Why I started the Peri Posse

I thought I was losing my mind.

I was definitely losing control over parts of my body.

At 39 my periods started getting irradic. For six months, they barely came.

I asked my obgyn what could be going on. I didn't think I had menopause - that was no periods, right? Is there a pre-menopause? Is there anything you can tell me?

I knew my mom had entered menopause early. She mentioned it once, and then denied it any time I tried to bring it up again. I think there was a sense of shame.

But I had never heard the term perimenopause.

My doctor couldn't answer my question. But I pressed her and pressed her.

One response. "I think there is a book called Menopause you can order on Amazon." Final response, "I'll let you know after I go through it myself."

She's 10 years younger.

(Cue more six more unhelpful doctors over 2.5 years.)

At 41 my period returned in full force. This time they were much more frequent, more intense, and more painful than ever before.

I started getting acne. Painful, cystic acne. Every morning, multiple spots would appear across my face.

And my brain. My poor brain was a blur.

I actually took a medical leave from work thinking it was Covid related.

(It was very likely a a combination of both.... but after HRT... my brain fog went away).

Then came the mood swings. I've always had depression and anxiety, but this was other level. I didn't know who I was going to be when I woke up.

Even on good days, I would cry at 2pm for no reason. Tears just streaming down my face.

I thought I was losing my mind. I have never felt so alone.

And I didn't know where to turn because I didn't know what was going on.

I had no idea it was all connected either.

$10,000 for TMJ. Frizzy hair. Burning feet. ADHD. Dry skin. Dry everything. Insomnia.

I finally spilled my guts to the right person. (She also happens to be one of my best friends, and one of the greatest humans I know.) She's not a "traditional" medical doctor - she's a Chinese medicine practioner who specializes in women's reproductive health.

And she was the first person to say the magic words, "It's perimenopause".

Those two words changed my life. I think they saved me. .

Once I knew what was going on, I could actually come up with a plan.

It's been a long journey. Nothing is perfect, but I'm so thankful to have answers.

So that's why I started the Peri Posse, because no one should ever have to feel this way - lost and alone.

Once I got the help I needed, I wanted to help others. I thought if I could help just one person feel less alone, and less crazy - then it will all be worth it.

Today, there are over 4,000 of us supporting each other.

Wherever you are in your journey, I want you to know you are not alone.

You are not crazy; it's Perimenopause.

And there is a way through.

xx

Kelley

Your Peri Cheerleader-in-Chief