As we approach Menopause Awareness Day on October 18th, it’s important to acknowledge the shared experiences of women around the world. Every woman’s journey through perimenopause and menopause is unique, yet many face common challenges especially around awareness, diagnosis, and education. Real-life stories, from everyday women to celebrities, shine a light on the struggles they wished they’d understood sooner. These testimonials highlight the need for better public understanding, education in schools, and comprehensive hormone education for healthcare professionals.

Why It Takes So Long to Get Diagnosed
One of the most common themes in these stories is the difficulty in getting diagnosed with perimenopause. For many women, like TV presenter Davina McCall and actress Emma Thompson, the process of diagnosis can feel like a frustrating maze. In fact, research shows that most women seek help for their symptoms several times before they’re correctly diagnosed.
Davina McCall, who has openly discussed her experience with menopause, shared that she struggled for years with symptoms such as hot flashes, anxiety, and insomnia before realizing it was menopause. She noted that despite being in her 40s and knowing about menopause, she wasn’t aware of what perimenopause entailed. Like many women, she was prescribed antidepressants before understanding that her symptoms were hormone-related.
It’s a similar story for many others. Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Oprah Winfrey have also spoken out about the confusion and lack of awareness surrounding perimenopause. Paltrow shared that she wished she had understood earlier that the irritability and mood swings she experienced were directly linked to hormonal changes.
The Importance of Education: If Women Knew More
A recurring message from these testimonials is the importance of better education—not just for women, but for society as a whole. As actress Naomi Watts shared, “No one prepares you for it. We need more education in schools. We need to prepare women for what’s coming, so they aren’t caught off guard.”
It’s alarming how little education there is in schools about menopause. For many women, they are blindsided by their symptoms, not recognizing perimenopause because they were never taught what to look for. The education gap extends to medical professionals as well. Despite menopause being a natural and inevitable part of aging for half the population, many doctors still receive very little training on the subject. Dr. Louise Newson, a leading menopause expert, has been vocal about the need for improved hormone education for GPs. She emphasizes how vital it is for doctors to recognize the wide variety of symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause, beyond just hot flashes and night sweats.
The Need for Better Hormone Education for Doctors
Stories from women also reveal how medical professionals are often underprepared to deal with the complexities of menopause. As McCall and others have pointed out, many GPs lack the hormone training needed to correctly diagnose and treat perimenopausal women. In fact, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often misunderstood, leading to misconceptions and missed opportunities for relief.
One study found that fewer than 40% of GPs in the UK feel confident managing menopausal symptoms. This lack of knowledge can result in women being misdiagnosed or even dismissed when they come to their doctors with concerns about mood changes, joint pain, or cognitive symptoms. It’s not uncommon for women to leave their doctor’s office with prescriptions for antidepressants rather than getting the hormonal support they need.
Empowerment Through Knowledge
The key lesson from these real-life stories is the importance of empowering women with the right information. Menopause is a significant life transition, and women shouldn’t have to face it without understanding what’s happening to their bodies. Knowing the symptoms to look out for such as; brain fog, joint pain, dry eyes, and low libido, can help women recognize that they are entering perimenopause.
What can women do? Start by educating yourself about the early signs and symptoms. Use resources like the Balance app to track your symptoms and prepare for conversations with your healthcare provider. Consider booking an Initial Wellness Consultation with us at Womankind, where we can work together to identify your specific challenges and create a personalized plan for your menopause journey.
Where to Go from Here
As we reflect on Menopause Awareness Day, let’s take the stories of these women as a reminder that menopause is a natural part of life. Better education in schools, more comprehensive hormone education for GPs, and increased public awareness can help ensure that women aren’t left in the dark when perimenopause begins.
If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek out the right support. Whether that’s through your GP, a menopause specialist, or a wellness coach, you deserve to have the information and care you need to navigate this transition with confidence.