Let’s Talk About Perimenopause: The Symptoms No One Warned You About—And What You Can Do to Feel Better

Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings—those are the usual suspects when we think about menopause.

But what if we told you that the hormonal shift begins years earlier, often silently, and affects way more than just your temperature or mood?

Welcome to perimenopause—a phase every woman goes through, but very few are truly prepared for. The good news? You're not crazy, you're not alone, and you don’t have to wait it out feeling miserable.

Let’s break down what’s really happening, the symptoms no one talks about, and how you can start feeling better sooner.

🌙 What Is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, when your hormones—primarily estrogen and progesterone—start fluctuating and gradually declining. It can begin as early as your late 30s or early 40s, and it typically lasts anywhere from 4 to 10 years.

Yes, you read that right. Ten. Years.

During this time, your body is sending signals that something’s shifting… but those signals don’t always come with a neon sign that says, "Hi! This is perimenopause!"

😵‍💫 Symptoms of Perimenopause (That You Might Not Know Are Symptoms)

We all expect the hot flashes. But perimenopause can show up in much sneakier, more frustrating ways:

Physical Symptoms:

·       Irregular periods (longer, shorter, heavier, skipped)

·       Hot flashes and night sweats

·       Weight gain (especially around the midsection)

·       Sleep disturbances or full-on insomnia

·       Migraines or new onset headaches

·       Breast tenderness

·       Vaginal dryness or changes in libido

·       Dry skin, brittle nails, hair thinning or shedding

·       Fatigue that doesn't get better with rest

Mental + Emotional Symptoms:

·       Anxiety (even if you’ve never had it before)

·       Depression or frequent low moods

·       Mood swings or irritability

·       Brain fog and memory issues (hello, “Where are my keys… again?”)

·       Lower stress tolerance

·       Feeling overwhelmed, disoriented, or “not like yourself”

Metabolic + Digestive Shifts:

·       Increased insulin resistance or blood sugar issues

·       Bloating or digestive changes

·       Increased food sensitivities

·       Cravings for sugar or carbs

·       Slower metabolism, despite “doing everything the same”

If any of these sound familiar and your doctor has said, “Your labs are normal” or “That’s just aging”—you’re not alone. Many women are told to tough it out, when what they really need is support and solutions.

🙅‍♀️ No, You Don’t Have to Just “Deal With It”

This phase is natural—but struggling through it is not a requirement. There are real, evidence-based ways to support your body and mind through this transition.

✅ Ways to Start Feeling Better Sooner

1.     Test—Don’t Guess
Comprehensive hormone panels (including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, and thyroid) can show what your body is really doing—and what support it needs.

2.     Balance Blood Sugar
Stable glucose = stable mood, energy, and hormones. Start your meals with protein and fiber, and limit the sugar rollercoasters.

3.     Support Sleep
Sleep isn’t just a luxury—it’s your body’s repair mode. Consider magnesium glycinate, stress-reduction tools, or CBT-I techniques for better rest.

4.     Track Your Cycle + Symptoms
Even irregular cycles still hold valuable data. Apps or journals can help you spot patterns and know when to expect certain symptoms.

5.     Lifestyle Tweaks That Matter

·       Reduce alcohol (yes, it hits harder now)

·       Prioritize strength training and gentle cardio

·       Practice nervous system regulation: breathwork, yoga, nature time

·       Consider adaptogenic herbs or hormone therapy (under guidance)

6.     Work With a Provider Who Gets It
A functional or integrative provider can look at the full picture—not just your labs—and help create a personalized plan so you don’t feel like you’re losing your mind while balancing 10 things at once.

🎯 Final Thought: You’re Not Broken. You’re in Transition.

Perimenopause isn’t something to be feared—it’s something to understand. And when you know what’s happening, you can take back control.

You’re still you—you’re just navigating a new season. With the right tools, support, and knowledge, this chapter can be one of strength, clarity, and even empowerment.

Your body’s whispering. You don’t have to wait for it to scream.

Want help understanding your hormones or getting started with testing? We’re here to guide you—because no woman should have to go through this alone.