---
title: Sharing What I Learned about Perimenopause
date: 2019-11-25T23:44:37-05:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-the-very-early-perimenopause"
section: "Stories & Conversations"
---
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[Stories & Conversations](/stories-conversations)# Sharing What I Learned about Perimenopause

By Nina Coslov

![Nina coslov](data:image/png;base64,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)

In my early 40s, I started noticing changes in my body. A once great sleeper, I was now waking at 2 a.m. – often with lots of energy and sometimes with anxiety. I’d be awake for about 3 hours before I could get back to sleep. Around the same time, premenstrual breast tenderness returned — something I hadn’t experienced since my 20s, before I had children. Not long after, I’d notice from time to time a pervasive edginess, a revving — an energetic feeling, but not a positive one! And I felt like I couldn’t cope as well as I used to.

When I mentioned this new set of symptoms to my primary care provider, she asked about my period and noted my age. I was 42 and still getting regular periods. It wasn’t hormonally related, she said, and offered me one medication for sleep and another for anxiety. Several months later I ran these same symptoms by my ob-gyn at my annual visit – same questions, same response.

Being told my experience wasn’t related to something biological made me question myself and what might be happening in my life to cause this. Nothing had changed. It didn’t make sense. I was determined to get to the bottom of it. I am one to share and talk to others, to question the status quo and dig into the scientific research. So that’s what I did.

Along the way, I found the work of Dr. Jerilynn Prior, an endocrinologist who founded the [**Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research**](https://www.cemcor.ca/) (CeMCOR). Her research on perimenopause shows that many women experience changes in flow, fertility, sleep, mood, cramps, night sweats and headaches **while they are still menstruating regularly**. As I read more about CEMCOR’s research and about the experiences of other women, I found validation for what I was experiencing.

I knew that I was not the only one having a hard time finding good information about perimenopause and menopause, and I wanted to find a way to share, in easy to understand language, what I had learned. I sent Dr. Prior a very long email, explaining that I thought there was an opportunity to create an online resource for women — like me — who experience the effects of changing hormones before their cycles are irregular. Lots of women do not know what to expect or what is normal, and they aren’t getting support or evidence-based information from their healthcare providers. That email was the beginning of a discussion that eventually led to the creation of [**Women Living Better**](https://womenlivingbetter.org/), a resource that demystifies the menopause transition.

The site, informed by data and research, validates the wide array of physical and emotional changes women may experience. It emphasizes a key message: that symptoms often begin before periods are skipped and cycles become irregular. The site allows women to gather and share data with other women, so we can learn from each other’s experiences, find support, and know we are not alone.

*Nina Coslov is a co-founder of* [***Women Living Better***](https://womenlivingbetter.org/)*.*

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ menopause & perimenopause](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/menopause-perimenopause)
- [perimenopause](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/perimenopause)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
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[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Coping with Perimenopause

JF discusses her perimenopause symptoms. She explains her difficulty with the healthcare system and finding a perimenopause specialist.

![My Story- Coping with Perimenopause](data:image/png;base64,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)

JF discusses her perimenopause symptoms. She explains her difficulty with the healthcare system and finding a perimenopause specialist.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-coping-with-perimenopause)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Finding a Perimenopause Specialist

JF recalls the research she did to find a perimenopause specialist in her area who would accept her insurance.

![My Story- Finding a Perimenopause Specialist](data:image/png;base64,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)

JF recalls the research she did to find a perimenopause specialist in her area who would accept her insurance.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-finding-a-perimenopause-specialist)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Recognizing My Symptoms of Perimenopause on My Own

JF shares the difficulties of living with perimenopause, a condition for which there is little research and no consensus on symptoms.

![My Story- Recognizing My Symptoms of Perimenopause on My Own](data:image/png;base64,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)

JF shares the difficulties of living with perimenopause, a condition for which there is little research and no consensus on symptoms.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-recognizing-my-symptoms-of-perimenopause-on-my-own)

[ResourcesRead

## CeMCOR: The Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research

A broad collection of information about menstrual health. Topic areas include fertility, heavy flow, hot flashes, cramps and painful periods, contraception, and more.

![CeMCOR-The Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAEE0lEQVRIiV2WYa4jNwyDP8rOFr11b9HL9RAFirbbl5jsD2km2X3PMQZOTMqURI/++P03gARHDo6OdaITOTJlFBWSSpJUqqIKiaqUIlwErJj3CAnUoAcBIALzNJPm+ee/WQ+6fvbjlz1vpREjArk2RkQCocx+KZIk9MYKEgyEiJTem0QA2XXhkkCU6ApKpECSSDHQw1pBihDpXxTx7EKkmoTsim90MucQHW8GXRIRkqKKFCQq/R1Kga/YO+KQKAlNkF7Uh1bDUSNRIRFJKlCoWb0zUZ2Pzmc6wwnZK+fO85tDt0qMJJoTUJE0BLo1nRhFfM29chP8xIGuNLRKEsOqoe/wB/XeTJRYVnqFXX5x1dsPBNe/hLBUUtdVJKNC8BH+QJNgtT7pE/hMdU65XuhdmRIq6c55E4Dc1fomSKIoDknPI5Gf7/bIXeK6o5eQCnkeyurwSSR1E6Rrxqah3YyQXef10YMT+oVe3J3VElWLY02p5uoyJ0msJHEPksBe5/nhCYzmKnq/Stx6NU2LI0ktaDeUcHrESeiZbF0EujBQqQzV1aEPU9KHepOvoHbKmFi+wrdvia4cjBWUVFBT8rn8pqtAt4mobSpTQdalzHDYiiGb19dHZEVJKrJUBUuAmiaXJBq9MuET42CTg40PHj6Srefzh/CrqFLSfiWC1rsKKu8GQ1cDRPYFfXFcl8Lm+XVJUPRNUouy1ho//qjiUUofV0Q69iHQOfGRHR8lxDvvE5SqUqVlaiVRYGWQ1+UlrWQnfQyt0c05c4hzhjXe+XqiS6JaVGFTlm93gRUCFQqqJt2fJ2hZznnPrVWy/fXV6JJSR7VYZk1Ns4ORYUEtCirXvXNZpI0dm3NyTnw4r0wmsv31HNcpqSplLdcKK2wwPcuhYAUt6jbyIRh0O+c0DT6xiff579XuoBK1VK5lr2inzpyABQstOGtU6n4IjDWY48w4HGck8vb359WbpbJWsaKVOvFOHTiwmyNaXaVTSGMUb4KT47w+OOJ9vr/GV6Sq0lpZqWV2tMPmRw5daaifCHKcV3LM6z7HEJy7SlOlcm2zzE5tsvGjOdRCsZqgqwpC7CHo8F/OaxQj3uffi0DScpW4CHjApo68VQ+xxdIcQlc7t286Hf5NMBw+2/+4LxoVqoYw2zzCCz3wUT0UF6fYxTKleSPse8fOsU/yusZzhMLZ52+PoxVVYYldPKxX0uiuuOKDCxdLWn2FGmmc/yQ3wXNGq7T91xBUxQt29Kg8yt/QUVzJik9yyMLWTmxKUU2rmRxykheD/pU8k1c42fkzAVVcqe18w9+sX1bc6F1DjiwMDibFCkp/kuSEOQH3zJOc7DGzvuxeyVf4tc1Y0WIly1nWSVampfsFpA/QLzsmBwyGAyc0x+F/4+dhF0Tb3mcAAAAASUVORK5CYII=)

A broad collection of information about menstrual health. Topic areas include fertility, heavy flow, hot flashes, cramps and painful periods, contraception, and more.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/cemcor-the-centre-for-menstrual-cycle-and-ovulation-research)

[ResourcesRead

## Common Signs and Symptoms of Perimenopause

This evidence-based, feminist resource aims to demystify perimenopause and normalize the symptoms that often start before periods become irregular.

![An image of an older white woman in a blue shirt lying on a bed with her hands on her head. On her night stand is a white fan facing her.](data:image/png;base64,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)

This evidence-based, feminist resource aims to demystify perimenopause and normalize the symptoms that often start before periods become irregular.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/common-perimenopause-symptoms)

[ResourcesWatch

## Conversation with Dr. Jen Gunter: The Menopause Manifesto

An interview with Dr. Jen Gunter on rethinking menopause and her book, The Menopause Manifesto: Own Your Health with Facts and Feminism.

![Jen Gunter](data:image/png;base64,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)

An interview with Dr. Jen Gunter on rethinking menopause and her book, The Menopause Manifesto: Own Your Health with Facts and Feminism.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/conversation-with-dr-jen-gunter-the-menopause-manifesto)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## Perimenopause: The Ugly, The Bad, and The Good!

Our Bodies Ourselves content expert Ann Marie Meyer offers encouragement in facing the many sides of perimenopause and its symptoms.

![Headshot of Ann Marie Meyer](data:image/png;base64,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)

Our Bodies Ourselves content expert Ann Marie Meyer offers encouragement in facing the many sides of perimenopause and its symptoms.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-perimenopause-the-ugly-the-bad-and-the-good)

[ResourcesListen

## "Decolonizing The Crone" and Reclaiming The Freedom of Aging

Omisade Burney-Scott speaks about her work with aging and menopause, including her multimedia project, “Decolonizing the Crone”

![1igknf Gp Syz VW8kan88 T2kg e1668620969423 jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

Omisade Burney-Scott speaks about her work with aging and menopause, including her multimedia project, “Decolonizing the Crone”](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/decolonizing-the-crone-and-reclaiming-the-freedom-of-aging)