Woman Told Symptoms Are Due to Perimenopause-Then Learns the Truth

A woman who was told her worsening symptoms were "just perimenopause" has shared how she trusted her instincts and pursued further medical tests-leading doctors to uncover multiple possible conditions.

Pearl, 43, from New South Wales, Australia, told Newsweek she was first diagnosed with a hormonal disorder called polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)-now referred to as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS)-in her twenties. At the time, she had small cysts on her ovaries and only mild symptoms that did not affect her day-to-day life.

However, around six years ago, her menstrual cycle began to worsen. In recent months, her periods started occurring every two to three weeks.

She said: "People convinced me it was perimenopause and it was normal."

A few months ago, Pearl began experiencing a week of heavy bleeding, including passing blood clots. Two weeks ago, she described one clot as "huge," prompting a doctor to refer her for blood tests, a pelvic ultrasound, and a transvaginal ultrasound.

The caregiver said: "There isn't an official diagnosis yet, but the ultrasound showed most likely endometriosis, as well as the right ovary that has twisted around towards the middle of my uterus."

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. It may affect more than 11 percent of American women between the ages of 15 and 44, is especially common among those in their 30s and 40s, and can make it harder to get pregnant, according to the Office on Women's Health. Treatment options are available to help manage symptoms and improve fertility.

Pearl added that doctors have not fully ruled out other possibilities.

"Ovarian cancer hasn't been ruled out-though my doctor said that cancer is unlikely. My uterus is full of fibroids, my cervix has cysts and the pouch of Douglas has filled with fluid,” she said.

She said a hysterectomy will most likely be required in the future.

A Reminder to Seek Medical Advice

Pearl said she is sharing her story to encourage other women experiencing similar symptoms to seek medical advice and advocate for themselves.

"Not everything is ‘just perimenopause,'" she said.

Her experience reflects a wider issue around how perimenopause symptoms are understood and diagnosed. Getting a clear diagnosis is not always straightforward.

A survey of 1,024 participants found that nearly 40 percent of women seeking help for perimenopause symptoms said they were misdiagnosed.

The research was conducted by Biote, a company focused on hormone optimization, found more than half were treated for conditions such as anxiety, depression, or mood swings, while a third were diagnosed with anxiety. Among those diagnosed with depression, 39 percent felt the diagnosis was incorrect.

Pearl said her experience highlights the importance of listening to your body-especially when symptoms persist or worsen.

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This story was originally published June 5, 2026 at 9:40 AM.