Two Monks Share Their Perimenopause Journeys to Raise Awareness

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More millennial women are reaching an age where hormones start to decline, leading to disruptive symptoms. But they are no longer suffering in silence.

Discovering Perimenopause

In a quiet farming community in North Texas, about 90 minutes from Dallas, two Jain monks—Sadhvi Siddhali Shree, 41, and Sadhvi Anubhuti, 42—are on a spiritual journey unlike any other.

A few years ago, at 38, Shree, a former Iraqi War veteran, started feeling “off.” She had trouble sleeping, concentrating, and even experienced moments of rage. Anubhuti was struggling too, dealing with fatigue and brain fog. Their search for answers led them to a term they had never heard before—perimenopause.

At their nurse practitioner’s advice, they took at-home hormone tests. Shree’s results showed low progesterone, an early sign of perimenopause. “It was a relief to know it wasn’t just in my head,” she said.

Anubhuti’s test revealed extremely low estrogen levels, which explained her feelings of exhaustion and sadness. “It was shocking,” she said. “You don’t expect menopause-related issues in your 30s or early 40s.”

Understanding Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the transition phase before menopause, typically starting between ages 35 and 45, though some women experience symptoms as early as 30. According to a recent study in NPJ Women’s Health, even younger women are reporting moderate to severe symptoms.

This stage, which can last four to eight years, occurs as estrogen and progesterone levels drop. Common symptoms include:

• Irregular periods
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Sleep disturbances
• Mood swings and anxiety
• Low libido
• Bone loss and increased cholesterol

Without proper care, these changes may increase the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis.

Seeking Relief: Traditional and Natural Approaches

Shree struggled with sleep due to low progesterone, so she started hormone replacement therapy (HRT). “As monks, we prefer natural solutions, but sometimes medical help is necessary,” she said.

Anubhuti chose a different approach. With guidance from a naturopathic doctor, she focused on supplements, a plant-based diet, and omega-3s to manage fatigue, brain fog, and hair loss.

Many women don’t recognize perimenopause symptoms or struggle to get help. A Mayo Clinic study found that nearly 20% of doctors don’t receive menopause training, and only 7% feel confident treating it.

Spreading Awareness Through Film

With so little awareness around perimenopause, many women turn to social media for information and support. Shree and Anubhuti, who have helped people with PTSD and anxiety, are now on a mission to educate women about perimenopause.

They are documenting their journey in an online docuseries called Balance, featuring interviews with top menopause experts like Dr. Mary Claire Haver, Dr. Vonda Wright, and Dr. Louise Newson. They have also launched “peri-parties”—small film screenings to spread awareness worldwide.

“Women are silently suffering, not knowing their options for treatment,” Anubhuti said.

Changing the Conversation on Women’s Health

In Dallas, women’s health advocate Stephanie Collins recently hosted a Balance screening for 50 women aged 33 to 60. “Too many women are dismissed by doctors who tell them to just deal with aging,” Collins said.

Dr. Lyndsey Harper, an OB-GYN at the event, agreed, saying, “Women’s health has been ignored for far too long. We need better education and support.”

Back at their Texas retreat, Shree and Anubhuti continue to share their message.

“Perimenopause and menopause are inevitable,” Anubhuti said. “But suffering doesn’t have to be.”

Shree added, “The most beautiful part? We’ve grown even closer through this journey.”

Full Credit to: Two monks share their perimenopause journeys [NBC News]