48 Comments
User's avatar
Michele Clapsaddle's avatar

Love the article! I feel like our Gen X responsibility is to help those coming behind us be as prepared as possible for midlife. I write about midlife through the lens of Greek mythology… would love for you to check it out!

Chiron of Myth & Mind https://chironofmythandmind.substack.com

Mika's avatar

I agree.

I love that when I approach women, they are happy to talk about their experience.

But it’s not proactively spoken about.

Caroline Millington's avatar

Please share your menopause experiences with us so we can help support more women in the future: https://thefemalelead.typeform.com/menopause

Claudia Canu's avatar

I was just talking about this with a close friend who is 37, and her first question was, "Do you think I might already be in perimenopause? Am I not too young for that?" I didn't try to convince her of anything; I just sent her my perimenopause symptoms tracker so that she can see for herself if she is suffering from any of the 80+ possible perimenopause symptoms.

Caroline Millington's avatar

It's not too young, unfortunately! Your friend should speak to a doctor about her symptoms and discuss it further. Thanks for joining the conversation.

Jessie May ✨ Alchemy & Ash's avatar

I think that's when it started for me. I was definitely in it by 39.

Sarah C. Benoit, LCMHC's avatar

Thank you for writing about this. We need to have more conversations and start them younger.

Caroline Millington's avatar

We really do! We're passionate about driving awareness for women in their 20s and 30s to have an understanding of their 'normal' and seek advice when they notice any changes. Knowledge is power 💪

Jessie May ✨ Alchemy & Ash's avatar

I've been feeling called to bring awareness about this to younger women too. But my question is, how to get them to really pay attention and care? When I was younger, it just wasn't on my radar and I didn't think much of it or realize how huge of a portal this can be in our lives. When I talk to my younger friends, I feel like they kinda brush me off. Like they just can't grasp the gravity of it. Sometimes I wonder if it's something we have to experience to really understand. But I will keep trying. Just curious about other people's perspectives/experiences on reaching younger women.

Atty's avatar

brain fog was HUUUUGE for me- along with undiagnosed ADHD - and PPD...hmm, anything else?

"About Something"'s avatar

I wish you did a "100 ways your partner can support you when you're going through perimenopause" list 🧐 I'll start:

1. Don't be anxious about their anxiety.

2. Don't be irritable about their irritability.

3. Provide support and don't be whingy.

...your turn 😀

Monica Fabra's avatar

Thank you for writing and sharing this piece! Very helpful!

The Mamaholic®'s avatar

As well as frozen shoulder, itchy and/or ringing ears, insomnia, and lethargy! It’s a blast!

Alana Corral's avatar

Perimenopause is a bitch.

Jasmina Kmetic's avatar

Well, I have all the symptoms, and I am aware of them, but it's hard to exist some days🤭

The Midlife Prescription's avatar

Sleep. Mood. Libido. Memory. Joints. Weight. Cycle. These are not seven separate complaints. They are one integrated system asking for one integrated conversation.

Turning Stones Life Coaching's avatar

Not me, reading this while I am digging a q-tip into my itchy ears and taking ibuprofen for the aches in my hips...

Balanced Not Boring Podcast's avatar

check out our episode all about the taboos of perimenopause <3 https://youtu.be/WT8aS28h12Q?si=qzKLTVEWj8_pNXzF

Seoana Sherry-Brennan's avatar

I think I might be heading down this path - gp has sent me for an ultrasound to rule out anything else first!

The Midlife Prescription's avatar

This is so true!! I do think that partnering with a coach and or provider can be so powerful during this time. Not just for our well-being now but for making sure that our actions align with our goals and that we do not compromise our health during these years. What we do in midlife matters!!!!