Clear, Myth-Busting Truths About Perimenopause: You’re Not Imagining It

For every woman who's ever been told “it’s just stress” or “you’re too young for menopause” — this one’s for you.

Perimenopause, the transitional phase before menopause, can begin as early as your late 30s — but for many women, the symptoms feel like a complete mystery. Worse yet, they’re often dismissed by healthcare providers, misunderstood by loved ones, and downplayed in social circles.

But here’s the truth: you are not imagining it. And you deserve real answers.

Myth #1: “You’re too young to be going through perimenopause.”

Let’s bust this one wide open. Perimenopause can begin 8–10 years before menopause, which means it may start in your late 30s or early 40s. While the average age of menopause is around 51 in the U.S., many women start experiencing hormonal changes — and their ripple effects — much earlier.

Reality: Symptoms like brain fog, anxiety, heavy or irregular periods, and fatigue often start well before your last period.

Myth #2: “If your periods are regular, it’s not perimenopause.”

This is a big misconception. Many women still have regular cycles during the early stages of perimenopause — but behind the scenes, hormones like estrogen and progesterone are already fluctuating.

Reality: You can be experiencing perimenopause even with clockwork periods. It's the quality of your cycle and the symptoms between that often tell the real story.

Myth #3: “It’s all in your head.”

We’ve heard it too many times. Fatigue? “You’re just overworked.” Mood swings? “It’s probably PMS.” Low libido? “Try to relax more.”

Reality: Hormonal changes during perimenopause can affect everything from neurotransmitter levels to sleep quality to how your body metabolizes stress. You’re not overreacting — your body is literally recalibrating.

Myth #4: “Just wait it out — it’ll pass eventually.”

Sure, menopause eventually arrives — but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer in silence in the meantime.

Reality: You don’t have to “tough it out.” There are real strategies, support systems, and lifestyle shifts that can ease the transition and help you feel like yourself again.

So what can you do?

✅ Track your symptoms. Keep a journal or use an app to log your sleep, mood, cycle, energy, and symptoms. This helps validate your experience and gives you data to bring to your doctor.

✅ Find a provider who listens. If your concerns are dismissed, it’s okay to seek out a practitioner who specializes in women’s hormonal health or functional medicine.

✅ Support your body with nutrition. Balance your blood sugar, prioritize protein, and nourish your gut — these are foundational during this hormonal shift.

✅ Talk about it. The more we normalize the conversation around perimenopause, the more we empower other women to speak up and seek support.

Bottom line: You deserve to be taken seriously. You deserve support. And you deserve to feel informed, empowered, and connected.

Perimenopause isn’t just a phase to “get through.” It’s a time to tune in, take charge, and reclaim your energy, mood, and sense of self — without shame, stigma, or silence.

You’re not too young. You’re not making it up. You’re not alone.