and self-perception, these changes can be disorienting.
Common Phrases from Women Experiencing Hormonal Shifts:“Why Do I Feel So Different?”“I’m Feeling Like a Stranger in My Own Skin!”
Menopause, the point at which periods have ceased for a full year, brings its own set of challenges and adjustments. Together, these phases can create a profound sense of unfamiliarity and identity loss, prompting women to navigate not just their changing bodies but also their evolving sense of self.
As a practicing naturopathic doctor specializing in hormone health in a major city like Los Angeles, and as someone navigating the perimenopausal transition myself, I deeply resonate with others experiencing this phase. Daily, I interact with intelligent, dedicated women who have devoted their lives to building careers and supporting families. Suddenly, they are often confronted with an unfamiliar wave of change: intense fatigue, overwhelming stress, and a shift in identity. This abrupt transformation can be disorienting. Many seek medical advice, only to have their symptoms dismissed as anxiety and are advised to simply “manage” it.
Interestingly, perimenopausal symptoms often begin with less obvious signs, such as a pervasive sense of dread, ringing in the ear (tinnitus), or stubborn weight gain, rather than the more commonly recognized menopausal symptoms in the traditional sense like hot flashes or vaginal dryness. This can make it challenging for general practitioners to accurately diagnose and address these early, more generalized symptoms.
Say no to dismissal…
and it’s not all in your head.
A recent study from 2023, which surveyed 1,024 participants who sought advice from healthcare providers, revealed 13 key terms associated with negative interactions regarding early menopausal symptoms. These interactions were categorized into four areas: “invalidating experiences,” “mismatched expectations between patients and providers,” “barriers to treatment,” and “a lack of helpful support.” You may find these negative responses relevant to your own experience, as detailed in Table 2 of the study. Here are a few examples of those responses:
“Initially, I was completely dismissed when discussing all of my perimenopause symptoms. Two doctors dismissed me, one quite rudely. I now work with a private hormone specialist and am getting the help I need.”
“I was brushed off, told that I am getting older.”
“It’s not hormonal. You’re too young and healthy and have normal periods. It has been beyond frustrating.”
“Consulted my OB/GYN about perimenopause and mood swings, sexual interest. She blew me off and said I was too young for menopause.”
“It’s just how it is” or “part of menopause”
“Doctor’s response was welcome to perimenopause.”
“Welcome to your new normal.”
“I was told it was part of life.”
Perimenopause can begin as early as a woman’s mid-30s, though it typically starts in the 40s. Symptoms can vary widely and may include irregular periods, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and weight gain, but also perimenopause can present with vague symptoms like persistent fatigue, brain fog, and mood swings, often complicating diagnosis. Women may also experience heightened anxiety, depression, and symptoms similar to ADHD. In some cases, neurological symptoms or traits associated with autism can emerge or worsen.
These complex and varied symptoms highlight the importance of seeking care from hormone specialists who are adept at addressing the full spectrum of perimenopausal experiences, ensuring that women receive comprehensive support tailored to their unique needs.
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