What This Virginia-Based Menopause Doctor Wants Every Woman to Know About Perimenopause and Menopause

For women in their 40s and 50’s, particularly in fast-paced locations like Northern Virginia and other metropolitan areas, perimenopause and menopause are stages of life that many anticipate with mixed emotions and added stress. These natural transitions in a woman’s body are often misunderstood and unsupported, leading to confusion and unnecessary challenges. Whether you’ve heard the term “menopausal” tossed around in conversation as an insult or you’re starting to notice subtle changes in your own body, it’s time to set the record straight.

What Are Perimenopause and Menopause?

Let’s begin with the basics. Perimenopause refers to the time leading up to menopause when hormone levels start to fluctuate. This phase can last anywhere from a few months to several years, marked by a variety of symptoms, including irregular periods, hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. Once you’ve gone 12 months without a period, you’ve officially entered menopause—the end of menstruation and the beginning of a new chapter in life.

While menopause signals the end of fertility, it does not signal the end of vitality. In fact, many women find that this stage can be a time of growth, self-discovery, and empowerment. However, the journey to and through menopause can be complex, and too often, societal misconceptions make it harder than it needs to be.

Breaking the Stigma: The Weaponization of “Menopausal”

The word “menopausal” has been weaponized against women for decades. It’s often used to imply irrationality or undesirable behavior, as if experiencing natural hormonal changes somehow diminishes a woman’s worth or competence. This damaging stereotype can make it harder for women to seek help or discuss their experiences openly. After all, who wants to be labeled “hormonal” when they’re simply trying to navigate a biological transition?

This harmful rhetoric adds unnecessary pressure to what is already a challenging time for many women. Let’s be clear: menopause does not make you less capable, less rational, or less valuable. It’s a natural phase of life that deserves respect, understanding, and support.

Misinformation: An Added Aggravation

One of the greatest obstacles women face during perimenopause and menopause is the misinformation that surrounds these stages. From social media myths to outdated medical advice, misinformation can aggravate the challenges women already face. Many are left wondering whether their symptoms are "normal" or whether they’re alone in what they’re experiencing.

In reality, symptoms of perimenopause and menopause vary widely. What’s most important is understanding your body and accessing the correct information and resources. You deserve to know that treatments—from hormone therapy to lifestyle adjustments—are available and can make a world of difference.

Lifestyle Choices: Your Body, Your Experience

Lifestyle choices play a significant role in how we experience our health, and menopause is no exception. Factors such as diet, exercise, stress management, and sleep habits majorly impact how your body responds to hormonal shifts.

For example, regular physical activity reduces the severity of hot flashes and improves mood, while a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D can help protect against the bone loss that often accompanies menopause. Managing stress through mindfulness practices, like meditation or yoga, can also ease this phase’s emotional ups and downs.

Environmental Impact: The Role of Your Surroundings

Your indoors and outdoor environment can also influence how you experience menopause. Indoor spaces, particularly those with poor air circulation or high temperatures, can exacerbate hot flashes and night sweats. Similarly, outside factors such as pollution or a lack of access to green spaces can affect your overall well-being.

In a bustling area like Washington, DC, where life often moves at a breakneck pace, it’s crucial to carve out time to create environments that support your health. This might mean adjusting your home’s temperature, incorporating air purifiers, or simply making time to walk in nature, all of which can improve your physical and mental comfort during menopause.

Unmanaged Symptoms: The Hidden Interference

Perhaps one of the most important things to recognize is that unmanaged menopause symptoms can interfere with every aspect of your life. From productivity at work to relationships with family, friends, and partners, untreated symptoms can strain both your personal and professional lives.

Imagine struggling to sleep because of night sweats, only to wake up exhausted and unable to focus at work, or dealing with mood swings that impact your relationships, leading to misunderstandings with loved ones. These symptoms are not just "part of life"; they are signals from your body that deserve attention and care.

Empowering Yourself: Take Control of Your Menopause Experience

The key to thriving through perimenopause and menopause is empowerment. By educating yourself and seeking the proper support, you can take control of this transition and live your life to the fullest. Speak openly with your healthcare provider about your symptoms, explore treatments with concierge-based medical specialists, and don’t hesitate to make lifestyle changes that support your well-being.

If you are based in Northern Virginia, book a 1:1 consultation with our menopause expert and obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Shannon Cothran to get personalized recommendations or schedule a tour at Meno-Start to decide if ongoing membership is right for you. 

Menopause doesn’t have to be a mystery or something to fear. It’s simply another stage of life that can be just as fulfilling and vibrant as any other. With knowledge, a healthy lifestyle, and the proper support, you can navigate this journey confidently and gracefully.

By reshaping the conversation around perimenopause and menopause, we can remove the stigma, combat misinformation, and improve specialized menopause care to ensure that every woman has the opportunity to thrive during this new stage of life. You deserve nothing less.

Schedule your free tour and meet Dr. Cothran.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michelle is a marketing strategist and content creator with a passion for health, wellness, and culture.