If you've skipped your period for 6, 9, or even 11 months and you're still waiting to hit that magical 12-month mark that makes it "official," you're in what I call stage 3. And while the guidelines don't formally recognize this phase, it's one of the most intense, confusing, and overlooked stages of all.

In this episode of Hello Hormones, I explain why this critical time—what I lovingly call "the final countdown"—deserves a label of its own. You'll learn what your hormones are doing (or not doing), the symptoms that show up hard during this time, what labs to ask for, and how to know if it's time to consider hormone therapy or other interventions.

Whether you've gone 9 months with no period and feel like you're in hormonal limbo, or you're just trying to understand the perimenopausal timeline more clearly, this episode is your roadmap.

in this episode, i cover:

• Why stage 3 of perimenopause should exist—even if it's not official

• What happens between skipping a period for 60 days (stage 2) and hitting 12 full months (postmenopause)

• What hormone symptoms ramp up during this "final countdown" phase

• What's happening with estradiol, progesterone, FSH, and your cycle (even if it's completely MIA)

• Why many women feel their worst during this stage if they haven't had support or intervention

• The real risks of waiting too long for hormone therapy or support

• What labs to ask your practitioner for (FSH, A1C, cholesterol, thyroid, vitamin D, and more)

• How to advocate for your health—even if you don't bleed due to IUDs or hysterectomy

• Why now is the time to double down on your foundational habits: nutrition, sleep, movement, stress, and support

• My perspective on starting hormone therapy before hitting the 12-month mark

FREE GUIDES:

Hormones 101 Cheat Sheet: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/hormones101

The Perimenopause & Menopause Labs Test Checklist: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/labtestchecklist

The Symptoms of The Perimenopausal Transition (WTF…) Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/perimenopausesymptom

Which Stage of Perimenopause Am I In? Ebook: https://drcarriejones.kit.com/stagesofperimenopause

LETS CONNECT:

Website:

www.drcarriejones.com

Newsletter:

https://drcarriejones.kit.com/newsletter

IG: dr.carriejones

TikTok:

@drcarriejones

Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/@drcarriejones

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Disclaimer: Information provided on this channel is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product. Do not use the information provided on this channel for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or other supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. Information provided on this channel and the use of any products or services related to this podcast by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Dr. Carrie Jones. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease.