Learn with our partner organization: Pearl & Thistle

There isn't an "easy" button for perimenopause...  but that doesn't mean we have to be totally clueless!


While many of us get at least some semblance of puberty education before our periods start, the majority of women get almost no education on the process of perimenopause (that is, the years leading up to menopause). The little we know is usually cobbled together from media portrayals or from bits and pieces of our mothers’ stories, which are often reflective of their own lack of education and support.

But God has made women’s bodies to go through this incredible transition, and I think that bears some consideration when we think about what sort of education and support women need and deserve! I think every women should know about cycle changes which are common at various points in the perimenopause transition, so we can understand what is NORMAL and be PREPARED to approach perimenopause with well-informed questions (for our NFP instructors and doctors!) and positivity about the natural function of our bodies... even if it all feels a little confusing and messy, sometimes!


Ladies: this little guide is designed to affirm that you are NOT crazy and you are NOT alone during perimenopause! 

Certified NFP instructor Christina Valenzuela briefly explains WHAT perimenopause is, and what changes you might see with:

- cycle lengths

- cervical fluid

- BBT

- LH tests


You'll get a quick set of suggestions for connecting with an instructor, PLUS a list of method options and website links!

Meet the author

Christina Valenzuela

Christina Valenzuela is the founder and director of Pearl & Thistle, an organization which offers a unique blend of science and theology to bring better body literacy to Catholics. Christina has been an instructor in the Boston Cross Check Method of NFP for over a decade. She holds an undergraduate degree in Philosophy and Theology from the University of Notre Dame as well as a Masters in Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School. Pearl & Thistle’s signature course, “CYCLE PREP: First Period Course for Girls” was a finalist in the 2021 OSV Innovation Challenge and has been utilized in homes, schools, parishes, health clinics, and dioceses all around the world.

Important Note:

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...you are leaving the MyCatholicDoctor Academy site.  MyCatholicDoctor Academy has partnered with Pearl and Thistle to provide you with additional relevant course offerings that reside outside of the MyCatholicDoctor Academy catalogue.  When you click the button below and leave this page, you will no longer be on the Academy site and will be subject to the terms and conditions and privacy policy of pearlandthistle.com.  The Academy may earn a commission from your enrollment with this affiliate. All enrollment questions and concerns should be addressed to the partner entity's customer service.

**This course is not included in the MyCatholicDoctor Academy membership subscription.

Learn more about what to expect in perimenopause

Learn WHAT perimenopause is, and what changes you might see with: cycle lengths, cervical fluid, BBT, LH tests… and more!

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