Women have searched for perimenopause relief. Doctors say it’s under-recognized

(InvestigateTV) — Perimenopause is defined as the phase when the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen. It can begin anywhere from eight to 10 years before menopause.The most common signs of perimenopause, like those of menopause, are hot flashes, weight gain and mood changes, in addition to at least 31 other symptoms, according to doctors. It remains under-recognized both among the medical community and the women who experience it.One woman’s search for answersSloane Heller is a former TV news reporter. At 46 years old, she began experiencing symptoms including exhaustion, irritability, brain fog and a body she no longer recognized.“I didn’t even know where to begin,” Heller said. “I absolutely had no idea what perimenopause was until I was thrust into it.”When Heller brought her questions to a doctor, he dismissed her concerns as stress.“I was just like, ‘How can you say this? How can you tell me what I’m going through?’” Heller said. “Because I know my body. I know the symptoms th