In May, the podcast interviewed Joanna Strober, the founder of Midi Health, and it was quite an eye-opener. We learned so much about perimenopause in women aged 35-60. 35-60? Yeah, you read that right; women as young as 35 are experiencing perimenopause. As the oldest millennials approach their early 40s, more women in this generation are beginning to experience the first signs of perimenopause - the transitional phase before menopause. Perimenopause can start in the late 30s or 40s and last for several years before menopause fully begins.
According to the Journal of Affective Disorders, perimenopause carries the highest risk for depression compared to other stages of menopause. Fluctuating hormone levels and significantly declining estrogen can contribute to mood changes, anxiety, irritability, and depression. Millennial women need to be aware of mental health changes during this time.
In addition to psychological effects, physical symptoms are also common in early perimenopause:
Irregular periods that are longer, shorter, heavier, or lighter than usual
Hot flashes and night sweats
Sleep disturbances and insomnia
Vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex
Bladder issues like urinary tract infections
Breast tenderness
Worsening of premenstrual symptoms
Fatigue and hair thinning
Many millennials are caught off guard by these changes, not expecting them to occur until their late 40s or 50s. But perimenopause symptoms can begin much earlier. Awareness of the signs and openly discussing them with doctors and peers is essential.
The good news is that millennials are showing more proactiveness and activism than previous generations regarding women's midlife health. Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Drew Barrymore have shared their own experiences with perimenopause. More women are tracking their cycles and symptoms with apps and devices.
Some innovative companies are developing new tech solutions for managing perimenopause:
Gennev is a virtual menopausal clinic offering telemedicine consultations, health coaching, and educational resources. Its app lets users track symptoms and access treatment.
Lisa Health offers a digital app with personalized wellness plans for menopause based on a woman's symptoms and health data. The plans include behavior change challenges and evidence-based therapies.
Joylux makes high-tech devices that use red light, gentle heat, and sonic technology to treat vaginal tissue changes and urinary issues from estrogen loss.
If you're a millennial woman noticing changes in your cycle, mood, sleep, or body that could be signs of early perimenopause, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor. Lifestyle changes, hormone therapy, antidepressants, or natural remedies may help manage symptoms. Remember, you're not alone; there are more resources than ever before to help you navigate this new stage of life. If you missed the episode on perimenopause, you can check it out here.
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