When does "postpartum" end?
- Jul 11, 2025
- 3 min read
And does it turn into perimenopause if you're "of a certain age"?
When you hear the term "postpartum", what comes to mind? For many of us, it's those first few weeks and months after we have a baby. However, many doctors or other experts say that it's actually the first year after delivery.
So why, nearly two and half years after Noel was born, do I feel as though I am still experiencing some of the classic symptoms of being postpartum? And, is it coincidental that my doctors told me I am perimenopausal? Or for some of us, are they on in the same?
With Carson (first born, age 4.5), my postpartum symptoms seemed to be pretty par for the course. Mental and emotional struggles aside, physically, I felt as though I was experiencing things that I had anticipated––a hard time losing the weight and some increased hair shedding (I shed a lot as it is so it was hard to tell if it was significant or not).
But with Noel, my entire body changed. I know that girls "steal your beauty", but it's been over 2 years, so I'd like some back! Here are just some of the new, fun things that either developed or existing conditions that got worse after I had Noel:
Randomly developed scalp psoriasis
A histamine issue in my gut???
Random skin bumps and flare ups on my arms and legs
An occasional rogue facial hair
I am never NOT bloated
Loss of elasticity in my skin, mainly on my face
Stretch marks and varicose veins leftover from pregnancy
I also have NO ass anymore??
Periods that could ruin your life (this is also because I went off of the BCP)
I could go on, but you get the point. So about a year ago, I started to wonder if some of these issues were symptomatic of something else. I started to look into my symptoms and went to see my care team to see if I had SIBO and PCOS to start. I was told I don't, but that more than likely I was perimenopausal. Turns out that women of a certain age DO simply transition right from one to the other!
Now, I am not a doctor, so of course, I recommend seeing a medical professional if you feel like you have some issues that seem more than just hormonal. While I am not a doctor, I am an advocate, so I want to encourage you to seek second opinions or stand up for yourself if you feel a physician is brushing off your symptoms as hormonal too easily. I saw several doctors who all came to the same conclusion, and I felt seen and heard, and I want that for all moms and women.
So how does SLEEP factor into this? You're never going to guess, but, perimenopause can negatively impact sleep. While many people do not experience hot flashes or night sweats until later into menopause, the hormonal imbalance that comes with perimenopause, much like postpartum, can increase our cortisol levels and make sleep more difficult.
The joy of motherhood really never ends. While I can encourage you to take care of yourself, we know that if your babies aren't sleeping, neither are you! Besides sharing my experience, the best way for me to help you is to get your family sleeping. Reach out if I can be of any help!