Perimenopause - Symptoms and Stigma
Though menopause is often referred to as a period of time, it actually represents the point where a woman has not had a period for 12 months. The transition period that occurs before menopause, known as perimenopause, can reveal a wide range of physical and emotional changes.
The connection to mental health
The perimenopausal phase represents a time that many doctors refer to as the "window of vulnerability", where many women experience severe anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and depressive symptoms become more common. This is more than simply feeling stressed or having a bad day. A 2026 review of over 1.1 million women estimated that approximately 1 in 3 perimenopausal women experience depressive symptoms. These depressive symptoms come from a variety of factors, including lifestyle habits like sleep, water intake, hormonal disruptions, and physical symptoms. Identifying these changes and seeking support when available can make a huge difference in the way a woman handles menopause.
Why perimenopause is often overlooked
Despite how common these changes are, perimenopause is rarely discussed or recognized when symptoms first appear. Women often feel embarrassed to discuss the symptoms they experience, especially in workplaces or other public settings. Additionally, many women assume that the symptoms they experience during perimenopause is just a normal part of aging. This can discourage them from seeking medical support like Menopause Hormone Therapy, even if it could substantially improve mental and physical health.
Stigma surrounding menopause in the workplace does not make the problem any better. A 2026 survey found that only 31% of women felt comfortable discussing menopause experiences at work. This closed environment makes it harder for women to work productively and confidently. In fact, 38% of the respondents reported experiencing presenteeism, meaning they continued working despite being hindered by symptoms. With symptoms and stigma so commonly leading to unfair disadvantages in the workplace, the economic impact of menopause becomes increasingly harmful. Women have consistently expressed dissent over the way menopause is handled in the workplace. Indeed, 54% of women agree that employers need to do more to support workers in menopause. This shows just how disappointing workplaces are at supporting women, and highlights the importance of taking women seriously and offering consistent support.
Why it matters
If you are young, perimenopause might seem like a distant stage of life. Regardless, understanding perimenopause is a major part of understanding women's health in general.
Perimenopause directly affects the people around you, including teachers, parents, coworkers, and relatives. So, learning about it can help us recognize symptoms and experiences rather than treating them as something that should be hidden. This allows us to respond with understanding rather than judgement.
In general, women's health should not become less visible as women get older. The stigma around menstruation and puberty is slowly going away, but conversations about reproductive help often stop once cycles begin to change. Breaking these barriers can help women seek medical help like hormone stabilizers or therapy when needed. Additionally, we can slowly encourage schools, workplaces, and healthcare providers to shift their perspective on perimenopause, allowing for a safer, more informed society to emerge.
Breaking Barriers
Most women have less trouble with the symptoms of menopause, and more with the stigma surrounding it. Menstrual and reproductive health conversations should prevail through all stages of a woman's life. Women deserve to have accurate information, access to healthcare, and the right to discuss their bodies without feeling embarrassed or sparking discomfort.
By openly discussing perimenopause symptoms and support systems, we make it easier for women to go through these changes, seek support, and understand that they are not alone.