What we learned in Perimenopause in 2024

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December 26, 2024

Dear Peri Posse member, 

You may not be ready to reflect on 2024 yet—and for that, I don’t blame you.

In fact, I hope this email finds you relaxing in the throes of the holiday season, patting a full belly and warm heart, without a worry in the world.

But by the time I write you next week, it will be a whole new year. While I don’t always go in for New Year’s resolutions, the holidays inevitably lead me to reflect on the year I’ve had.

I want to share some of those reflections with you. Not because they’re about me—but because they’re about you, me, and all of us.

2024 has been a year marked by perimenopause, more than anything else in my life.

From that original a-ha moment in January:

“OMG, this is it. This is what I’m going through! It all makes sense. I’m not crazy; it’s perimenopause!”

To getting back on my feet after 2.5 years of confusion and misery... only to grasp how incredibly impossible and confusing navigating perimenopause can be.

To believing no one should ever have to feel this alone. And determining to try to help just one woman.

To today. Where we come to the end of the year and the Peri Posse has grown into an incredible community of almost 5,000!

You should be so proud of yourself.

For showing up for yourself - and for others. For sharing, commiserating, crying, and laughing through this ridiculous experience called perimenopause.

So what can we learn from our first year as the Peri Posse?

#1 - Perimenopause is the world's longest rollercoaster.

Just like our hormones ebb and flow at rates even doctors don’t fully understand, so do our symptoms and moods.

Some days you think you’ve got it all sorted. The next, some freakish symptom—burning mouth, anyone?—hits you like a ton of bricks.

With the “average” perimenopause lasting 4–10 years, I think they need a new word for roller coaster.

#2 - We manage by adjusting.

In many ways, we’re already pros at adjusting—our lives, our routines—to suit family, work, and social expectations.

But perimenopause forces us to learn how to adjust to... our needs - first. Say what?!!

Perimenopause means constantly adjusting our lifestyles, diets, mental outlooks... our hormones.

Adjusting, adjusting, adjusting. And then more adjusting.

It takes so much energy and attention, I think we should get an award for it.

#3 - We deserve better.

The limited resources and knowledge we do have are almost exclusively based on menopause, not perimenopause.

Clinically, these are two very different things.

And this is one of my biggest pet peeves. Your hormonal needs are not the same as someone in menopause.

I believe whatever phase you’re in, you have the right to choose your approach, your path—and not be judged for it.

But I still want answers for my unique needs as a 44-year-old perimenopausal woman who still gets a raging period. And I do mean rage.

#4 - They say perimenopause is having its moment. I say it should be evergreen.

While some celebrate the rise of “perimenopause” in headlines, others dismiss it as a trend.

I say: screw them.

This isn’t a fad or a passing moment. This is an enduring struggle for millions of women.

It’s time our health got the investment and attention it deserves.

#5 - We planted seeds this year. Next year, we blossom.

After deep and meaningful interviews with many of you, my goal is to make your life better in 2025.

Some very clear themes emerged from our conversations, and next week, I’ll share the top takeaways.

No surprise—it begins and ends with community.

So wherever you are in your holiday revelry, may you find peace and joy.

And may your reflections on 2024 give you hope and energy for the New Year.

Happy Holidays!

Kelley

a.k.a. Your perimenopause cheerleader-in-chief