Perimenopause Is NOT a Dirty Word (And Neither Is Menopause)

Let’s just get one thing straight: if you're a woman in your late 30s or 40s and you feel like your body has been hijacked—this post is for you. Welcome to perimenopause, babe. It’s not a dirty word, and it’s not just “some mood swings and hot flashes.” It’s a full-body hormonal rollercoaster and, honey, it’s time to talk about it.

In this week’s So Frickin' Healthy Podcast, we had the one and only Dr. Mary Pines back on the mic. Cambridge-trained biomedical scientist, longevity expert, and—thank the hormone gods—someone who actually knows what the hell is going on with our bodies during this wild transition.

💥 So, What Is Perimenopause?

Imagine puberty... but in reverse. 🙃

Perimenopause is the 6–10 year hormonal off-ramp before menopause officially kicks in. Most of us don’t even realize we’re in it until we’re crying over commercials and wondering why our sleep is trash and our chin hairs are multiplying.

Dr. Mary broke it down: perimenopause usually starts in your late 30s to early 40s and comes with progesterone levels dipping low—which, FYI, messes with your sleep, mood, memory, and more. You might notice shorter cycles, lighter periods (or, if you’re lucky, surprise ones), and over 100 other potential symptoms. Yes, ONE HUNDRED. 😱

🧠 The Symptoms Are Not Just "In Your Head"

Half the top 10 symptoms are psychological—brain fog, fatigue, anxiety, poor sleep, forgetfulness... sound familiar? And since women in their 40s are juggling careers, kids, aging parents, and life, it’s no wonder we think we’re just burned out. But your hormones might be screaming for help.

🔥 Hormone Replacement Therapy: Yay or Nay?

Let’s address the controversial elephant in the room: HRT. Dr. Mary says the fear-mongering research from 2001? Garbage. Modern science? Clear. Bioidentical HRT (especially when started early) is not just safe—it’s protective. Think: better sleep, better sex, better bones, better brain. Sign. Me. Up.

And no, it’s not something you’re doomed to take forever. But why suffer through the second half of your life if you don’t have to?

🧘‍♀️ Lifestyle = Your Secret Weapon

Here’s the truth bomb: Women in Japan? Fewer symptoms. Why? Diet, movement, mindset. They eat omega-3s, walk daily, and don’t fear aging. We’ve normalized PMS and menopause as miserable in the West—and it’s time we unlearn that BS.

Dr. Mary reminds us that mindset is medicine. Expect to suffer, and you probably will. Expect to glide into midlife with your power intact? That’s a whole different story.

📝 Final Takeaways from Dr. Mary

• Track your symptoms—even the weird ones (hello, itchy ears and tinnitus).

• Advocate for yourself: If your doctor dismisses your concerns, find a new one.

• Take care of your damn self. Not spa-day self-care. Real, internal, nourishing, hormone-supportive care.

• And for the love of estrogen: don’t wait until it’s “bad enough.” Be proactive. Start testing. Start exploring options. You deserve to feel good.

This episode was a frickin’ masterclass on how not to lose your mind—or your mojo—during perimenopause. So if you’re feeling a little off lately, don’t gaslight yourself. Tune in, take notes, and take your power back.