Why Women in Other Cultures Experience Perimenopause Differently, And What We Can Learn
/Perimenopause isn’t a glitch in your system or a sign that something has gone “wrong.” It’s a natural, biological life transition, one every woman will experience in her own time and in her own way. And yet, despite being universal, perimenopause can look and feel dramatically different depending on where in the world you live. Many women outside Western culture move through this phase with less stress, fewer symptoms, and, in many cases, greater emotional ease. Their hormones aren’t fundamentally different. Their culture is.
At Balanced Thistle, we believe deeply in supporting your body with compassion, evidence-based care, and ancient wisdom. Our goal is not to return you to the hormonal state of your 30s; it’s to make this transition smoother, steadier, and more aligned with the healthiest version of you today. (That’s the Balanced Thistle way, supporting natural transitions, honoring the whole person, and blending science + traditional medicine. )
Let’s explore why women in other cultures often experience perimenopause differently, and what their perspectives can teach us about aging with confidence and grace.
Why Perimenopause Is Experienced So Differently Around the World
In many cultures, menopause is seen as normal, not a problem to fix
Across parts of East Asia, Indigenous communities, rural Latin America, and regions of sub-Saharan Africa, women often view perimenopause and menopause as simple, natural stages of aging. They expect changes, but they don’t pathologize them.
This mindset alone reduces stress.
And stress plays a major role in how severe symptoms are.
When women believe their symptoms are normal and temporary, they’re less likely to catastrophize every hot flash or interpret mood shifts as something “wrong.” In some studies, this mindset is linked to reporting fewer symptoms overall.
Here in the West, by contrast, menopause has historically been framed as a decline, tied closely to youth, beauty, and fertility. When society values women for their sexual attractiveness, aging becomes something to fight rather than embrace. And that emotional weight absolutely affects how symptoms are experienced.
The good news? Modern Western women are rewriting this narrative. Today, more and more women view menopause as a natural process, and their focus is shifting toward long-term health and well-being, not chasing an unrealistic version of youth.
Cultures that value age report fewer physical symptoms
Research shows that women in cultures where older age equals higher social status report:
fewer vasomotor symptoms (like hot flashes and night sweats)
more positive emotional transitions
less anxiety around aging
higher overall well-being
Why?
Because when aging is respected, women feel more connected, purposeful, and valued.
Purpose and belonging have a powerful, measurable effect on the nervous system, which directly affects hormones and symptom intensity.
This isn't just “mindset.” It’s biology. Stress hormones, inflammatory markers, and estrogen metabolism all shift when someone feels supported rather than sidelined.
Traditional therapies and herbal remedies play a supportive role
Many global cultures rely on traditional practices to support perimenopause symptoms, turning to time-honored tools that nurture the body during this transition. Chinese Herbal Medicine and acupuncture are commonly used to regulate hormones and calm the nervous system. Beyond herbs, many communities emphasize dietary patterns rich in whole foods, phytoestrogens, and omega-3s, alongside community care rituals that honor life transitions and provide emotional grounding.
These practices don’t aim to “erase” perimenopause. They aim to support the body as hormones change, helping the transition feel smoother and more sustainable.
At Balanced Thistle, this is exactly how we approach perimenopause, by combining Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern Functional Medicine to support the whole person. (Yes, we’re big fans of blending ancient wisdom with scientific research, because the results speak for themselves. )
Learn more about our approach to Perimenopause and Menopause
What We Can Learn From These Cultural Approaches
1. Viewing perimenopause as normal reduces symptom intensity
Your mindset matters, not in a toxic positivity way, but in a “nervous system physiology” way. When women understand perimenopause as a healthy transition, they experience fewer distress signals.
Your body isn’t failing you.
It’s evolving, with wisdom built in.
2. Social support makes symptoms less intense
In countries where older women are respected, symptoms tend to be milder. Community support changes biology. Feeling valued reduces stress hormones and inflammation, both of which influence how you feel day to day.
3. Natural therapies are powerful when used consistently
Herbal medicine, acupuncture, nutrient-dense foods, and stress-regulating practices have supported women for thousands of years. They remain effective today, especially when personalized to your labwork, lifestyle, and symptoms.
We see this every day in our clinic. Acupuncture helps regulate hormonal fluctuations, support sleep, calm anxiety, improve metabolic health, and create a more stable transition (the same principles we use across fertility, pregnancy, and aging services).
Read about our acupuncture philosophy.
Our Approach: Helping You Move Through Perimenopause With Ease
Perimenopause is not something you need to “power through.” With the right support, this phase can feel grounded, steady, and even empowering.
If there’s anything we can learn from these global perspectives, it’s this:
Perimenopause is not the end of anything.
It’s the beginning of a new, powerful, wise season of life.
And you deserve support that honors that.
Perimenopause can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, it doesn’t have to. Let’s create a plan that helps your hormones, sleep, mood, and energy feel more steady and sustainable.
FAQ: Perimenopause Across Cultures & Hormone Support
1. How do I know if I’m experiencing perimenopause
Perimenopause can show up differently for every woman, but common signs include cycle changes, sleep disruptions, mood shifts, new anxiety, hot flashes, fatigue, weight changes, or feeling “off” in ways you can’t quite explain. Because these symptoms can overlap with thyroid issues, nutrient deficiencies, adrenal fatigue, or metabolic changes, functional lab testing can give you clarity about what’s really happening in your body.
Explore our Functional Medicine offerings.
2. Does perimenopause mean I’m broken or that life as I know it is over?
Not at all, perimenopause doesn’t mean you’re broken, failing, or losing yourself. It’s a completely natural hormonal transition, not a medical emergency or a sign that something is “wrong.” Your body is shifting into a new rhythm, and those changes can feel intense, but they are normal. With the right support, through acupuncture, nutrition, herbal medicine, and stress regulation, this phase can actually feel grounding, clarifying, and empowering.
3. Can acupuncture and herbal medicine help with perimenopause symptoms?
Yes. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can support hormone regulation, reduce hot flashes, improve sleep, stabilize mood, and ease the emotional transitions of perimenopause. These therapies are widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and are a cornerstone of Balanced Thistle’s treatment approach.
