Just when you think you've gotten past the physical (and emotional) discomforts of regularly scheduled PMS, bam! — perimenopause hits you like a ton of bricks. This transitional phase, which typically begins in a woman’s 40s, can, for some, begin as early as their mid-30s and last anywhere from a few months to several years as the body prepares for its next chapter: menopause. So, how do you know when perimenopause is beginning to wind down? Let's get into it.  Perimenopause to menopause: Understanding the transition While it can certainly bring with it a rollercoaster of...

There are a lot of symptoms associated with perimenopause. Irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, straight-up rage, decreased fertility, changes in sexual function — the list goes on. What’s challenging about the large number of potential symptoms is it can be hard to differentiate between harmless perimenopause signs and when you need to see the doctor.  First, let’s clarify what perimenopause is: It’s when the female body begins transitioning to menopause, which is when menstruation permanently stops. While bleeding during perimenopause is normal, bleeding after menopause is not at all normal. If you’re experiencing any type of...

Like many people, I have a love-hate relationship with social media. On the one hand, it can be a breeding ground for trolls and low self-esteem (yay). But social media can also be a wonderful place to create community — specifically, for women experiencing not just perimenopause, but perimenopause rage (it’s me, hi!). A quick refresher for those who may not be familiar with the term: Perimenopause is when the ovaries begin slowing down the production of estrogen, approximately eight to 10 years before menstrual periods stop for good, aka menopause. Perimenopause usually starts in a person’s 40s,...

Navigating the journey of menopause, or even just approaching it, can feel like uncharted territory — one minute you’re comfortable, and the next you’re sweating through your sheets or feeling more emotional than usual. As our bodies start to change, it’s completely natural to have a lot of questions about what’s happening and why. One of the big questions many women ask is, “Should I get a menopause test?” So let’s dig into this topic together, explore what menopause testing involves, and figure out when it might be right for you. Understanding menopause and perimenopause Before diving...

There are a lot of cool things about getting older. Our life experiences have provided us with wisdom, and we don’t sweat the small stuff as much. Well, technically, we’re not sweating the small stuff because we’re likely too busy dealing with hot flashes and night sweats as part of perimenopause. Perimenopause is one of the not-so-cool things about getting older: As the run-up to menopause (the time when menstrual periods stop for good), perimenopause is when the ovaries begin slowing down the production of estrogen. This generally starts when people are in their 40s, around...

Estrogen, often referred to as the "female hormone," plays a crucial role in women's health throughout our lives. From puberty to menopause and beyond, this powerful hormone influences everything from bone density to mood regulation. While it's primarily associated with reproductive health, estrogen's impact extends far beyond that, affecting nearly every system in the body. However, not all women need to be concerned about increasing estrogen. In fact, many women today may experience excess estrogen, especially those of reproductive age. During perimenopause or menopause is when estrogen levels naturally begin to decline. Other scenarios where low estrogen may...

“Geriatric pregnancy.” “Advanced maternal age.” The terms may not be flattering, but women who have babies later in life hardly carry the stigma they did only a couple of decades ago. Generally speaking, “advanced maternal age” refers to anyone who becomes pregnant at the age of 35 or older. It’s also during this time that many women begin to experience symptoms of perimenopause, the transitional period leading up to menopause. Although perimenopause tends to start in a woman’s 40s, it can occur as early as their mid-30s. Unfortunately, perimenopause can be tricky to nail down, because...

If you’re in your 30s or 40s, you probably know that sexual desire is complex and can be affected by a variety of factors. Hormone fluctuations, life circumstances, age, and history of trauma or abuse can all play a role in an individual’s sexual health. This is why, when someone is struggling with low libido, it can be quite tricky to trace the root cause.  Struggling with low sex drive is not just a nuisance. It can be challenging on an individual level, impacting self-esteem and general life fulfillment, and it also affects relationships which are...

For some women, their period is the most dreaded time of the month — filled with menstrual cramps, migraines, and heavy bleeding that hinders their daily activities. Having a heavy flow can be especially hard when you are at work. You might experience anxiety about potential leaking or maybe even embarrassment that you are not feeling yourself or working up to your typical standard.  Don’t worry, though. There is nothing to be ashamed of. We’re here to listen, support, and acknowledge what you’re going through. We’ve also come up with some ways to help you better...

The menstrual cycle is made up of four phases and 28-35 days that are each unique and bring with them their own ups and downs. Our hormones dictate the release of an egg during ovulation as well as the shedding of the lining of the uterus during our period. And because these hormone levels change during the various stages of our lives, it’s only natural that the monthly bleeding we experience changes, too.  So, how does your period change with age? We're diving into this topic and speaking to Dr. Dara Havemann of Dallas IVF to...