What is Perimenopause (Really?)

When I first heard the word perimenopause, I thought it was just another fancy medical term — something rare, maybe a condition only a handful of women ever get diagnosed with.

But the truth is: perimenopause isn’t some distant, clinical stage we skimmed over in biology class. It’s real. It’s messy. And for many of us, it’s happening right now — even in our late 30s or early 40s.

So, what is perimenopause, really?

Perimenopause literally means “around menopause.” It’s the transitional phase where your hormones begin to shift, preparing your body for menopause — the stage marked by 12 consecutive months without a period. But the transition? It can last anywhere from 2 to 10 years.

And during that time, a lot can happen.

Hormonal Havoc

Estrogen and progesterone — the key players in your reproductive system — start fluctuating like waves in a storm. One day you might feel like yourself, and the next, you’re crying over a toothpaste commercial, wide awake at 3am, wondering why your feet are on fire.

This hormonal rollercoaster can trigger a range of symptoms, including:

- Irregular periods

- Mood swings or anxiety

- Brain fog and forgetfulness

- Fatigue and low energy

- Sleep disturbances

- Weight changes

- Decreased libido

- Hot flashes or night sweats

But here’s what many women aren’t told — these shifts aren’t just physical. They often stir deep emotional and spiritual awakenings. This phase can feel like a reckoning with your identity, your roles, your beliefs... and your power.

The Problem with Silence

In many cultures — especially across Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa — menopause and the years leading up to it are rarely spoken about. In others, perimenopause is immediately tied to aging, infertility, and loss of femininity.

Wrapped in shame, secrecy, or discomfort, women are often expected to “deal with it quietly.” That silence can feel heavy. Isolating.

If you’ve ever felt that shame, or the pressure to stay silent — as if acknowledging what you’re going through confirms you’re “getting old” — know this:

You’re not imagining it.

You’re not alone.

And you are definitely not broken.

Why Naming It Matters

The moment I finally learned what perimenopause really was, I felt a strange sense of relief. It had a name. It was real. And most importantly — I wasn’t going crazy.

Understanding what’s happening in your body gives you back your power. It allows you to advocate for your health, seek the right support, and connect with other women navigating the same uncertain terrain.

Her Mindful Pause is Here for That

This space was born from my own confusion, frustration, and desperate search for answers. Now, it exists to help you feel informed, supported, and seen — no matter your culture, background, or how wildly your hormones are misbehaving.

If you’re waking up wondering what’s going on, or if your emotions feel like a rollercoaster with no seatbelt — take a breath.

You’re in the pause.

And this, too, is a powerful part of your story.