Perimenopause: The Hormonal Plot Twist No One Warned You About
Let’s get something straight: I just turned 40 this past December, and I feel great.
No night sweats.
No mood swings.
No cravings so intense I’d tackle someone for chocolate.
Just my usual (busy) self, showing up for life and work with energy and focus.
So when I started digging deeper into perimenopause — mainly because so many women were coming into my office saying things like,
“I feel different, like I’m not myself anymore…”
“I’m suddenly anxious and exhausted.”
“Nothing I’m doing is working like it used to.”
…I decided to be proactive and test my own hormones. Not because I had obvious symptoms — but because I wanted to be ahead of the curve.
And guess what?
I’m officially in perimenopause, too.
Yup. Hormonal shifts are happening even though I feel good — which only proves that this transition often starts quietly, before the classic signs show up.
🌙 So, What Is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause. It can begin as early as your mid-30s and last well into your 40s. And while most people think it’s about hot flashes and missed periods — the truth is, it’s much deeper.
It starts with a subtle decline in progesterone and eventually affects estrogen, your thyroid, adrenals, and even your brain chemistry. The result? A phase of life that can feel confusing, frustrating, and often, completely overlooked.
But here’s what I want you to know:
🟢 It’s not about age.
🟢 It’s not all in your head.
🟢 And it’s definitely not the end.
It’s a hormonal shift — one that deserves support, curiosity, and compassion.
💁♀️ “But I Still Get a Regular Period…”
Totally normal. Most of us associate perimenopause with skipped cycles or the end of menstruation altogether — but the first symptoms can show up even while your cycle looks completely normal.
Things like:
Mood swings (a short fuse that wasn’t there before)
Fatigue, even after sleeping
Brain fog and memory lapses
Weight gain around the midsection
Sleep that’s suddenly trash
Low libido or a shift in desire
The deep, soul-level sense that “something’s just off”
Sound familiar?
These are the early whispers from your hormonal system that change is coming.
🔁 Reverse Puberty… But With a Mortgage
Think of menopause and perimenopause like reverse puberty. Puberty is when hormones ramp up to make you fertile. Perimenopause is when hormones begin to wind down. Except this time, you have a family, a job, a dog, and no time to lie on the couch with emotional support snacks while your body changes without warning.
It’s not dramatic — it’s just biology. And it’s a huge reason why many women start to feel disconnected from their bodies in their late 30s or early 40s.
🧬 The Hormone Trio at Play: Ovaries, Thyroid, and Adrenals
Perimenopause doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s a team effort (whether you like it or not) between:
1. Ovaries
Less consistent ovulation → Less progesterone → More estrogen dominance → Mood swings, PMS, insomnia
2. Thyroid
Estrogen and progesterone impact thyroid function. Less hormone support = slower metabolism, fatigue, weight changes, etc.
3. Adrenals
Your backup hormone factory. If you’re stressed (who isn’t?), your adrenals are probably burned out, contributing to anxiety, sleep issues, and burnout.
This cocktail of hormone shifts is what creates the "I don’t feel like myself anymore" experience.
🧘♀️ My Personal Shifts: Less HIIT, More Yin
Since finding out I’m in perimenopause, I’ve made a few intentional shifts — not because I’m broken, but because I want to support this next phase with grace.
I’m swapping HIIT workouts for yoga, Pilates, and gentle strength training.
I’m prioritizing blood sugar balance with protein-rich meals and protein packed snacks.
I’m using nutrients and herbs that support adrenal function, liver detox, and hormone balance (hello, Maca + magnesium + adaptogens).
And most importantly, I’m listening to my body instead of pushing through.
This isn’t about slowing down — it’s about tuning in.
Because perimenopause is not a problem to fix — it’s a transition to support.
🧠 You’re Not Alone (Or Losing It)
Perimenopause has a way of sneaking up on you — especially when you’re juggling work, family, relationships, and the emotional Olympics that come with being a woman in today’s world.
You’re not imagining it. You’re not weak. And you’re definitely not the only one googling “Why do I want to cry and punch a wall at the same time?”
The truth? Your hormones are changing — but with the right support, you don’t have to feel like you're falling apart.
✨ UPCOMING LIVE WEBINAR
I’d love to invite you to join me for a live webinar Thursday September 25th
We’ll be diving into:
Hormonal changes and how to navigate them
Inflammation, gut health, and how they tie into energy + mood
Natural strategies for hormone balance (that don’t require a total life overhaul)
Final Thoughts
Perimenopause isn’t a downfall — it’s a doorway. To a new chapter of awareness, strength, and re-connection with your body.
It doesn’t have to feel like your body is betraying you. With the right info, community, and support — it can be a season of deep healing and empowerment.
So whether you’re already riding the hormonal rollercoaster or you just want to be proactive like I did, let’s talk.
✨ Your body is talking. Let’s learn to listen — together.
