Let's Talk About Perimenopause
There's been a lot of buzz about perimenopause lately, and for good reason – it's a pivotal chapter in every woman's life that deserves our attention. At its core, perimenopause is all about hormonal changes as your ovaries begin to produce less estrogen and progesterone. Think of it as your body's gradual transition toward menopause, which officially begins after you've gone a full year without a period. This journey often starts in your late 30s or early 40s, and everyone's timeline is different – it might last a few years or even over a decade.
What Are the Symptoms?
Each woman’s perimenopause story will be unique, but here are some common experiences you might encounter:
Irregular periods: Your periods might become unpredictable—sometimes showing up early, sometimes late, and varying in flow from month to month.
Hot flashes and night sweats: Those famous temperature surges might make an appearance, making your internal thermostat feel unpredictable.
Mood changes: Your emotions might feel like they're on a roller coaster, with anxiety, irritability, or even sadness making surprise visits.
Sleep disturbances: Even when you're exhausted, it might be harder to get quality rest.
Brain fog: Your mental clarity may feel off, making concentration and memory challenging.
Weight changes: Your body might decide to redistribute weight in new ways, especially around your midsection.
Decreased libido: Intimacy might feel different due to changes in desire and comfort.
Skin changes: Your skin might become drier, more sensitive, or prone to breakouts.
When I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's, I experienced many of these same symptoms. I partnered with an integrative health doctor to develop a plan that included nutrition, medication, and lifestyle changes. Over time, I found my way to feeling better. Now that I'm in perimenopause, some of these symptoms have resurfaced, reminding me that our bodies are always evolving and need different kinds of care at different times. This phase is also a potent reminder to prioritize self-care and listen to what my body needs.
Why This Matters
While these changes are natural, they shouldn't be dismissed or suffered through alone. Some symptoms could also be signaling other health concerns, such as thyroid issues, that deserve attention. That's why working with a healthcare provider during this time is so important—they can help you distinguish between normal perimenopausal changes and other conditions that might need addressing.
Perimenopause isn't just about managing symptoms – it's about setting yourself up for vibrant health in the years ahead. This time in your life can actually be an opportunity to focus on your overall well-being and create a strong foundation for great health beyond menopause.
More to Come
In the coming weeks, we'll explore different perimenopause strategies like nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle habits. Next week, we'll take a closer look at nutrition and how it intersects with this transformative phase of life.
In the meantime, feel free to reach out if you'd like to discuss strategies for navigating perimenopause—I’d love to connect! Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. Millions of women are experiencing the same changes and we can support and empower one another.
If you’re interested in learning more about perimenopause, here are a few of my favorite health leaders who share valuable insights on their channels:
Dr. Mary Claire Haver (@drmaryclaire) – – A board-certified OB/GYN and founder of The Galveston Diet, Dr. Haver specializes in menopause health and shares science-backed strategies for managing symptoms through lifestyle and nutrition. Her content is empowering and incredibly informative.
Dr. Kelly Casperson (@kellycaspersonmd) – A urologist and menopause expert who talks openly about hormones, sexual health, and aging with confidence. Check out her book You Are Not Broken and her podcast for great insights.
Dr. Francesca LeBlanc (@drfrancescaleblanc) – A functional medicine expert who educates women on hormone health, perimenopause, and natural strategies to support overall wellness.
Photo by Ginevra Austine on Unsplash
