As we get older, our minds often wonder what our futures would look like and envision what we don't want to occur. But, what about the things that naturally occur that's completely normal? Cue in perimenopause, which we're finding isn't often talked about among people in the 30 below community of women, and we're being left in limbo not knowing what to expect.

According to the New York Times, perimenopause remains a mystery as "over 1 billion women around the world will have experienced perimenopause by 2025." 

This transitional phase can feel like a rollercoaster, but don't worry, we've got your back. So, buckle up and let's dive into the world of perimenopause together.

What is Perimenopause, Anyway?

Think of perimenopause as the opening act before the main event – menopause. It's the time when your body starts shifting gears, typically occurring in your 40s (but can start as early as your 30s). Hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, begin to fluctuate, causing a range of symptoms that may have you wondering if it's all in your head or if you should get to your doctor, stat. But don't be alarmed. 

The Telltale Signs of Perimenopause

Perimenopause can be a bit of a wild ride, with symptoms that differ from woman to woman. Some of the most common signs include:

1. Irregular periods: Your cycle may start to become a bit unpredictable, with periods coming closer together or skipping a month or two.
2. Hot flashes: You know, those sudden waves of heat that make you feel like you're in the Sahara desert.
3. Mood swings: Emotions can be all over the place, making you feel like you're on an episode of a dramatic reality show. They often come without warning.
4. Sleep disturbances: Catching some quality zzz's may become more challenging, leaving you tossing and turning all night.
5. Changes in skin and hair: You might notice your skin feeling drier, becoming more sensitive, or your hair thinning out a bit.

Embracing the Changes and Feeling Groovy

We're all about celebrating this new chapter of womanhood, and we've got some tips to help you navigate the changes with ease:

1. Keep it copacetic: Invest in breathable fabrics, like cotton or linen clothing, use a portable fan when possible to help with hot flashes. Incorporate wellness supplements that contain ashwagandha, l-theanine, or melatonin to help keep more calm throughout the day and night.
2. Get grooving: Exercising regularly can help regulate and improve your mood and wellbeing. You don't need to go hardcore: 2 to 3 days a week is completely fine with low-impact workouts like pilates, walking, cycling, or light weightlifting.
3. Pamper your skin: Treat yourself to a skincare routine that addresses your changing needs, like our CEISÉ line (wink, wink).
4. Seek support and be honest: There's so many women like you going through the same, if not similar, experiences. Sharing your experience with close friends or online communities allows for other women to relate to you and provide you advice to help you better navigate this stage in your life.

Perimenopause isn't something that's avoidable or will go away "quickly". It's a part of our natural evolving life, but there's ways to manage it, so there's no need to be afraid of it or "fear" getting older. Instead, we want to form a better culture around it where we are more open about our personal experiences with it so that we don't feel as lost or isolated when these changes do occur.

If you're experience perimenopausal symptoms or noticeable hormonal changes, chat with your doctor and advocate for your health and wellbeing. If your doctor proceeds to tell you that you're too young to experience these things, find another doctor who will take your concerns seriously, run hormone tests to make sure your levels are okay (and if not, get you started with remedies to balance your hormone levels appropriately). And most importantly, celebrate the journey and process. While it may seem like a long one, it's one of the experiences that lets us know that we're still human and phenomenal beings.

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