Chapter 5 Intro: Running out of Eggs, Sputtering Hormones, and Choices

Please enjoy these excerpts from the serialized version of the forthcoming book "The 9 Lives of Woman," by Rosebud Woman's Founder, Christine Marie Mason.

Perimenopause, the transitional phase before menopause, begins when the body starts to run out of eggs, causing hormone production to sputter as it adjusts to the new reality. As the egg supply dwindles, the need for reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone decreases, leading to unpredictable fluctuations in their levels.  Symptoms like irregular periods and mood swings (and literally dozens of other manifestations of hormonal changes) might occur as the body transitions toward menopause. It can all feel a bit chaotic.

It typically starts in a woman's 40s, though it can begin as early as the mid-30s or as late as the early 50s. It’s not always obvious at first and can easily be confused with stress, as early symptoms like difficulty sleeping or weight changes are often attributed to life's pressures. 

As women approach perimenopause, the realization that their ability to conceive naturally is diminishing brings a wide range of emotions, from relief to anxiety and grief. Research on how women in the West feel about this stage of life reveals a complex mix of feelings as they face the reality of their reproductive window closing. 

Continued Here: 9 Lives | Chapter 5 | Intro: Perimenopause and the Social-Emotional Body

Also in this installment:

Chapter 5 | Part 2: Nonlinear Changes in Aging: Navigating the Milestones of Midlife

As always, we hope these pieces provide insights and reflections on the powerful forces shaping women’s reproductive health today.

All Love,

Rosebud Woman