Riding the Hormonal Rollercoaster: Mastering Menstrual & Perimenopause Problems

Discussing the menstrual cycle, PMS, and perimenopause, and how to manage symptoms.

As a woman, I have often felt frustrated and ashamed by the lack of education and support around menstrual health and the various stages of reproductive health that we experience throughout our lives. Growing up, I had no idea what to expect when it came to my period and was not given much information beyond basic biology lessons in school. It wasn’t until I was in my early twenties that I learned about PMS and perimenopause, and the impact that these stages could have on my mental health.

One of my most embarrassing moments related to my menstrual cycle was in high school when I unexpectedly got my period while wearing light-colored pants. I was so ashamed and embarrassed that I didn’t want to leave the bathroom, and felt like everyone was staring at me when I finally emerged. This experience only reinforced the idea that menstruation was something to be hidden and ashamed of.

As I got older and started to learn more about PMS, I began to understand that it was not just a matter of hormonal imbalances that could cause breakouts and physical discomfort. PMS also impacted my emotions and made it difficult to navigate everyday situations. I felt more irritable, anxious, and overwhelmed during this time, and struggled to process my emotions in a healthy way. The lack of education and support around PMS made me feel like I was alone in my struggles, and that there was something wrong with me for feeling this way.

Similarly, perimenopause is a stage that is often not discussed or acknowledged, despite the fact that it can begin in some women as early as their thirties. As someone who has friends in this category, many have often felt isolated and confused about the symptoms they have been experiencing. It is not just hot flashes and night sweats, but also mood swings, weight gain, and changes in their sex drive that has affected them. The lack of community and resources available for younger women going through perimenopause has made this process even more challenging.

Managing these symptoms can be difficult, but there are a few strategies that can help. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help to reduce the severity of PMS symptoms. Talking to a healthcare provider about hormonal birth control or other medications can also help to regulate hormones and improve symptoms. For perimenopause, hormone replacement therapy or other medications can be effective in reducing symptoms. Seeking support from friends, family, and other women going through similar experiences can also be incredibly helpful.

It is important that we start to break down the stigma and shame surrounding menstrual health and reproductive health. By having more open and honest conversations, we can start to provide better education and support for women at every stage of their lives. Let’s support each other in managing these symptoms and embracing the changes that come with being a woman.