Perimenopause symptoms, support, and what to expect
No one prepared me for this stage of life. I heard about menopause and the hot flashes, the end of periods, and how that usually means you can no longer have children. What I did not know was that there is an entire stage that happens first. Perimenopause can last anywhere from five to ten years. No one told me my hormones would begin to fluctuate in ways I never could have imagined.
So when things started getting strange and unpredictable for me, I knew something was off. It took time for me to understand what was actually happening. I am someone who needs things to make sense. The weight gain, the mood swings, and going from wanting to cry to wanting to fight in ten seconds felt very out of character for me.
When I missed a period, that was the tangible sign I needed. Suddenly, everything made sense. I am 40 years old now, and the stories I heard about the body changing at 40 were no longer stories. They were my reality.
If you know me, you know that I do not play about my health and wellness. The moment something felt off, I went to my primary care provider and asked for bloodwork. We checked my hormone levels because that is the best way to confirm if estrogen and progesterone are shifting. The results came back and she told me I was in early perimenopause.
Once I knew, I wanted to learn everything I could. I also wanted to help other women understand this transition, because no one should be blindsided by a process that is this common. Today, I am sharing five things my doctor told me about perimenopause that can help you feel more prepared.
1. Give Yourself Grace During Perimenopause
Your body is going through a transition you have never experienced before. Your emotions may feel unpredictable. You may not be able to control what is happening inside of you, and that can be frustrating. It is normal to feel overwhelmed.
Here are a few gentle practices that can help:
- Keep a journal
- Stretch regularly
- Move your body daily
- Practice calming breathing exercises
You deserve compassion from yourself during this time. This is a new chapter, and you are learning as you go.
2. Perimenopause Can Last 5 to 10 Years
This phase is not quick. Hormone levels like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are shifting from the reproductive years to the post-reproductive years. It happens slowly, and sometimes in waves.
Think about puberty. Your hormones changed constantly then. Perimenopause is similar. Only this time, we have mortgages, jobs, and people expecting us to act like we have it all figured out.
Give yourself time to transition.
3. Stay Active to Support Perimenopause Weight Changes
When perimenopause started for me, I gained 20 pounds, even though I was staying active and focused on wellness. As a coach, that was challenging. I felt like I was doing everything right, but the scale had other plans.
My doctor told me something that helped me shift my mindset. She said, “Your hormones are leading right now. Keep moving. Keep eating nutrient-dense foods. The weight will level out once your hormones do.”
So if you are active, keep going. And if you are not active yet, this is a great time to start. Your future self will thank you, and right now your mood and energy will too.
4. Ask About Natural Support for Perimenopause Symptoms
I like to allow my body to do what it is designed to do. I gave birth twice without pain medication. I do not use hormonal birth control. So when these perimenopause symptoms started showing up, I wanted natural options first.
My doctor recommended:
- Ashwagandha for mood support
- Black cohosh for hot flashes and night sweats
The night sweats have been intense for me recently. I wake up feeling like I ran a marathon in my sleep. So although I have not tried black cohosh yet, I am keeping it on standby.
Always speak with your provider before trying supplements.
5. Build a Support System for Mental and Emotional Changes
Perimenopause can impact mental health in unexpected ways. You may feel like you are losing control of your thoughts or that your reactions are stronger than usual. I have had moments where I truly did not feel like myself.
No one should navigate this alone.
Reach out to:
- A therapist or counselor
- A close friend
- A sister or another woman you trust
- Your primary care provider
We need support during this transition. And if you do not have someone to talk to, please know that I am here. We can walk through this season together.
You Are Not Going Through Perimenopause Alone
This journey may feel long and confusing. Some days may feel harder than others. But with the right knowledge and support, you can move through this transition feeling more confident and empowered.
I hope these tips help you feel more prepared and supported. I would love to hear what your doctor has shared with you or what has helped you so far. And please share this with your spouse or partner. It helps when they understand what is happening. You do still love them. You are simply adjusting to a new hormonal reality. Let them know you still love them even if your hormones make you wanna fight them. 😩🤣🤭
Important Note
I am not a medical doctor. I am sharing what my doctor advised me personally. Please talk to your primary care provider or OB-GYN for medical guidance that fits you.
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