Women Seek Solutions as Perimenopause Awareness Grows

Women are increasingly turning to informal networks for support and solutions as awareness of perimenopause rises. This shift comes amid reports of inadequate medical care, with many facing long wait times and dismissive attitudes from healthcare providers.

Celia Ellenberg, the former beauty director at Vogue, first encountered the term perimenopause five years ago while editing articles on the subject. By the time she reached 40, she began experiencing symptoms, including hair loss and insomnia. “You don’t just wake up one morning in menopause. There is a slow tumble of hormonal changes,” said Ellenberg, now 43. Despite her symptoms, both her primary care doctor and OB-GYN told her she was too young to be experiencing perimenopause.

Desperate for answers, Ellenberg consulted an herbalist who suggested a comprehensive evaluation of her hormone levels. However, the recommended specialist charged $900 per visit and did not accept insurance. For the next three years, Ellenberg pushed her doctors to explore her hormonal issues, intrigued by the benefits of hormone replacement therapy, which can involve various forms of treatment, including pills and patches.

In a particularly challenging moment, Ellenberg found herself too fatigued to engage with her children and considered going to the emergency room. Instead, she attempted to reach her OB-GYN, only to be directed to a “women’s midlife center” with an appointment scheduled for 14 months later. “It’s so crazy to me,” she expressed, highlighting the struggles even a wellness expert faces in New York City.

Ellenberg’s experience reflects a broader trend: as perimenopause becomes a topic of conversation in popular culture, the healthcare system appears to lag behind in providing adequate care. Despite the growing visibility of perimenopause—often discussed by celebrities on morning talk shows—access to effective treatment remains challenging.

Women are often left feeling frustrated and ignored, leading them to seek answers from friends and online communities. “We’re all whispering and trying to find the answers,” noted Lauren Caulk, a New York-based retoucher. Many women report that routine gynecological visits focus more on traditional screenings than on discussions about symptoms such as insomnia, weight gain, and mood changes that accompany perimenopause.

Dr. Molly McBride, a physician in New York City, attributes part of the problem to physician burnout and the need for practitioners to manage high patient volumes. As demand for relief increases, treatments like estrogen patches and progesterone tablets often remain elusive. “With 85 million women in the U.S. in some stage of perimenopause or menopause and fewer than 3,000 certified menopause providers, demand still massively outpaces access,” said Anne Fulenwider, co-founder of Alloy Health, a telehealth company focused on menopause care.

Fulenwider notes that many of her clients learn about her services through personal recommendations. This informal referral network is crucial, especially for younger women seeking help. Kathleen Jordan, chief medical officer of Midi, another telehealth company, emphasizes that tech-savvy millennials are actively seeking care outside traditional medical avenues. “Even if they’re not getting what they need at regular doctors’ visits, people are asking their friends where to go,” she said.

The situation is further complicated by a history of dismissive attitudes from healthcare providers. Anna Sullivan, a writer in Santa Fe, New Mexico, faced medical-induced menopause due to hormone therapy for breast cancer. She recalls her oncologist’s dismissive response to her concerns about vaginal dryness and pain. “I turned to a Reddit group called the Unmentionables,” she said, illustrating how women are increasingly relying on online communities for support.

In London, Jennie Blair encountered similar challenges in her late 40s when doctors attributed her symptoms to stress rather than considering perimenopause. “I hear about women being discounted by physicians all the time,” said Dr. Robert P. Kauffman, a professor at Texas Tech University School of Medicine. He advocates for a more proactive approach to treating women experiencing perimenopausal symptoms, noting that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends hormone treatment when symptoms align with age.

Despite the growing understanding of perimenopause, many healthcare providers remain influenced by outdated research. A 2002 study from the Women’s Health Initiative linked hormone replacement therapy to health risks, causing hesitation among practitioners. Dr. Kauffman argues that the risks associated with hormone therapy have been misinterpreted, particularly for women under 60, who may not face the same risks as older patients.

Alicia Robbins, an OB-GYN who previously practiced in New York City, acknowledges the limitations of traditional care models. She founded a concierge service for women in midlife, admitting that many practitioners historically focused on narrow aspects of women’s health. “We have a long way to go,” Robbins said, reflecting on the need for a more comprehensive approach to women’s health.

As the cultural conversation around perimenopause continues to evolve, the demand for accessible, informed, and empathetic healthcare remains critical. Women like Ellenberg are paving the way for a greater understanding of this life stage, but access to care must keep pace with the growing awareness to ensure that women receive the support they need.