Health experts are urging women to recognize the signs of perimenopause to avoid misdiagnosis and delayed medical treatment.

This awareness is critical because many women mistake the early signs of hormonal shifts for general stress or aging. A lack of specialized training among some physicians can lead to a gap in care, leaving women to manage debilitating symptoms without clinical support.

In a Univision Noticias interview, gynecologist and obstetrician Lucía Gaitán said that perimenopause typically begins around age 40 [1]. The transition period can last approximately seven years [2]. During this time, women often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including hot flashes, insomnia, fatigue, and mood changes.

Public figure Melinda French Gates highlighted the difficulty of obtaining a timely diagnosis. Gates said it took three doctors to correctly identify her perimenopause [3]. This experience underscores a broader systemic issue where medical professionals may not be equipped to recognize the condition promptly.

Because the symptoms often mirror those of other conditions, women are encouraged to consult a doctor when they notice these changes. Gaitán and other health sources said that recognizing these signs early allows for better management of the transition and improves overall quality of life.

The disparity in diagnosis often stems from a lack of comprehensive education on the subject within medical curricula. When physicians fail to identify the hormonal causes of insomnia or mood swings, patients may be directed toward mental health treatments rather than hormonal support.

“Perimenopause typically begins around age 40.”

The difficulty in diagnosing perimenopause, even for high-profile individuals with access to premium healthcare, suggests a systemic gap in medical education. When symptoms like insomnia and fatigue are attributed to stress rather than hormonal changes, women face prolonged periods of untreated discomfort and a lower standard of preventative care.