Also, we really need to have a conversation about what is and is not normal and when you should talk to a doctor.

And doctors need to be educated too, especially male doctors.

I've been on the pill to manage my heavy bleeding and cramps for years. I really ended up with no choice. It's genetic, my mother had the same issues and would routinely have to use not one, but two pads and change them every hour. (No, it's not PCOS or anything like that, it's something else).

Thankfully, perimenopause for me has been accompanied by lighter periods that don't happen every month. My doctor is keeping me on the pill for now because it can control menopause symptoms (another thing worth talking to your doctor about).

But I'm not afraid to say to people "Yeah, my weight is off, it's perimenopause" or "I need to double check my bra size becauxe perimenopause." I've never had any shame, though ;).