Dr. Heidi Queen, MD | Energize Health & Hormones

According to findings in a new study, many women find perimenopause to be a very confusing time. Maybe you’re sleeping poorly after years of restful nights. Your patience feels thinner than it used to. You struggle to concentrate during meetings, wake up drenched in sweat, or notice that the healthy habits that once kept your weight stable no longer seem to work. You might even wonder if you’re simply getting older—or if something else is going on.

The study, highlighted recently in Menopause, the journal of The Menopause Society, found that approximately one in three women over age 35 are unsure whether they’re in perimenopause. Researchers discovered that much of this uncertainty stems from limited public awareness, symptoms that vary widely from woman to woman, and difficulty finding clear answers and supportive care. The good news? Perimenopause doesn’t have to remain a mystery. More importantly, it doesn’t have to be something you simply endure.

A Natural Transition That Looks Different for Every Woman

Perimenopause is the natural transition leading to menopause, often beginning in a woman’s 40s, although it can start earlier. During this time, hormone levels fluctuate, creating changes that may affect nearly every system in the body. Some women experience hot flashes or irregular menstrual cycles. Others notice changes that are less obvious, including:

• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes or increased anxiety
• Sleep disturbances
• Fatigue
• Joint aches
• Weight gain or changing body composition
• Decreased libido
• Vaginal dryness
• Changes in skin or hair
• Shifts in metabolism

Because these symptoms develop gradually and often resemble stress, thyroid disorders, depression, or simply “getting older,” many women don’t immediately recognize perimenopause as the underlying cause. Adding to the confusion, there isn’t a single laboratory test that can definitively diagnose perimenopause. An experienced clinician considers your symptoms, menstrual history, overall health, and changing hormone patterns to understand the bigger picture.

The Conversation Is Changing

For many years, menopause wasn’t something people openly discussed. Women often received little education before symptoms began, and many healthcare providers received limited formal training in menopause care. Thankfully, that is changing.

Organizations such as The Menopause Society are helping improve awareness through ongoing research and education, encouraging clinicians to recognize the wide range of physical, emotional, and cognitive changes that can occur during the menopause transition. As more women begin talking about their experiences, they’re also discovering something encouraging: Perimenopause isn’t simply about managing symptoms. It’s an opportunity to rethink long-term health.

A Different Way to Think About Midlife

Dr. Heidi Queen often reminds patients that perimenopause and menopause can become some of the healthiest years of a woman’s life—not because hormone changes are easy, but because this stage often inspires women to begin paying attention to themselves in entirely new ways.

For decades, many women focus on everyone else first. They build careers. Raise families. Care for aging parents. Support partners, children, coworkers, friends, and communities. Then one day, their own body asks for attention. Rather than seeing this transition as a loss, it can become an invitation—a chance to invest in health with greater intention than ever before. Instead of asking, “How do I get back to who I was?” A more empowering question might be: “How do I become the healthiest version of myself for the decades ahead?”

Building a Strong Foundation for the Future

The menopause transition often serves as a wake-up call to strengthen the habits that support lifelong health. This is where an integrative, personalized approach can make all the difference. Depending on your individual needs, your care plan may include thoughtful hormone therapy, nutrition counseling, targeted supplements, improved sleep strategies, stress management, and regular physical activity. Strength training becomes increasingly important for preserving muscle mass, supporting bone density, improving insulin sensitivity, and maintaining independence as we age.

Prioritizing protein and balanced nutrition helps stabilize blood sugar, protect metabolism, and provide the building blocks your body needs to thrive. Addressing inflammation, optimizing gut health, supporting cardiovascular wellness, and protecting brain health become equally important—not simply for symptom relief today, but for reducing future health risks. Rather than viewing these changes as another list of responsibilities, many women discover they are investing in something far more meaningful: their future quality of life.

Knowledge Replaces Fear

One of the most reassuring findings from the recent Menopause Society study is that uncertainty itself is incredibly common. If you’ve questioned whether your symptoms are “normal,” that is perfectly normal. If you’ve felt dismissed or wondered whether you’re imagining things, you’re certainly not alone.

Understanding what’s happening can replace uncertainty with confidence. Knowing that your symptoms have a physiological explanation often allows women to stop questioning themselves and start making informed decisions about their health. That shift—from confusion to understanding—can be incredibly empowering.

Menopause Is Not the End of Wellness

For too long, menopause has been portrayed as something women simply have to survive. The reality is much more hopeful. This stage of life offers an opportunity to improve strength, protect long-term health, support emotional well-being, and establish habits that can benefit you for decades to come.

Rather than marking the end of vitality, perimenopause and menopause can become the beginning of a healthier, more intentional chapter. The goal isn’t simply to reduce symptoms. It’s to help women feel strong, capable, energetic, and confident as they move into the next phase of life. If you’ve been wondering whether your symptoms could be related to perimenopause—or you’re ready to stop guessing and start creating a personalized plan for your long-term health—you don’t have to navigate this transition alone.

At Energize Health & Hormones, Dr. Queen combines evidence-based medicine with a personalized, whole-person approach to help women understand what’s happening in their bodies and develop practical strategies for feeling their best. With the right guidance and support, perimenopause doesn’t have to be something you simply get through—it can become the beginning of your healthiest years yet. Call (415) 548-7901 to get started and to schedule a consultation today.