Reflections on Perimenopause: A Journey of Silent Struggles and Vital Lessons

Entering perimenopause in my mid-forties was a challenging, isolating experience, though back then, the term “perimenopause” was rarely even spoken. The symptoms were intense and relentless; I suffered from severe migraines that affected my career as a professor. Often, I could only deliver my lectures after taking a powerful prescription pill – one that was not always accessible. Even more difficult were the heavy, unpredictable bleeding episodes that left me in difficult situations at work. But beyond the physical symptoms, it was the toll on my mental health that struck hardest. I often found myself in heated arguments with my husband and children, feeling as though life had become an unending struggle.

Living in Eastern Europe in the 90s added a unique layer of hardship. The focus was survival; any notion of self-care or personal wellbeing was a luxury we couldn’t afford. Routine health screenings were almost unheard of due to the lack of funding, and the resulting gap in preventative care impacted me years later. At 63, I experienced an aortic dissection, a life-threatening condition that might have been avoided if routine care and screenings had been available earlier. As a healthy, active, non-smoking woman with no excess weight, I believe that the loss of estrogen may have weakened my heart and contributed to the condition.

One lesson I took away from this journey is essential: Don’t overlook your heart health. The impact of hormone decline can extend to cardiovascular health, often silently, but with life-altering consequences.
Many women of my generation endured these struggles quietly. In those days, even a diagnosis like breast cancer was shrouded in shame, and openly discussing menopause was unthinkable. I am grateful, however, to see a new generation of women speaking freely, exploring options, and challenging societal views about womanhood and aging. Their courage is changing perceptions, and it brings me comfort to know that future generations will face these changes with more support and understanding