Perimenopause Can Be the Most Empowering Time of Your Life

Perimenopause affects every aspect of a woman’s life. It follows that healthcare during this transitional time should be holistic and all-encompassing, and yet our current system is neither. The Lanby is here to change how we treat and think about perimenopause. 

During perimenopause you will Google a lot. Questions like: “Why are my periods so irregular?” “Is HRT safe?” and “Is breast pain a sign of cancer?” What if you could ask these important questions of an actual medical team instead of a search engine? Because perimenopause has been stigmatized and misunderstood for decades, most women don’t understand the symptoms associated with it. Navigating the maze of physical and emotional issues, from hot flashes to hormonal rage, can be distressing. It can also be the perfect opportunity to be proactive about your health. 

The unfortunate truth is that most primary care doctors barely scratch the surface of prevention. The traditional annual exam lasts less than 15 minutes on average, so realistically where does prevention fit into the picture? How can we incentivize and educate our providers to think more critically about our health - especially during perimenopause? 

What is perimenopause and when does it happen?

Perimenopause typically starts after the age of 40, but it can begin for some women in their 30s. These are the years leading to menopause, which officially happens one year after your last menstrual period. Perimenopause can last 5 to 7 years or more, and is when reproductive hormones, estrogen in particular, go into a slow decline. Think of it like puberty in reverse. This is why women experience so many new and different sensations and symptoms, and every perimenopause journey is unique. 

Traditional healthcare vs. The Lanby

There are a myriad of perimenopause symptoms: Dry skin, insomnia, weight gain, hair thinning, facial hair growth, brain fog, breast pain, mood swings, and on and on. Doctors all agree on one thing: In every single instance, if you’re noticing changes in your body, pay a visit to your physician to get it checked out, don’t be shy about asking questions, and have any necessary screenings and tests to be on the safest side. Your primary care doctor and OBGYN will do the basic diagnostic tests and preventative screenings, but that only takes you so far. 

Where healthcare often fails us is going the extra mile, with detective-like lab work to find any underlying issues, following through on important next steps, and providing effective solutions, whether that’s hormone therapy or holistic therapeutics that are lifestyle-related. After all, if perimenopause lasts 5+ years, then you need more regular, consistent care. Annual check-ups alone are not the optimal way to address perimenopause.

5 Reasons Why a Care Team Changes the Game During Perimenopause 

Reason 1: Because midlife is the time to stay on top of healthcare. 

In your 20s and 30s, you may have skipped annual checkups (we’ve all done it) and might not have had health screenings or lab work done unless it was necessary, but by the age of 40, there are essential medical tests that every woman should have. A yearly mammogram, a blood pressure check, and comprehensive lab work that will give you a clean bill of health or catch early signs of a medical problem before it becomes more significant. For example, a high LDL cholesterol level raises your risk for cardiovascular disease, and your medical care team can help you lower that bad cholesterol with lifestyle changes or medication. (By the way, hormonal changes associated with menopause result in a rise in LDL cholesterol.) While a primary care physician will check you out for most of these things, The Lanby follows up on those preventative screenings with a Lead Physician and a Wellness Advisor. Everything is connected, and your nutrition, fitness, sleep, and mental health are part of your overall wellness. 

Reason 2: Because of hot flashes, irregular periods, insomnia, weight gain, or joint pain...

All of the above are common symptoms of perimenopause, and they sneak up on you in a very what-the-heck-is-happening kind of way. Most women over 40 see a primary care doctor and OBGYN for an annual exam, and that’s a great start. A yearly mammogram is included as part of your preventative screening. Excellent. But when it comes to anything else, like addressing perimenopause symptoms, it’s a piecemeal plan at best. Hot flashes? Not much you can do. Insomnia? Traditional physicians typically prescribe a sleep medication. Traditional medical care is limited and doesn’t address the emotional aspect of perimenopause, not to mention the many holistic options that can help. 

This is precisely when you want a home base for your healthcare with a curated network of specialists (from OBGYNs to acupuncturists) who all understand your health history. Besides a comprehensive lab panel that goes far beyond the basics, and an initial in-person 80-minute (yes, 80 minutes!) with a primary care doctor, your care team will target your specific perimenopause concerns. The fact is that perimenopause is the ultimate holistic health and lifestyle issue. While hormone replacement can ease some symptoms, in many cases a woman may benefit just as much from lifestyle changes like practicing yoga or amping up a fitness routine, meditating, sleep hygiene, or a nutrition plan. 

Reason 3: Because you will have questions (probably a lot of them).

Most of us don’t have direct, easy access to our doctors, or even the doctor’s office for that matter. But what if you had a dedicated 5-person care team—in essence, your own perimenopausal support system? What if that team could also deal with the headache of consolidating your medical records, had a curated referral network of specialists if you need one, and supplied you with an advocate who can help coordinate everything for you? What if you could run any question by this team either in person, virtually, or by text on the member app? And what if that care team had the time to really listen to you, and knew how to mitigate symptoms with medication and effective holistic alternatives, such as vitamin supplements and dietary adjustments, exercise and physical therapy, etc. What a relief that would be, and what a smart investment in your physical and mental health.

Reason 4: Because knowledge is power and peace of mind is the best kind of self-care. 

This can be the most empowering stage of life. It can also be incredibly frustrating, confusing, and stressful. Knowing what perimenopause symptoms and feelings are normal helps to give you a sense of control and confidence in your health. But one 2021 study showed that 73% of women don’t treat their menopause symptoms at all. Another 2022 survey found that more than 60% of women over 40 didn’t feel informed at all about menopause. Perimenopause is a marathon, not a sprint, and symptoms can go on for years. Why ignore them and suffer in silence, when you can take charge of your health and your life? 

Reason 5: Because going to the doctor can be a pleasant and reassuring experience. 

Stress, anxiety, and rage are all very real perimenopause symptoms, but can also be triggered by interminable in-office wait times, health insurance confusion, customer service frustration, or 30 minutes on hold just to set up a doctor appointment for 2 months from now. No wonder most people put it off or just don’t deal with it at all. It doesn’t have to be that way. Healthcare can be personalized, caring, supportive, and yes, pleasant. Perimenopause is a very unique and personal wellness journey, but you don’t have to go through it alone. 

The future of women’s healthcare during perimenopause

Perimenopause doesn’t need to be a years-long drag leading to an older age. On one hand, perimenopause can undoubtedly be a confusing and unhappy sign of getting older, but you have the power to flip that script. Think of this time as a window of opportunity to take control of your physical, mental, and emotional health. And, to do that takes more than the primary care basics. It takes a healthcare support system that actually cares and personalizes your unique wellness journey. 

Is there a better investment you can make?

Gina Way, Lanby Member

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