Karen is 55 years old and a full-time contemporary Aboriginal artist. Like many women, Karen says she didn’t initially realise that the changes she began experiencing at around age 37 were related to perimenopause.
“At the time, I didn’t really understand what was happening in my body or connect the symptoms to perimenopause and menopause,” Karen says.
Karen experienced much heavier periods, frequent headaches, extremely sore breasts, especially on alternate months, and hot flushes that gradually became more frequent and uncomfortable.
While she feels fortunate not to have experienced severe symptoms, Karen says they still were very difficult to manage at times.
“There were moments when the heavier periods would completely stop me in my tracks and I’d have to quickly find the nearest bathroom. The headaches and sore breasts were also challenging.
“Often the only thing I could do was take pain medication and try to manage the best I could. I was working, raising children, completing my degree and managing everyday life.
“Looking back, I think like many women, I just kept going and got on with it,” she says.
Karen eventually went to her GP, who confirmed she was experiencing symptoms associated with perimenopause.
She encourages other women to talk to their GP too, along with other women friends and family.
“There can be a lot of thoughts and feelings around what menopause means, especially when it happens at a younger age,” she says.
“Although this experience is different for each of us, it is something all women go through. It’s better to go through it together rather than alone.”
