| Fatigue, mood swings, sleep troubles and hair thinning are just some of the symptoms that mark the transition to menopause. As they ease into their 40s and 50s, Generation X and millennials are shaking off the stigma surrounding menopause and the time leading up to it, known as perimenopause. But it can be hard to pinpoint if you have perimenopause, as there is no definitive test for it. Here’s how to sort out your symptoms and treatment options:
➡️ General practitioners often lack the time to thoroughly evaluate patients for perimenopause. The Menopause Society offers an online database of doctors trained and certified in treating menopause and perimenopause.
➡️ Some clinicians suggest testing for a range of other conditions before considering whether perimenopause is the culprit behind the symptoms.
➡️ Hormone therapy can alleviate severe hot flashes and debilitating mood swings, offering potential long-term benefits. However, research does not yet provide enough evidence to recommend it for all women in perimenopause.
➡️ Many people’s experiences can be inconsistent and rocky because the transition to menopause is characterized by fluctuations in hormones. | 
