Perimenopause is gaining popularity among millennials. Here are 7 coping strategies.

Perimenopause is having a millennial moment as more women are openly discussing their symptoms and new products are being released to help cope with them. Actress Naomi Watts, 55, recently launched a wellness brand called Stripes that offers “menopause solutions from scalp to vag,” while other celebrities like Halle Berry, 57, and Michelle Obama, 60, are sharing their menopause experiences publicly.

Millennials, known for their openness about various health topics, are now focusing on perimenopause, which can start affecting women in their mid-30s and 40s. Research psychiatrist Judith Joseph notes that millennials are unique in their menopause activism, aiming to provide support and information to prevent women from being overlooked during this stage of life.

Recent studies have shown that hormone treatments may benefit younger menopausal women, with the benefits likely outweighing the risks for short-term relief of symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. This news is significant for millennials, as previous generations had to navigate menopause without access to highly effective hormone treatments.

It’s important for women to be aware that menopause symptoms can start earlier than expected, with changing hormone levels causing a range of issues beyond just menstrual irregularities. Finding a menopause specialist and avoiding misinformation and hyped products are crucial steps in managing symptoms effectively.

Even women without noticeable symptoms should have a menopause plan in place, as the body stops producing estrogen during menopause, making women more susceptible to health issues like bone loss and heart disease. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and discussing menopause with friends are all recommended strategies for coping with perimenopause. The increased conversation around women’s midlife health is a positive step, but there is still work to be done in providing support and information for women going through this stage of life.