For Laura Okafor, witnessing her mother’s shift in personality during her late forties sparked a journey that culminated in the launch of Perry, a digital wellness platform focused on perimenopause and menopause. Okafor’s personal experience—and the lack of open discussion surrounding the menopause transition—highlighted a significant gap in support for women entering this new phase of life. Perry aims to fill that void by fostering a community, providing expert information, and ultimately empowering women to navigate this often-challenging period.
Understanding Perimenopause and the Need for Support
Perimenopause, or the menopause transition, is the time leading up to menopause, and it can begin years before menopause itself. During this period, the ovaries release eggs less frequently and produce less estrogen, a key female sex hormone. This hormonal shift brings about a range of physical and emotional symptoms. These can include night sweats, mood swings, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, bladder issues, joint pain, and difficulty concentrating.
Historically, discussions around menopause have been limited, leaving many women feeling unprepared and isolated as they experience these changes. Okafor’s own experience, witnessing her mother’s struggles without a clear understanding of what was happening, underscores this need for greater awareness and support.
From Blog to App: Building a Community-First Platform
Initially, Okafor launched a blog called Perry in 2019, bringing together healthcare professionals to provide vetted information and a place for women to learn about perimenopause and menopause. In 2021, she expanded this into an app built on a simple premise: to create a space where women could connect, share experiences, and find validation amidst the complexities of the transition.
This community focus stemmed from Okafor’s observations during pregnancy—a significant life transition often accompanied by extensive support and readily available resources. She noted the stark contrast between this support and the lack of guidance and community available for women entering perimenopause. Perry was designed to fill that gap, offering a safe space outside of mainstream social media.
Expert Information and Peer Validation
Perry’s app boasts a unique blend of expert-vetted information and peer-to-peer support. Users have access to a wealth of resources, including blog posts, podcasts, and product reviews from trusted sources, alongside insights from “Perry Big Sisters”—members who offer advice and recommendations. A key feature is the ability to connect directly with other users to ask questions, share experiences, and seek validation. Questions like “Is this normal?” are common, reflecting the uncertainty many women feel during perimenopause.
Perry’s focus on building trusted resources also extends to Perry Academy, a multi-disciplinary e-learning platform aimed at educating healthcare practitioners. This component helps bridge the gap between medical professionals and the realities of perimenopause.
Impact and Advocacy: Raising Awareness on a National Level
Perry’s impact has grown significantly, now serving over 70,000 users. The platform has also taken on an advocacy role, partnering with the National Menopause Foundation to designate September as Perimenopause Awareness Month, a now-recognized initiative across 17 states. Okafor and her team actively participate in initiatives such as congressional briefings to highlight urgent policy needs and research gaps related to perimenopause and menopause.
The Takeaway
Perry is a prime example of how community-driven platforms can address unmet needs and empower individuals navigating significant life transitions. By combining expert information with a supportive community, Perry is helping women understand and manage the challenges of perimenopause, fostering a sense of connection, and ultimately normalizing conversations surrounding menopause—a critical step towards ensuring all women receive the care and support they deserve.
