The New Perimenopause

Did anything in this book help you better understand changes in how you see yourself or relate to others? If not, have any other media (novels, film, television, podcasts) helped in a different way?

BEFORE READING When did you first sense that something might be changing in your body, mood, or energy, even if you didn't yet know the word perimenopause?

How supported or understood have you felt during this stage of life so far?

What are you hoping to gain, or simply feel, by reading and discussing this book together?

What did you know about perimenopause (or menopause, in general) before you started reading?

You may choose to write your responses down and share them anonymously if that feels more comfortable. If you are reading this book solo, try treating these questions as journal prompts.

WHILE READING Dr. Haver describes how perimenopause often begins subtly and unpredictably. What has your own experience been like? Were there early signs you now see more clearly in hindsight?

In the sections that explore the wide range of perimenopausal symptoms (physical, emotional, and cognitive), which experiences felt most familiar to you? Were there any symptoms or patterns that surprised you?

Consider the chapters that address how women's concerns during perimenopause are often dismissed or minimized. Did any examples or stories resonate with your own experiences? How did it feel to see this acknowledged so directly?

The New Perimenopause weaves together science and lived experience. Has understanding how perimenopause affects the body and brain helped you feel more validated in your experiences? Have you experienced any symptoms that still feel unexplained by science? Discuss.

Throughout the book, Dr. Haver highlights how common these experiences are, even when they feel isolating. How did reading other women's stories affect your sense of connection during this stage of life?