Ever wonder what happens before “the change”? That’s right – it’s “the change before the change.”
Don’t worry, it sounds worse than it is. There’s a lot of misunderstanding about exactly what menopause is, so let’s clear things up a bit. Perimenopause is the six to ten years leading up to menopause. Menopause is defined as the moment after perimenopause, when a woman has not had a period for 12 consecutive months. Often, when women say, “I’m going through menopause,” they’re describing the perimenopause part of the journey. Who knew, right?
Well, perimenopause has long been something women didn’t discuss much and personally, a time in my life that no one ever mentioned to me, until I already began the process. Why the silence? Probably because I would have requested a sex change immediately, had I known what would be in my future!
Perimenopause can be tough, but if you keep these three things in mind, you’ll be on your way to an easier perimenopause experience:
- be prepared
- trust how you feel
- reach out for the help you deserve.
Nowadays, older women are much more active, happier, and sexier than ever before. Aging is no longer our greatest fear. Remember, with so many new and different ways to share information, we must continue to break the silence!
Reaching out is IN. Suffering in silence is OUT.
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About “E”
“E” is the pen name of Ellen Sarver Dolgen, author of Shmirshky: the pursuit of hormone happiness—a cut-to-the-chase book on perimenopause and menopause that’s filled with crucial information, helpful guides, and hilarious and heartfelt stories. Known for her humor, compassion, and sassy personality, E has appeared on numerous television and radio broadcasts, including: the Rachael Ray Show, The Doctors, Oprah Radio, Playboy Radio, “Tell Me More” on NPR, Doctor Radio, and dozens of other regional and national media outlets. She appears monthly as a menopause and women’s wellness guest on KSWB Fox 5 Morning News San Diego and is a regular guest on the popular radio show, “Broadminded,” on Sirius XM Radio (Stars XM 107). E is also one of the first regular contributors to debut on the Huffington Post’s latest site, Huff/Post50. When E isn’t promoting women’s health and wellness, she’s busy trying her best not to eat all the ice cream in the freezer.
About Shmirshky: the pursuit of hormone happiness
The book, Shmirshky: the pursuit of hormone happiness, is your perimenopause and menopause (PM&M) toolkit. It condenses a confusing and daunting medical topic into an easy-to-understand, purse-sized guide that can be used as a reference throughout your PM&M experience. Reading Shmirshky is like getting a big, comforting hug from a dear friend who happens to know a lot about menopause!
Oh, and by the way, “shmirshky” (pronounced SHMERSH-KEY) is a playful name for vagina and the women who possess them. Visit Shmirshky.com for everything you wanted to know about perimenopause and menopause but were afraid to ask!