I'm Navigating 'Cougar Puberty' — Better and Worse Than My Teen Years

A New Term for a Challenging Phase: "Cougar Puberty"

The term “cougar puberty” has recently taken the internet by storm, offering a fresh and humorous take on a significant life transition. This phrase, which blends the concept of menopause with the energetic chaos of adolescence, is redefining how women perceive and discuss this natural phase of life.

“Cougar puberty” was coined by two friends, Kristina Kuzmic and Amy Pickard, who found themselves navigating the same physical and emotional changes that many women experience during perimenopause and menopause. Kuzmic, a 46-year-old comedian and author from Southern California, explained that the term emerged from conversations about the similarities between her current experiences and those of her teenage years.

“I was talking about the stuff I’m going through, and it reminded me of being a teenager or even watching my teenagers be teenagers,” she said. “The moodiness, the body changes, the unexpected hair growth — all these funny things are happening again, but now we’re cougars, so that’s how we came up with ‘cougar puberty.’”

While the term may sound playful, it reflects a serious and often challenging period in a woman’s life. Menopause, or “menopawse” as some call it, marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It typically begins with perimenopause, a transitional phase that can last up to a decade. During this time, women may experience irregular periods, hot flashes, mood swings, and other symptoms due to fluctuating hormone levels.

Once a woman has gone a full year without a period, she is considered to be in menopause, which usually occurs around the age of 51 in the United States. For Kuzmic, this phase has brought on a range of symptoms, including night sweats, weight gain, brain fog, and unwanted chin hairs.

Despite the challenges, Kuzmic sees value in giving this experience a name that’s both relatable and lighthearted. She and her friend created a video a few years ago to introduce the term, and it has since gained traction on platforms like TikTok. The phrase has even inspired a line of colorful T-shirts that proudly declare, “Cougar puberty is afoot.”

“It’s a way to laugh about something that can be really hard,” Kuzmic said. “If we have to go through this hell, let’s at least find a way to make it fun.”

Her husband supports her journey by educating himself on menopause through podcasts and books, which gives her confidence to embrace the changes. Unlike her teenage years, when she struggled with acne and self-doubt, Kuzmic feels more equipped to handle her current situation with humor and resilience.

Managing “Cougar Puberty” with Practical Tips

Dr. Megan Lochner, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Stony Brook Medicine, offers several strategies to help women navigate perimenopause and menopause more comfortably.

• Emotional Support: Seek out friends, colleagues, and healthcare providers who understand your experience. You are not alone.
• Dress in Layers: To manage fluctuating body temperatures, wear layers that can be easily adjusted.
• Use Fans: Keep fans at your desk and by your bed, and carry a portable one for added relief during hot flashes.
• Avoid Triggers: Limit spicy foods and alcohol, which can worsen hot flashes.
• Establish a Sleep Routine: Try warm Epsom salt baths, herbal teas, magnesium supplements, and meditation to improve sleep quality.
• Consider Acupuncture: This alternative therapy can help with stress, hot flashes, and sleep issues.
• Talk to Your Doctor: Discuss supplements like chasteberry, black cohosh, and soy-based products that may ease symptoms.
• Support Bone Health: Take vitamin D3 with K2, eat calcium-rich foods, and consider omega-3 fatty acids for heart health.
• Address Vaginal Dryness: Use hyaluronic acid suppositories, coconut oil, or water-based lubricants to reduce discomfort.
• Reduce Stress: Lower cortisol levels by practicing relaxation techniques and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Lochner emphasizes the importance of finding a gynecologist who specializes in treating women during this stage of life. “There are many new treatments available to improve quality of life during this difficult time,” she said. “Stick with FDA-approved options prescribed by someone you trust.”

By embracing both the challenges and the humor of this phase, women can approach “cougar puberty” with greater confidence and support.