Woman Shares 5 Perimenopause Struggles She Was Too 'Embarrassed' to Discuss

Former news anchor Tamsen Fadal shared five things she was "too embarrassed to tell anyone" about while becoming perimenopausal on Instagram. According to a 2023 YouGov survey, perimenopausal women, who are transitioning into menopause, are more likely to describe their experience negatively compared to those who have fully completed menopause. Hot flashes, night sweats, and difficulty sleeping were reported as the top three most common symptoms. But nobody talks about the unusual symptoms that come with this transitional period in a woman's life—including Fadal, 54, who didn't share these experiences when she was going through them in her late 40s. "I didn't immediately realize it was menopause. I felt like I was losing control of my own body, and I didn't know if I would ever be myself again," Fadal told Newsweek. During the Instagram video, which currently has 544,000 views, the award-winning journalist who uses the handle @tamsenfadal on the social media platform shared the following experiences:

1. "I bled through my clothes in the middle of a broadcast on multiple occasions." The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises that while changes in menstrual cycles are normal during menopause, it's important to discuss any bleeding changes with an OB-GYN.
2. "My ears were constantly itchy." Estrogen supports tissue hydration and collagen production, but during menopause, its decline can cause dryness in mucous membranes, including the ears. This can lead to itching, burning, and wax buildup.
3. "My motivation went away, and it was completely unlike me." My Menopause Center highlights that many menopause symptoms, such as anxiety, mood swings, depression, brain fog, memory issues, and fatigue, can contribute to low motivation and self-esteem. Physical symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and joint pain may also impact motivation.
4. "My body odor was almost impossible to control." Harvard Health explains excessive sweating from hot flashes and night sweats can promote underarm bacteria growth, leading to stronger body odor.
5. "My libido went out the window. I didn't feel sexy or want to have sex." According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, more than a third of women in perimenopause or menopause experience sexual difficulties, ranging from a lack of interest in sex to trouble achieving orgasm.

The former PIX11 anchor now proudly speaks out about this life stage, which affects most women between the ages of 45 and 55. "For too long, menopause has been treated as something women just have to suffer through in silence. My journey began in an unexpected moment of vulnerability—on live TV, where I was blindsided by heart palpitations, brain fog, and other symptoms I later learned were part of an epic hot flash. I went to the bathroom and got down to the floor to cool down my body," the menopause and women's health advocate told Newsweek. Fadal, the author of How to Menopause: Take Charge of Your Health, Reclaim Your Life, and Feel Even Better than Before shared that the worst part was the unknown. She recalls asking herself the following questions: "What was happening to me? When would the symptoms hit? Who could I go to for answers? I felt alone, unseen, and unheard." Fadal added: "I received a message from my gynecologist saying, 'In menopause... any questions?' but no guidance on how to address my symptoms. Fortunately, I had 30 years of investigative and journalistic skills, which I used to reclaim my life, finding the information I needed to embrace the transformation and come out better, stronger, and more fulfilled."

The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized the need for perimenopausal women to have access to reliable health care services, supportive communities, and accessible systems to navigate this life stage. Many women like Fadal may not realize their symptoms are linked to menopause or that counseling and treatment options are available to ease their discomfort. WHO states those experiencing symptoms often feel embarrassed or reluctant to speak up and seek support. Fadal has now made it her mission to help women feel better as they embrace this transition in life. An extract from the clip's caption says: "There's no shame or embarrassment allowed in this community," she emphasized how many women experience the same symptoms that she did. By sharing her experiences online, she created a discussion and helped other women feel seen, supported, and empowered. Now, she regularly shares similar content in a bid to break the stigma. "This is an important message. As someone going through this now, it's wonderful to see successful women talking about it!" one Instagram user wrote. A second added: "The itchy ears are horrendous!!!!" Is there a health issue that's worrying you? Let us know via health@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.