Latest news with #hormonalchanges
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Marcelle Introduces Skincare Collection to Support Skin Through Menopause
Formulated with clinically proven ingredients that target visible effects of hormonal skin changes MONTREAL, Aug. 12, 2025 /CNW/ - Marcelle, a proudly Canadian and science-driven skincare brand trusted for more than 150 years, is unveiling its most ambitious innovation to date: the Revival+ Vitality Menopause Collection. Formulated with science, compassion, and a nuanced understanding of hormonal skin changes, the collection is designed specifically to support women navigating the physical effects of menopause – a life stage experienced by 100% of Canadian women, and too often overlooked in the skincare industry. Real Skin Changes with Real SolutionsCo-created with 400 menopausal women, and developed with dermatologist-recommended ingredients and tested for sensitive skin, Marcelle's two new targeted formulas meet the moment with purpose and proof: Revival+ Vitality Redensifying Day Cream: Densifying, firming, hydrating with vitamin D, turmeric, and squalane. Revival+ Vitality Redensifying Eye & Lip Cream: Redensifies and comforts dry, sensitive areas using hyaluronic acid, urea, and squalane. Clinical results show: Firmer skin in just three hours* 55 per cent wrinkle reduction** 30 per cent reduction in dark spots** 27 per cent improved elasticity* 48-hour hydration*** "We developed this line to reflect the visible, real-life changes women experience during menopause, and to reinforce that they deserve skincare that evolves with them," says Otilia Beschea, Director of Innovation, Groupe Marcelle Inc. "This is more than a product launch; it's Marcelle's commitment to standing with Canadian women at a time when visibility, representation, and support are more important than ever." A New Chapter in Canadian SkincareWith menopause conversations finally gaining momentum across media, literature, and healthcare, Marcelle is stepping up as one of the first major Canadian brands to recognize this transition with specialized, science-first skincare. As part of this commitment, Marcelle will join the National Menopause Show in Toronto this October 2025 – a first-of-its-kind event dedicated to education, community, and open dialogue. The brand will host a booth experience and present a live "Revive & Thrive" stage session, sharing insights on the impact of menopause on skin and ways to support skin health during this pivotal life stage. Backed by Canadian research and made in Montreal, the Revival+ Vitality Collection continues Marcelle's commitment to clean, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formulas that are always tested on sensitive skin. "For too long, menopause has been shrouded in stigma, and that silence has left women without the support they deserve," says Amanda Thebe, menopause educator, bestselling author, and Marcelle spokesperson. "As someone who has worked with thousands of women navigating this transition, I know how impactful the physical and emotional shifts can be – especially when they're dismissed or misunderstood. I'm proud to partner with Marcelle on a collection that validates these experiences, and offers real, clinically grounded solutions for menopausal skin." The Marcelle Revival+ Vitality Collection is available now nationwide and at Visit the site to learn more or find the line at Shoppers Drug Mart and other leading Canadian retailers. *Satisfaction test of the Revival+ Vitality Redensifying Day Cream and Redensifying Eye & Lip Cream by 290 women over 28 days.**Satisfaction test of the Revival+ Vitality Redensifying Day Cream and Redensifying Eye & Lip Cream by 290 women over 28 days. Clinical study based on formula ingredients.***Clinical study conducted by Corneometry on 31 panelists. About Marcelle Based in Montreal, Marcelle has been caring for Canadian skin for more than 150 years. As Canada's most trusted advocate for skin health, Marcelle is committed to formulating gentle, effective, expert-backed skincare and makeup rooted in science, transparency, and safety. With a legacy built on innovation and trust, Marcelle empowers Canadians to feel confident in their skin every day. Learn more at About Groupe Marcelle Inc. Groupe Marcelle Inc. is a Canadian company whose head office is located in Montreal, Quebec. Its more than 400 employees work in the research, development, production, and marketing of more than 1,600 Marcelle, Watier, Annabelle, and CW Beggs and Sons products distributed in more than 3,500 stores across Canada. For more information, please visit SOURCE Marcelle View original content to download multimedia:
The National
08-08-2025
- Health
- The National
Should you update your skincare routine during pregnancy?
Women are advised to change their skincare routine throughout our lives. Hormonal teenage skin requires different products and ingredients than mature skin, while recent evidence suggests menopausal skin benefits from different creams and serums than those targeted for ageing skin. When it comes to pregnancy, advice usually centres on solely rubbing oils and moisturising creams on to growing bellies to soothe the skin and reduce stretchmarks, yet there is a lot more at play hormonally during this time in a woman's life. Why do pregnant women need a different skincare routine? 'The body undergoes hormonal changes during pregnancy, which can cause changes in the skin,' confirms Dr Marian Coutinho, specialist dermatology at Kaya Clinic. 'The commonly seen changes include darkening of the skin, especially on the face, abdominal line, underarms and breasts; acne breakouts; skin tags; and spider or varicose veins.' There are several reasons why pregnancy affects skin in varying ways, including hormonal fluctuations, increased blood flow and stretching skin, leading to itching, increased hair growth and excessive oil production, among others. 'More than 90 per cent of pregnant women notice skin alterations, many of which are completely normal,' says Dr Swathi Dembala, specialist dermatology and cosmetology, Aster Clinic, Jumeirah Lakes Towers. 'It's not uncommon for patients to develop or experience flare-ups of acne during pregnancy, often due to the rise in androgen levels stimulating oil glands.' This is why many women are advised to switch up their daily routine during this time. Dr Ali recommends being mindful in changes to sensitivities, too: 'Heightened skin sensitivity can make previously well-tolerated products irritating.' Skin can also become more dry during pregnancy, requiring hydrating products that can aid elasticity. Bodycare, too, can differ from face care, with experts suggesting thicker, richer creams such as cocoa or shea butter, almond oil and products rich in vitamin E. What skincare to adopt and avoid Some common skincare ingredients are discouraged during pregnancy due to potential safety concerns, too. 'Stay away from harsh exfoliants such as retinol and BHAs,' says Chandre Ruiters, beauty and laser therapist at Skin Laundry. 'You could use low doses of lactic or glycolic acids to help retexture and brighten the skin. Vitamin C is also a substitute to help with the brightening of the skin.' Additionally, pregnant women are advised against using harsh exfoliants and products that have strong fragrances or are alcohol-based. Instead, Ruiters says: 'Hyaluronic acid will keep your skin hydrated without any irritation. Niacinamide is good to calm inflammation and build the skin's barrier, and ceramides are good to nourish and protect the skin.' For itchy skin, calamine lotion or oatmeal-based creams can be soothing. 'A simple routine with mild, soap-free cleansers and fragrance-free moisturisers can go a long way in keeping the skin comfortable and healthy,' says Dr Dembala. It's important to check products containing – and steer clear of undiluted bottles of – certain essential oils. 'Clary sage, rosemary and peppermint oils should be avoided, but lavender and camomile can be used, in very small, diluted doses,' says Dr Ali. Skincare for stretch marks 'During pregnancy, an expectant mother can undergo various changes to the skin caused by a multitude of factors. These changes are common and usually harmless,' says Dr Lola Ali, skincare expert and aesthetician at Euromed Clinic Dubai. 'One of the most noticeable changes is the development of stretch marks, which appear as pink, red, purple or white streaks on areas such as the abdomen, breasts or thighs due to rapid stretching and hormonal effects on collagen.' Collagen production naturally increases during pregnancy to support the growing uterus, skin stretching and foetal development. However, the rapid stretching of the skin can disrupt collagen and elastin in the middle dermis layer resulting in stretch marks. 'Collagen and elastin fibres in the dermis can tear,' says Dr Dilruba Begum, specialist dermatologist, RAK Hospital. 'These microtears heal over time, but often leave behind stretch marks that may fade but rarely disappear entirely. While not forever altered in function, the texture and appearance of the skin can be changed long-term.' Dr Dembala says that 'keeping the skin well hydrated is particularly helpful in managing dryness and may also help reduce the severity of stretch marks'. Hyperpigmentation, skin tags and veins Pregnant women often experience a darkening of the skin due to pigmentation, which is also known as chloasma or the 'mask of pregnancy'. The darker patches are triggered by increased levels of oestrogen and progesterone, which in turn stimulate melanin production. Additionally, pregnant women are more susceptible to sun damage, with UV exposure exacerbating pigmentation, so a high SPF sunscreen is recommended. 'Pregnancy can cause dark patches on the face and a darkening of the linea nigra on the abdomen,' says Dr Dilruba Begum, specialist dermatologist, RAK Hospital. 'Acne is common as hormonal fluctuations can trigger breakouts, even in women who previously had clear skin. Increased sensitivity means skin can become more reactive, itchy, or prone to dryness, and spider veins and varicose veins can appear due to increased blood volume and pressure on veins.' Switching up the skincare routine – with a care for products to avoid – can help alleviate some of these symptoms, while others may fade away over time.
Forbes
17-07-2025
- Health
- Forbes
How To Combat Menopause Skin Changes With Skincare And Treatments
Experts Weigh In: How To Combat Menopause Skin Changes With The Right Skincare And Treatments getty While the perimenopause phase typically starts in a woman's 40s resulting in menopause around the age of 50, more and more individuals are starting to experience their onset much earlier, thanks to a range of factors including modern-day lifestyle and the stress often associated. And the dramatic skin changes caused by menopause and perimenopause catch many women off guard. From sudden dryness to unexpected adult acne, hormonal fluctuations create a cascade of effects that go far beyond hot flashes. Leading aesthetic experts reveal the most effective strategies to restore skin health during this transitional phase. The Hidden Reality of Menopausal Skin Changes 'One of the most common misconceptions I see is that menopausal skin changes are purely cosmetic and inevitable, something to simply 'put up with,'' explains Mona Mirza, CEO and founder of Biolite Aesthetic Clinic, Dubai. 'In truth, they are biological responses to declining hormone levels and can be proactively managed with the right interventions.' The science behind these changes is clear: estrogen decline directly impacts collagen synthesis, elastin maintenance, skin thickness, and moisture retention. Dr Elizabeth Makk, functional medicine MD at Biolite, notes that 'hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopause affect far more than mood and metabolism — they directly influence the skin's ability to regenerate, retain moisture, and stay resilient.' Mona Mirza, CEO and founder of Biolite Aesthetic Clinic, Dubai, says menopause skin changes are biological responses to declining hormone levels Courtesy of Biolite Perimenopause vs. Menopause: Different Stages, Different Strategies Dr Marwa Ali distinguishes between the two phases: 'Perimenopause presents with dryness, dehydration, sensitivity, acne breakouts, and uneven skin tone due to hormonal fluctuations. Menopause shows these changes 'on steroids' — significant loss of elasticity, thinning skin, accelerated wrinkles, and increased dryness as hormonal changes reach full swing.' Dr Jenny Doyle sees these concerns daily: 'We see many women seeking treatments related to menopause and perimenopause, as this time brings huge hormonal changes, affecting our skin in many different ways. Common concerns include increased laxity, reduced elasticity, dryness, and a duller complexion due to the body's reduced collagen production.' Dr Alia Ahmed, also known as the Psycho-dermatologist, emphasizes the broader impact: 'Clients commonly deal with changes to the skin barrier, causing dryness or triggering symptoms like itching or visible rashes. The psychological impacts can include body image issues, low mood, social anxiety, and hopelessness.' Revolutionary Professional Treatments The treatment landscape has evolved significantly. Dr Sophie Shotter advocates for advanced regenerative therapies: 'Sunekos (an innovative and new skin booster) delivers the exact cocktail of amino-acids and hyaluronic acid the fibroblasts need to restart fresh collagen and elastin production, so crepey texture and fine lines soften from the inside out.' Dr Shotter also touches on Meta Cell Technology (MCT), which represents the latest breakthrough. 'MCT plasma contains 3x more growth factors than standard PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma),' explains Dr Shotter. 'And the MCT exosomes are hugely abundant, which act like cellular messengers — flooding the dermis with growth factors that switch aging, sluggish cells back into repair mode.' Dr W M Nawaz champions polynucleotides: 'Polynucleotides (aka salmon DNA) are my go-to treatments for supporting menopausal skin. They're powerful biostimulators that work to trigger fibroblast activity, increase collagen and elastin production, and improve hydration without overloading delicate, hormone-affected skin.' Sofwave treatment on patients Courtesy of Dr Sophie Shotter Dr Doyle highlights the effectiveness of Sofwave, an energy-based device also offered by Dr Shotter's clinic. 'Sofwave has become popular among our mature clients as it stimulates collagen regeneration across the face, with particularly effective results around the neck, jowls, and above the eyes — key places we notice aging,' says Dr Doyle. Dr Ali combines multiple approaches: 'Profhilo Structura and polynucleotides hydrate the skin and stimulate collagen production. Photo fractional treatments improve sun damage and age spots while stimulating collagen for firmer, brighter skin.' Essential Topical Ingredients for Hormonal Skin The expert consensus points to specific ingredients that become crucial during menopause: Hyaluronic Acid: A powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture, helping plump dehydrated skin. Retinoids: Stimulate collagen production and accelerate cell turnover. Dr Ali recommends these for reducing wrinkles and improving texture. Peptides: Support collagen production and improve skin firmness — essential as natural production declines. Vitamin C: An antioxidant that brightens skin and boosts collagen synthesis. Dr Nawaz recommends a targeted home routine: 'I recommend a ceramide-rich moisturizer to reinforce the lipid barrier, an antioxidant-rich vitamin C serum to brighten and protect against oxidative stress, and a featherlight SPF 50 to shield the skin.' For ultra-dry skin, Dr Alia specifically recommends Tolpa's Lipidrio range, which 'improves hydration, reduces transepidermal water loss and improves elasticity — key issues for women in peri-menopause or menopausal stages.' Tolpa's lipidrio nourishing regenerating cream from the brand's lipidrio range Courtesy of Tolpa The Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Factor No longer as negatively stigmatized as it once was, the perception of HRT has significantly shifted in recent years. Mirza emphasizes HRT's potential, noting that it is now recognized as an effective way to address menopause-related problems: 'When used safely under experienced physician guidance, bio-identical HRT can slow or even reverse some effects. However, it works best with external regenerative therapies — we're not just replacing lost volume; we're reviving the skin's innate ability to heal and rebuild.' Beyond the Surface: Intimate Health Considerations Dr Galyna Selezneva addresses often-overlooked concerns: 'Vaginal dryness and pain during sex is a sign of vaginal atrophy that can present as a menopause symptom but should never be left untreated. Many women suffer in silence because they think it's 'expected.'' She recommends radiofrequency treatments: 'EMFEMME 360 delivers radiofrequency heating throughout the vaginal area, increasing blood circulation and remodeling elastin and collagen fibers. Clinical studies show 83 percent of women could have pain-free sex after treatment.' The Holistic Approach Dr Alia stresses lifestyle integration: 'My approach combines skincare, medical management, and lifestyle management including sleep, diet, fluid intake, stress, and relationships. Lifestyle management is not something most clients expect to discuss, but it's crucial for those experiencing emotional distress.' The Bottom Line Although hard to combat, experts agree that menopause skin changes are not necessarily inevitable. The biological shifts, however, do require targeted intervention. As Mirza concludes: 'Menopause doesn't have to mean the decline of beauty. With the right science, it can be a new beginning.'
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Millennial Women Are Warning Others About This Little-Talked-About Health Condition, And It's More Common Than People Think
So, periods aren't exactly fun to go through. They're uncomfortable and inconvenient, accompanied by symptoms like bloating, anxiety, brain fog, etc. Then, decades later, comes menopause — hot flashes, mood changes, insomnia, just a whole new set of even more symptoms. But there's this other thing women go through in between the throes of living with their period and menopause, a change that happens between these two stages that isn't talked about enough — and that's perimenopause. Gerenme / Getty Images, Vladimir Vladimirov / Getty Images Related: It's the transitional stage of women's reproductive health that occurs before menopause when the ovaries start to slow down, leading to hormonal fluctuations and a variety of symptoms, lasting for several years. In r/Millennials, a Redditor brought up the topic: "Perimenopause PSA to all older millennial vagina havers," and the responses were eye-opening. The OP, RhinestoneToad, posted: "I am turning 37 this year and have entered into perimenopause, a term I encountered for the first time literally only months ago because it was never once mentioned in public school sex-ed or health classes, not once by any gyno I've ever seen, nor by any boomer woman in my life, including my own mother and aunts. I figured I couldn't be the only one, so yeah, apparently, it's a thing that millennials everywhere either are already going through or in some cases, without even knowing it — or not knowing what it even is, will be going through soon enough." I only ever heard about menopause, how someday I'd get 'hot flashes' and my periods would stop, but actually, for years leading up to perimenopause, it's like puberty 2.0, as the whole system goes absolutely haywire. Anything is possible with the periods themselves. I'm getting them more frequently, but they're shorter and lighter. Oh, and now they're sometimes pink instead of just bright or rusty red, but the total opposite can happen. It could be less frequent, longer, heavier, or even a totally random surprise mix. Oh, and the mood swings, the jawline zits, just like when I was 15, woohoo!" Related: The post received thousands of comments from fellow millennial women. Many spoke of the symptoms they've faced, shared resources, and how they advocated for their health to be taken seriously by doctors. Here's what people had to say: "Thanks for the PSA!" Redditor, Recent-Ad-7624, and asked if this was a "secret." "Somehow, no one mentioned it to me either??? Like, why don't we talk about this puberty 2.0??? Is it a secret????" — Recent-Ad-7624 Related: People shared about how isolating and confusing it can be when first going through perimenopause and how it was a struggle to get a diagnosis from their doctor. One Redditor detailed their symptoms, which ranged from "cystic acne" along the jaw and neck to "headaches," fatigue, and "lower back, hips, and leg" pain. "I had a similar experience. I'm 43 and have a lot of perimenopause symptoms, but my period is pretty regular. In my late 30s, I started getting headaches, which I thought were sinus-related, but they didn't go away with my usual sinus methods (like Zyrtec). Then I realized it always started right before my period and went away right when I started. I was having cystic acne on my jaw and neck mostly but sometimes on my back and butt. I was also having a lot of chin hair growth. I figured low estrogen, and my doctor put me back on birth control. That helped the headaches a little, but I still get them, and sometimes really bad ones. My acne just went away though, but occasionally, I get the back and butt bumps. I lasered my chin. For the last two years, my lower back, hips, and legs will hurt. I get fatigued. I went to the doctor, and she said I likely have PMDD, and while I don't doubt that as I have gotten older, my period symptoms have gotten worse. The reason she suggested PMDD was that they don't think perimenopause unless the period is irregular, and that peri usually starts at 45+. But that seemed silly to me, because many women have symptoms earlier than that. Just makes me feel like with everything involving women's health, no one takes it seriously until it's extreme." — masked_fragments "Fuck, so many of this I am experiencing 😭, and as OP mentioned it's literally without warning. You have to fish for answers and figure it out on your own." — rand0m_g1rl Other symptoms people shared included "dry eyes," "insomnia," mood swings, and "periods and period cramps" that have gotten worse. They suggested an online movement called the We Do Not Care Club on Instagram, founded by Melani Sanders, who advocates for women's health during perimenopause and menopause. "Elder millennial here who has been going through this for a literal hot minute. Your body just up and decides to go haywire during perimenopause. I've had brain fog, hip pain, extremely dry eyes, my periods and period cramps are worse, and it's been difficult to sleep (even though I'm exhausted for days leading up to my period). I also broke a tooth at random, and my shoulder froze for almost a year. Welcome to middle age, ladies! Go find the We Do Not Care Club on Instagram and embrace the ridiculousness." — Alternative_Sky_3736 "Omg, the dry eyes, I did not know that was a symptom. They're so dry all the time, and my skin gets so itchy, I can't take it." — Llamaa_del_rey "44 here. So far, I have extra chin hairs. I can barely stand my husband and child, and have the most brutal insomnia. I go to bed at 10 p.m., waking up between midnight and 2 a.m., and can't get back to sleep until maybe 4 a.m. or never." — Glittering_Joke3438 Additional symptoms Redditors pointed out included "hormonal acne," "itchy ears," and "random pops of anxiety," and again, they spoke of how much they had to advocate for themselves to be heard by their doctors. Maksym Belchenko / Getty Images, Olga Shefer / Getty Images "Itchy ears, tinnitus, vagina on fire, random pops of anxiety…the list is endless, and the longer it gets, the less the doctors listen. At 39, I finally found a doctor who agreed to give me a blood test. I found out there was barely any estrogen left in the house. I was well post-menopausal and just too tired to notice at that point. Be better than I was, and advocate for yourselves, please! Once I got my HRT, it felt like a miracle." — cherrymanic "Itchy ears. Such an under-talked-about symptom. My gynecologist was all, 'I've never heard of that.' I was like., 'And I never heard of perimenopause until like two years ago. What's your point?'" — Legen_unfiltered "The hormonal acne is BRUTAL. So far, the best treatment I've found for the zits is zapping them with a high-frequency wand. Also, the inside of my ears is always itchy." — SensitiveCucumber542 Related: On why perimenopause is not talked about enough, one Redditor theorized it could stem from the anti-aging shame that women face, but by being honest and open about it, we can help break the cycle. "Because people are aging, but they are ashamed to talk about it. I've been bringing it up to all my friends and family my age, trying to break the stigma. It's natural and normal, and we need to help each other get through it as healthy as possible." — bitsybear1727 And this one Redditor has even dedicated themselves to becoming the "perimenopause fairy." 🧚: "I'm older than the ladies in my friend group, and started talking to them about it. I post about it on social media and have told my nieces (who are in their 20s) about it. The only thing I knew about perimenopause was that my mom got really mad about everything, and she was depressed for a long time. Literally, nothing else. I'm trying to be the perimenopause fairy and spread the word so people aren't shocked when it starts." — Alternative_Sky_3736 Was this the first time hearing about perimenopause? Share your thoughts in the comments! Note: Responses have been edited for length/clarity. Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful:
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Millennial Women Are Warning Others About This Little-Talked-About Health Condition, And It's More Common Than People Think
So, periods aren't exactly fun to go through. They're uncomfortable and inconvenient, accompanied by symptoms like bloating, anxiety, brain fog, etc. Then, decades later, comes menopause — hot flashes, mood changes, insomnia, just a whole new set of even more symptoms. But there's this other thing women go through in between the throes of living with their period and menopause, a change that happens between these two stages that isn't talked about enough — and that's perimenopause. Gerenme / Getty Images, Vladimir Vladimirov / Getty Images Related: It's the transitional stage of women's reproductive health that occurs before menopause when the ovaries start to slow down, leading to hormonal fluctuations and a variety of symptoms, lasting for several years. In r/Millennials, a Redditor brought up the topic: "Perimenopause PSA to all older millennial vagina havers," and the responses were eye-opening. The OP, RhinestoneToad, posted: "I am turning 37 this year and have entered into perimenopause, a term I encountered for the first time literally only months ago because it was never once mentioned in public school sex-ed or health classes, not once by any gyno I've ever seen, nor by any boomer woman in my life, including my own mother and aunts. I figured I couldn't be the only one, so yeah, apparently, it's a thing that millennials everywhere either are already going through or in some cases, without even knowing it — or not knowing what it even is, will be going through soon enough." I only ever heard about menopause, how someday I'd get 'hot flashes' and my periods would stop, but actually, for years leading up to perimenopause, it's like puberty 2.0, as the whole system goes absolutely haywire. Anything is possible with the periods themselves. I'm getting them more frequently, but they're shorter and lighter. Oh, and now they're sometimes pink instead of just bright or rusty red, but the total opposite can happen. It could be less frequent, longer, heavier, or even a totally random surprise mix. Oh, and the mood swings, the jawline zits, just like when I was 15, woohoo!" Related: The post received thousands of comments from fellow millennial women. Many spoke of the symptoms they've faced, shared resources, and how they advocated for their health to be taken seriously by doctors. Here's what people had to say: "Thanks for the PSA!" Redditor, Recent-Ad-7624, and asked if this was a "secret." "Somehow, no one mentioned it to me either??? Like, why don't we talk about this puberty 2.0??? Is it a secret????" — Recent-Ad-7624 Related: People shared about how isolating and confusing it can be when first going through perimenopause and how it was a struggle to get a diagnosis from their doctor. One Redditor detailed their symptoms, which ranged from "cystic acne" along the jaw and neck to "headaches," fatigue, and "lower back, hips, and leg" pain. "I had a similar experience. I'm 43 and have a lot of perimenopause symptoms, but my period is pretty regular. In my late 30s, I started getting headaches, which I thought were sinus-related, but they didn't go away with my usual sinus methods (like Zyrtec). Then I realized it always started right before my period and went away right when I started. I was having cystic acne on my jaw and neck mostly but sometimes on my back and butt. I was also having a lot of chin hair growth. I figured low estrogen, and my doctor put me back on birth control. That helped the headaches a little, but I still get them, and sometimes really bad ones. My acne just went away though, but occasionally, I get the back and butt bumps. I lasered my chin. For the last two years, my lower back, hips, and legs will hurt. I get fatigued. I went to the doctor, and she said I likely have PMDD, and while I don't doubt that as I have gotten older, my period symptoms have gotten worse. The reason she suggested PMDD was that they don't think perimenopause unless the period is irregular, and that peri usually starts at 45+. But that seemed silly to me, because many women have symptoms earlier than that. Just makes me feel like with everything involving women's health, no one takes it seriously until it's extreme." — masked_fragments "Fuck, so many of this I am experiencing 😭, and as OP mentioned it's literally without warning. You have to fish for answers and figure it out on your own." — rand0m_g1rl Other symptoms people shared included "dry eyes," "insomnia," mood swings, and "periods and period cramps" that have gotten worse. They suggested an online movement called the We Do Not Care Club on Instagram, founded by Melani Sanders, who advocates for women's health during perimenopause and menopause. "Elder millennial here who has been going through this for a literal hot minute. Your body just up and decides to go haywire during perimenopause. I've had brain fog, hip pain, extremely dry eyes, my periods and period cramps are worse, and it's been difficult to sleep (even though I'm exhausted for days leading up to my period). I also broke a tooth at random, and my shoulder froze for almost a year. Welcome to middle age, ladies! Go find the We Do Not Care Club on Instagram and embrace the ridiculousness." — Alternative_Sky_3736 "Omg, the dry eyes, I did not know that was a symptom. They're so dry all the time, and my skin gets so itchy, I can't take it." — Llamaa_del_rey "44 here. So far, I have extra chin hairs. I can barely stand my husband and child, and have the most brutal insomnia. I go to bed at 10 p.m., waking up between midnight and 2 a.m., and can't get back to sleep until maybe 4 a.m. or never." — Glittering_Joke3438 Additional symptoms Redditors pointed out included "hormonal acne," "itchy ears," and "random pops of anxiety," and again, they spoke of how much they had to advocate for themselves to be heard by their doctors. Maksym Belchenko / Getty Images, Olga Shefer / Getty Images "Itchy ears, tinnitus, vagina on fire, random pops of anxiety…the list is endless, and the longer it gets, the less the doctors listen. At 39, I finally found a doctor who agreed to give me a blood test. I found out there was barely any estrogen left in the house. I was well post-menopausal and just too tired to notice at that point. Be better than I was, and advocate for yourselves, please! Once I got my HRT, it felt like a miracle." — cherrymanic "Itchy ears. Such an under-talked-about symptom. My gynecologist was all, 'I've never heard of that.' I was like., 'And I never heard of perimenopause until like two years ago. What's your point?'" — Legen_unfiltered "The hormonal acne is BRUTAL. So far, the best treatment I've found for the zits is zapping them with a high-frequency wand. Also, the inside of my ears is always itchy." — SensitiveCucumber542 Related: On why perimenopause is not talked about enough, one Redditor theorized it could stem from the anti-aging shame that women face, but by being honest and open about it, we can help break the cycle. "Because people are aging, but they are ashamed to talk about it. I've been bringing it up to all my friends and family my age, trying to break the stigma. It's natural and normal, and we need to help each other get through it as healthy as possible." — bitsybear1727 And this one Redditor has even dedicated themselves to becoming the "perimenopause fairy." 🧚: "I'm older than the ladies in my friend group, and started talking to them about it. I post about it on social media and have told my nieces (who are in their 20s) about it. The only thing I knew about perimenopause was that my mom got really mad about everything, and she was depressed for a long time. Literally, nothing else. I'm trying to be the perimenopause fairy and spread the word so people aren't shocked when it starts." — Alternative_Sky_3736 Was this the first time hearing about perimenopause? Share your thoughts in the comments! Note: Responses have been edited for length/clarity. Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful:
