New to perimenopause? Start here.
+ Happy Perimenopause Month! Yep, it's a new dawn, it's a new day.
Yes, perimenopause can be a bitch, but GAL, we are excited. September 2024 marks the first September to be known from here on out as Perimenopause Awareness Month! It’s about damn time, right?
Thanks to our GAL pals at Perry and National Menopause Foundation — who declared this month happen before National Menopause Awareness Month in October — we’re many steps closer to the next generation knowing what perimenopause is, starting at an early age. :)
I started The Midst (which was originally my personal blog, called Jumble & Flow) because I was struggling with symptoms of perimenopause and finding a doctor who would believe me. So I wrote about it, talked about it on my Facebook, and then other women said, “Me too! Now what?”
That was about five years ago. Fast-forward to today and we’ve built one of the largest collections of articles about the modern perimenopause experience, and we’re organizing events, too.
Stay tuned: This month (and every month), we’ll continue to drive the awareness conversation forward, starting here with the basics of hormone fluctuation, then to advice about treating symptoms, to new angles (did you know male menopause is a thing?).
Xo,
Amy Cuevas Schroeder and The Midst team
What is perimenopause? Common symptoms, age, duration, and treatment options
By Tequia Burt
All of a sudden, about a year ago, I couldn’t get any sleep. Every night, like clockwork, I’d wake up at 3 am, tossing and turning. This was super distressing because, for most of my life, I could sleep anytime, anyplace. Upright in a chair. After a cup of coffee. At a punk concert. Now, I had no idea what kept waking me up in the middle of the night. And I needed sleep to function well.
Hormone health 101: Meet the 6 hormones that affect your life during menopause
You probably already know that perimenopause and menopause are all about changing hormones. But which hormones are they, what do they do – and why do they have such a major impact on your life?
I’m 30: Why do I need to think about menopause?
By Sally Duffin
I’m sure I’m not alone in having no clue about how much of an upheaval perimenopause was going to be: The anxiety, heavy periods, sleepless nights, and the fact that nothing in my closet fits me anymore! It wasn’t taught about menopause in biology class, my family didn’t talk about it, and even my nutritional medicine training didn’t cover it properly. When perimenopause arrived in my early 40s, I knew I had some serious research to do.
Yet, preparing for menopause is something every woman deserves to hear about. Like any major life event, the more we know about it, the more we can be prepped and ready for action.
If I could zip back in time to my 30th birthday, I’d say, “This is what’s coming, and here’s what you need to do about it.” Unfortunately, I don’t have a time-traveling DeLorean, but I do have some top tips to share if you’re heading toward perimenopause, too.
My $3,000 journey to self-diagnosing perimenopause
General and sustained shittiness. It was difficult to articulate exactly what I was experiencing, as my symptoms were numerous. I’d been on the hamster wheel for five years — juggling motherhood and a demanding career in tech marketing. As a former athlete, I knew what it was like to feel strong in my body and mind. This was not it.
The menopausal vagina: everything you need to know but were too afraid to ask
By Sally Duffin
Vaginal dryness and pain have to be the least talked about symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, yet they affect an estimated 50-60% of women. Many women struggle to talk about these symptoms due to the aura of shame and stigma that can shroud anything to do with vaginas. By the time menopause comes along, women can feel too embarrassed to seek help and suffer in silence.
We’re here to change that attitude. Let’s explore what happens to menopausal vulvas and vaginas (yes, there’s a difference!) and what steps you can take to get relief from painful discomfort.
You’re invited to a free virtual event!
Cutting Through Perimenopause Trial and Error: Tips for Finding Solutions That Work
Saturday, September 7 • 9 AM MST
Featuring
Mimi Ison (@heymiddleage):
Dr. Alicia Robbins (@aliciarobbinsmd):
Amy Cuevas Schroeder (@the_midst_life):
Navigating perimenopause can be an overwhelming journey filled with trial and error, and many women find themselves spending up to $20,000 in search of the right solution. We will delve into practical tips and strategies to help you navigate this complex and often frustrating process more effectively. Discover expert insights, practical advice, and supportive community discussions that address the unique challenges many face during this transition.
Whether you're experiencing changes yourself or supporting someone who is, this event is a valuable opportunity to learn and connect. Don't miss out on this chance to empower yourself with knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of perimenopause and its impact on your life. Join us and be part of an open, honest conversation about navigating these changes with confidence and care.