The other day, I lost my phone. Not in the cushions, not in my bag — it just vanished. After searching every room (twice), I finally gave up and asked Alexa to call it. Within seconds, I heard it buzzing from the laundry basket. (Did you know you can use Alexa to call your phone? One of the most useful features EVER. 🙌)
If you’ve ever had moments like this — snapping at your kids or husband, misplacing things constantly, or feeling like your energy disappears by mid-afternoon — you’re not alone. These are common signs of perimenopause, the transitional phase before menopause when your hormones begin to shift.
The Hormone Rollercoaster 🎢
Perimenopause is like your body’s dress rehearsal before menopause. Your ovaries don’t just flip a switch and say “We’re done here.” Instead, they send mixed signals for several years — sometimes acting like they’re 25 again, sometimes acting like they’ve already retired to Florida.
Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes:
- Estrogen spikes and dips: Estrogen isn’t just about periods — it influences your brain, bones, skin, and even how you handle stress. When it fluctuates, you may feel more irritable, anxious, or like you suddenly cried at a dog food commercial (guilty 🙋♀️).
- Progesterone takes a back seat: This hormone is like the calming friend who tells everyone to relax. During perimenopause, progesterone often declines first, which can leave you feeling wired, restless, or unable to stay asleep.
- Your brain chemicals are along for the ride: Estrogen helps regulate serotonin and dopamine — the “happy” and “reward” chemicals. When estrogen drops, so can your sense of calm, focus, and motivation.
- Your thermostat gets glitchy: Those hot flashes and night sweats? That’s your hypothalamus (the brain’s thermostat) trying to figure out if you’re cold, hot, or secretly a furnace.
👉 Translation: Your body isn’t failing. It’s rebalancing, recalibrating, and sometimes overreacting in the process.
Why the Brain Fog? 🤯
Remember when you could juggle ten tasks, remember everyone’s birthdays, and still whip up dinner? During perimenopause, brain fog can make even simple things feel like solving a Rubik’s cube blindfolded.
Here’s why:
- Estrogen affects acetylcholine, a brain chemical that helps with learning and memory. When estrogen dips, your brain has to work harder to recall where you left your keys (or your phone).
- Sleep disruptions: If you’re waking up sweaty at 2 AM or tossing and turning, your memory and focus take a hit.
- Blood sugar swings: Rollercoaster energy levels can make your brain feel like it’s buffering (like that spinning wheel on your computer).
Plain language version? Your brain isn’t broken. It’s just temporarily on dial-up internet instead of high-speed WiFi.
The Energy Puzzle 🔋
It’s not just hormones making you tired — though they do play a big role. A few things are happening at once:
- Progesterone and sleep: Lower progesterone can mean more restless nights. Even if you “sleep,” you may not get the deep, restorative stages your body needs.
- Metabolism shifts: Estrogen affects how your body uses insulin (your blood sugar regulator). When estrogen changes, you may notice energy slumps after meals.
- Stress response: Your adrenal glands (tiny but mighty!) sometimes get called in as backup hormone producers. But if stress is high, they’re already busy — which can leave you feeling wiped out.
Small Swaps That Make a Big Impact
While you can’t control every hormonal shift, you can experiment with small, practical swaps that support your mood, mind, and energy:
- Swap scrolling your phone in bed → for 5 minutes of natural light first thing in the morning to reset your circadian rhythm.
- Swap carb-heavy snacks → for protein + fiber + healthy fats to help prevent crashes and irritability.
- Swap candles or plug-ins → for diffusing calming oils like lavender or Stress Away when tension spikes.
- Swap bottling it up → for a quick journaling or tapping (EFT) session to release emotional tension and refocus.
These aren’t “fixes” — just simple tools that help your body ride the waves with a little more ease.
You’re Not Alone 🌸
Perimenopause is a natural phase, not a problem to “fix.” Understanding what’s happening in your body helps you normalize the experience and make choices that support your well-being.
By learning about hormone fluctuations and experimenting with small, everyday strategies, you can regain clarity, calm, and energy — and know that this phase, while challenging, can be manageable and even empowering.
❓Perimenopause FAQ
Q: How long does perimenopause last?
A: It varies! For some women, it’s a couple of years. For others, it can last up to a decade. On average, it’s around 4–8 years. Think of it as your body slowly downshifting gears rather than slamming on the brakes.
A: It varies! For some women, it’s a couple of years. For others, it can last up to a decade. On average, it’s around 4–8 years. Think of it as your body slowly downshifting gears rather than slamming on the brakes.
Q: Am I too young for perimenopause?
A: Perimenopause can begin as early as your mid-30s, but it’s most common in your 40s. If you’ve noticed changes in your cycle, mood, or energy, your body may be starting the transition.
A: Perimenopause can begin as early as your mid-30s, but it’s most common in your 40s. If you’ve noticed changes in your cycle, mood, or energy, your body may be starting the transition.
Q: Why do symptoms seem to come and go?
A: Hormone levels don’t decline in a straight line — they bounce around like a toddler on a trampoline. That’s why some weeks you feel “normal” and other weeks you wonder if you’re losing your mind.
A: Hormone levels don’t decline in a straight line — they bounce around like a toddler on a trampoline. That’s why some weeks you feel “normal” and other weeks you wonder if you’re losing your mind.
Q: Is there a way to know for sure if I’m in perimenopause?
A: Blood tests can sometimes give clues, but they aren’t always conclusive because hormone levels fluctuate daily. The best indicator is often a mix of age, cycle changes, and symptoms.
A: Blood tests can sometimes give clues, but they aren’t always conclusive because hormone levels fluctuate daily. The best indicator is often a mix of age, cycle changes, and symptoms.
🌿 Ready for More Support?
Sometimes it helps to talk it through with someone who’s been there. In a 1:1 Wellness Consult, we’ll take a look at your unique situation and create a simple, personalized plan of small swaps and natural supports that fit your lifestyle.
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Repeat these positive affirmations to yourself...
* I am resilient and can overcome life's challenges.
* I am strong and have the power to make the right choices for me.
* I am grateful for what I can do.
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