90+ stories about the modern perimenopause experience by women in perimenopause
The Midst collective of real women going through perimenopause have spent six years experimenting, learning, and documenting thousands of words along the way.
We’ve talked with menopause specialists about how to manage symptoms, tried multiple variations of hormone therapy, upgraded our fitness, nutrition, and mental health care, and navigated the rollercoasters that are our lives.
And now we’re here to share our stories in one package. …
What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the roughly two to 14 years before reaching menopause, which is when your ovaries stop releasing eggs and produce significantly less hormones, leading to no more periods, says Shelby Tutty, a certified menopause educator and trained health coach. “Perimenopause leads to an ovary retirement party.” Some women experience extreme symptoms, while others may not notice any symptoms.
Menopause is one day — the day you’ve gone 365 days without having a period. The day after and for the rest of your life, you’re postmenopausal.
Intro to Perimenopause
Perimenopause symptoms, starting age, duration, symptom relief, and more
By Tequia Burt
I’m 30: Why do I need to think about menopause?
By Sally Duffin, registered nutritionist/nutritional therapist, and author of Natural Nutrition for Perimenopause
My $3,000 journey to self-diagnosing perimenopause
By Esther Sedgwick, Co-Founder of The Carry, the first weighted vest designed for women
Perimenopause power? Yep, your hormones want to tell you more than you think
An interview with Maisie Hill, author of Perimenopause Power and Period Power
Hormone Rehab: an excerpt of ‘Perimenopause Power’ by Maisie Hill
An exclusive excerpt of “Hormone rehab” (chapter 10) of Perimenopause Power by Maisie Hill
The vagina in perimenopause: everything you need to know but were too afraid to ask
By Sally Duffin, registered nutritionist/nutritional therapist, and author of Natural Nutrition for Perimenopause
Are you Going Menopostal? Amy Alkon digs into what you really need to know
An exclusive excerpt of Going Menopostal by Amy Alkon
I’m going through early menopause. How can I still feel part of the sisterhood?
Advice by Dixie Laite
How to get an official perimenopause diagnosis
By Amy Cuevas Schroeder, Founder of The Midst
Vagina Dialogue: The more you know about your lady bits, the more you can enjoy
By Dixie Laite
My adventures in perimenopause symptoms
By Amy Cuevas Schroeder, Founder of The Midst
Perimenopause symptoms
What are the 34 symptoms of perimenopause?
By Amy Horton
Belly fat: Why we women gain weight around our midsections in our 40s and 50s
What are the best ways to stop hot flashes fast?
Menopause and immunity: Do our immune systems tank in midlife?
By Sally Duffin, registered nutritionist/nutritional therapist, and author of Natural Nutrition for Perimenopause
Managing anxiety in midlife: symptoms, causes, and help
By Sally Duffin
Antidepressants: A possible cure for peri/menopausal hot flashes
An interview with Dr. Robert P. Kauffman, MD, MSCP, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Assistant Dean for Research Education at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine. By Lynnette Lyons
Perimenopause and memory loss: everything you need to know
I stopped breathing 16 times a night. Here’s what I did about my sleep apnea.
Sore knees and tight hips? Here’s how to age-proof your joints
By Sally Duffin, registered nutritionist/nutritional therapist, and author of Natural Nutrition for Perimenopause
Raspy voice in midlife? Here’s how to make your voice clear and powerful
By Alicia Dara, nationally recognized speech and presentation coach
Flatulence facts: Why do women get gassy in menopause and perimenopause?
By Rebekah Brown, Founder of MPowder
Hot flashes beware: Embr Wave is here
By Sally Duffin
Low energy, weight gain, irregular periods — could it be perimenopause or thyroid problems?
12 things I tried to help with symptoms of perimenopause
Think you stink? 6 solutions to help with sweaty, irritable, or dry skin
By Anne Holub
Hormones and hormone therapy
Hormone health 101: Meet the 6 hormones that affect your life during menopause
By Nameera Temkar, a freelance health writer and a medical student
What are the benefits of testosterone for women?
By Bonny Osterhage, a competitive athlete and instructor of indoor cycling, pilates, and barre
Winona stopped my perimenopause rollercoaster ride
By Amy Cuevas Schroeder, Founder of The Midst
Adrenal fatigue is real, and it peaks in midlife
By Dr. Thara Vayali, ND, co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of hey freya, a doctor of naturopathic medicine, nutritionist, and educator with over ten years of clinical expertise in women’s health.
Can the DUTCH Test answer my hormonal questions?
By Megan Moore
Finally! Elektra Health delivers the perimenopause and menopause support we deserve
Stress management, mental health, and brain health
Exclusive excerpt: “Normalize It” by Jessica Zucker PhD, leader of #Ihadamiscarriage movement
Midlife, estrogen, and mental health: How to stay sane during perimenopause
By Amy Horton
How to stop stressing about lowering your cortisol—while actually lowering your cortisol
By Amy Horton
Menopause and memory loss: Should you be worried?
By Anne Holub
At what age are we happiest and unhappiest?
How our brains change during peri/menopause (and what you can do about it)
Are you an overthinker? 5 intuition tips for anxious minds
By Bonnie Ho
I learned how to do inner child work for my own anxiety — and ended up helping my actual kids
How this 41-year-old mom manages her food anxiety after a geriatric pregnancy
From anxiety to joy on the daily
By Bonnie Ho
Meno-rexia: The alarming trend of eating disorders during peri/menopause
Longevity and aging well
6 longevity experts share top ‘doable’ tips for aging well
Reboot your bones: How to maintain strong, healthy bones in midlife
By Sally Duffin
Pelvic health 101: dysfunction symptoms, treatment options, and more
Can dogs and cats help women live longer, healthier lives?
Burned out from the grown-up grind? Try kidulting.
From screaming into the void to getting answers: How women in midlife can feel seen and heard at the doctor
Don’t let it linger: Make these health appointments in your 40s and 50s
By Anne Holub
Menopause and sleep
Insomnia in perimenopause? How to manage trouble sleeping when you’re nearing The Change
By Amy Cuevas Schroeder, founder of The Midst
Why is it hard to sleep during perimenopause and menopause?
By Sally Duffin
Menopause insomnia: 5 tips to get better sleep
Marina Pen, NYC entrepreneur with 2 ‘small hurricanes,’ rates her sleep an 8/10
Women’s fertility
Does the biological clock still matter? The Egg Whisperer weighs in
Pregnant over 40: owning fear, embracing uncertainty, and the confidence of aging ovaries
By Bonnie Ho
Natural Cycles: An honest review of the non-hormonal birth control app
By Bonnie Ho
Why I went off The Pill two decades after deciding not to have kids
By Bonnie Ho
Relationships
I divorced a domestic terrorist and reinvented my life after 40
By Jessi Brooks
Menopause rage: Let’s talk about the link between menopause and divorce
A Gen X therapist weighs in on the “middle child” generation’s unique relationship challenges
By Kate Engler
Women’s fitness
Mobility exercises: the underrated key to sustainable workouts in midlife and beyond
By Amy Horton
Ruck this way: What are the best weighted vests for women?
By Esther Sedgwick, co-founder of The Carry
How to build a sustainable exercise routine during perimenopause
By Lisa Benett
Sporty af: Learning how to love the great outdoors in midlife
Strength training: Why women in their 40s need to start now
Silver and Strong bodybuilder Ilene Block on starting a 60+ fitness revolution
By Dixie Laite
How yoga changed my life: 10 reasons to start your practice now
Mammogram love: Why I get my boobs squished every year (and why you should, too)
By Anne Holub
Women’s health during peri/menopause
Screw over the hill. Women’s brains are upgraded after menopause
Don’t sneeze! Why we women pee a little bit now
By Anne Holub
Nutrition & weight management
Ozempic: Weighing the pros and (often hidden) cons
How does a rock star enter menopause? Get Goop-famous expert advice
By Esther Blum, integrative dietician, bestselling author, and menopause expert
10 easy meals for when your hormones are causing havoc
By Sally Duffin
I tried NNABI Peri Essential 5, and have more energy, better sleep, and less night sweats
Give your liver some love: Why detoxing your liver is crucial for menopausal hormone health
By Sally Duffin
Menopause weight gain? Fasting might help
By Sally Duffin
Natural Nutrition for Perimenopause: What to eat to feel good and stay sane
By Sally Duffin
Perimenopausal brain fog: A nutritionist’s guide to thinking clearly
By Sally Duffin
Interviews, opinion & cultural critiques about peri/menopause
Stacy London: The Maven of Midlife is revolutionizing menopause
By Gretchen Kalwinski
Emily McDowell on menopause awareness, releasing the drama, and leaning into the messy middle
Opinion: What the We Do Not Care movement gets right (and what it misses) about menopause
By Bridget J. Crawford • Naomi R. Cahn • Emily Gold Waldma, professors of law
Racism and menopause: health disparities and inequities
Old lives tale: Menopause is not a death sentence
By Dixie Laite
What is “The M Factor”? Why this menopause documentary is heating up audiences everywhere
Is Brooke Shields the next big thing in menopause and midlife empowerment?
Want group coaching? Meet Badass Rebellion, the new movement for women in middle age
By Daphne Berryhill, clinical pharmacist and health writer
What it’s like for a former female bodybuilder to lift weights after menopause
By Dixie Laite
Nina Lorez Collins shares some of the best aging and menopause advice on the Internet
‘In my 50s, I’m free to be whatever or whoever I want’
Am I really in perimenopause or just ‘getting older’?
Sex & Menopause
16 ways to reclaim your libido during peri/menopause
Princess Superstar: ‘Menopause is not the end of hot sex’
By Amber Drea
Why sex is best in your 40s
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