The terms perimenopause and menopause have become ubiquitous in recent years, but what does it mean to be “perimenopausal”? At 44, I’m starting to realize that the answer isn’t as simple as just feeling a little hormonal. The lack of clear definitions and diagnostic criteria for this phase of life has led to a cultural phenomenon where everyone’s experience is being lumped together.
The conversation around women’s health has shifted dramatically in recent years, thanks in part to high-profile advocates like Naomi Watts and Oprah Winfrey. The surge in interest has resulted in a boom of products and services targeting perimenopausal women. From telehealth startups to vitamin ventures, the global menopause market is projected to be worth over $25 billion by 2033.
However, the proliferation of perimenopause-related products and services has raised concerns that this term has become a catch-all for normal human emotions and experiences. When did it become okay to attribute our mood swings or bloating solely to hormonal fluctuations? The stigma surrounding menstruation and reproductive health still lingers, and labeling ourselves as “perimenopausal” can feel like a convenient excuse rather than an actual medical condition.
As I navigate this phase of life, I’m reminded of the ADHD diagnosis trend from just a decade ago. Suddenly, being quirky or introverted wasn’t just part of our personality; it had to be a diagnosable condition. Similarly, being 44 and feeling bloated isn’t necessarily perimenopause – it’s probably just a cheese plate.
It’s time for an honest conversation about what it means to be perimenopausal. Let’s acknowledge that the symptoms can vary widely from person to person and not just attribute everything to hormonal fluctuations. We deserve better than a label that makes us feel like we’re losing our minds – or worse, just being lazy.
Source: https://www.elle.com/life-love/opinions-features/a65499999/perimenopause-overload-essay