Spoiler alert: it’s not. And if you’ve been wondering whether what you’re feeling is “just stress” or “just getting older,” it might actually be something more specific — perimenopause.

Despite what you may have been told (yes, we still here this in clinic a lot), perimenopause doesn’t have a set start date. In fact, some research shows that 20% of women at age 40 are already in perimenopause — and symptoms can begin even earlier for some.

So why are women still being told they’re too young?

Because the medical model has focused so heavily on menopause as the main event — when cycles have stopped for a full year — and research and clinical practice doesn’t always recognize the years of changes that come before, which is often when women are feeling the worst.

Many healthcare providers were trained to look for hot flashes and skipped periods in women over 45, not subtle mood shifts, sleep issues, or anxiety in women who are “only” 38 or 40.

The result? Women are often dismissed, misdiagnosed, or sent away with a “wait and see” — when what they actually need is support, answers, and care that sees the full picture.

What if you’re under 45 and having symptoms?

Suppose you’re noticing changes in your cycle, sleep, mood, or energy before age 45. In that case, it’s important to rule out other possible causes like thyroid conditions, high prolactin levels, and nutrient deficiencies, to name a few, to make sure we’re addressing your full health picture.

Because here’s the bottom line: perimenopause can’t be dismissed just because of your age. Your body is speaking, and it deserves to be listened to — not brushed off or minimized.

At Roots to Branches, we listen to your full story — not just your birthdate — and work with you to understand and support your changing body, naturally and holistically.

???? You’re not too young. You’re just ready for a new kind of care.

???? Book your complimentary discovery call today — because thriving in your 40s is possible.

Ready to thrive? Our team at Roots to Branches are thrilled to help.  Book an appointment with one of our team members HERE.

Intrigued, but not quite ready?  Download our FREE 30-Day ‘Prioritize Your Health Challenge’ HERE

READ MORE

When Personal and Professional Collide

When Personal and Professional Collide

Are you stuck in the waiting game of infertility?  The waiting for 12-months of trying to conceive until you can get a proper workup?  The waiting to see an OB/GYN or fertility clinic?  The wait for recommended tests and investigation? I've been there too. I first...

8 Ways to Start Recovering from Chronic Stress

8 Ways to Start Recovering from Chronic Stress

Are You Running on Empty? How much do you have left in your tank? Do you feel like you are trying to run on empty?⁠ You read our last post on reduced exercise tolerance, and realized that you’ve been drawing more from your energy reserves than you have been putting...

Do You Get Tired After You Exercise?

Do You Get Tired After You Exercise?

Do you get tired after you exercise?  During this new routine of being home more, I thought it was the perfect time to build an exercise habit. For some reason, a nagging shoulder injury as one excuse, exercise is one healthy habit I have the hardest time being...

Women Who Will:  A Whole Health Program

Women Who Will: A Whole Health Program

Women Who Will:  A Whole Health Program There is an epidemic of women being exhausted.  I have seen it every day in my practice over the last 7 years,  and I’ve experienced it myself. The tricky thing about this epidemic is that often as women we don’t outwardly look...

Open House:  November 28th 6-8pm

Open House: November 28th 6-8pm

Join us for our Open House and Meet our Team!! The Details: * Presentation from 5:30-6pm:  Tired of Feeling Tired? Top 5 Ways to Increase Your Energy and Thrive (reserve your spot, spaces are limited) All are Welcome from 6pm - 8pm: Meet Naturopathic Doctors Dr. Tracy...

Tracy’s Three Words for 2019

Tracy’s Three Words for 2019

We are well into January, but I thought I would share 3 words I am focusing on for 2019.  As much as I believe we can create new "resolutions" any time of the year, there is definitely something very natural or intuitive to re-evaluating and reminiscing about the year...