The perimenopause movement sells women the lie that they are ruled by their hormones
By
Patricia Bencivenga
Adriane Fugh-Berman
March 26, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: The Perception of Hormonal Control in Women During Perimenopause: A Critical Examination
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Key Mechanisms Hormonal fluctuations leading to various symptoms, but not solely responsible as aging and stress also contribute. Target Population Care Setting
Key Highlights
Perimenopause is often mischaracterized as a medical condition. Symptoms attributed to perimenopause may be due to aging or stress. The narrative of hormonal control undermines women's agency by framing them as victims of their biology. Vasomotor symptoms are the only clearly attributable menopausal symptoms. Women can lead fulfilling lives despite hormonal changes. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Recognize that not all symptoms in midlife women are due to perimenopause. Management
Address bothersome vasomotor symptoms when they occur, considering non-hormonal options. Monitoring & Follow-up
Monitor symptoms but avoid attributing all to hormonal changes; emphasize individualized care. Risks
Avoid unnecessary medicalization and hormonal treatments that may exacerbate symptoms. Patient & Prescribing Data
Focus on lifestyle modifications and consider non-hormonal therapies for symptom management.
Clinical Best Practices
Promote healthy eating, exercise, and mental health support. Encourage community support and empowerment for women. Educate patients on the variability of symptoms and the need for personalized approaches. References
