Building a village through the change

We have entered an era of unprecedented information on the subject of menopause, and celebrities well over 50 are sharing their menopausal experiences.  Yet, the average working-class woman in her 30s and 40s is unprepared for these natural changes or unclear how they will impact her body, mind, and spirit. A recent study from the University of Virginia highlighted that many perimenopausal symptoms are understudied, and the "psychological symptoms associated with menopause, like anxiety, depression, and irritability, appeared well before the physical symptoms". It also found that these symptoms peaked among women aged 41 to 45 but may begin as early as 36. Just like when preteens experience menstruation earlier than what is considered "typical", if you are not expecting this change to occur, it can feel scary and isolating, and learning more can feel taboo.