Common but Not Normal: Recognizing Perimenopause Symptoms & Taking Back Control

Perimenopause is a natural transition, but that doesn’t mean the symptoms you’re experiencing are “just part of getting older.” Many women don’t realize that perimenopause can start as early as their 30s and last up to 10 years before achieving menopause itself.

While many these symptoms linked with perimenopause are common, they are not normal—meaning they don’t have to be something you just put up with.

Understanding what’s happening in your body and taking action can make all the difference in how you feel during this phase of life.

Are You in Perimenopause? Signs to Look For

Many women don’t recognize perimenopause because they’re still getting periods—even if they’re irregular. But hormonal shifts start long before your cycle disappears. If you’re experiencing any of the following, your hormones might be waving a red flag:

🔸 Unexplained fatigue – Feeling exhausted, even after a full night’s sleep? Your adrenal glands and thyroid may be struggling to keep up with hormone changes.

🔸 Mood swings, anxiety, or low mood – Oestrogen and progesterone fluctuations can affect neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, leading to increased anxiety, irritability, or even depressive episodes.

🔸 Irregular, heavy, or missing periods – Perimenopause doesn't necessarily mean skipping periods—it can also mean shorter cycles, heavier bleeding, or unexpected spotting.

🔸 Hot flashes & night sweats – Your body’s temperature regulation is influenced by oestrogen, and when it fluctuates, you might wake up drenched or feel sudden heat waves during the day.

🔸 Brain fog & forgetfulness – Struggling to concentrate or recall words? Oestrogen is crucial for cognitive function, so dips in this hormone can make you feel like your brain isn’t keeping up.

🔸 Weight gain & metabolic shifts – Increased belly fat, blood sugar issues, and changes in muscle tone can be signs that your hormones need support.

🔸 Digestive issues & bloating – Oestrogen plays a role in gut health, and many women notice increased food sensitivities, IBS-like symptoms, or sluggish digestion in perimenopause.

🔸 Skin, hair & nail changes – Dry skin, thinning hair, brittle nails? Collagen production slows down with hormonal shifts, leading to these noticeable changes.

🔸 Lower libido & vaginal dryness – A decline in oestrogen and testosterone can affect sex drive and vaginal health, making intimacy uncomfortable or less appealing.

Why Perimenopause Symptoms Happen

Perimenopause is a time of hormonal fluctuation, not a steady decline. Oestrogen and progesterone rise and fall unpredictably, impacting your mood, metabolism, skin, digestion, and overall vitality. The adrenal glands also take on some of the workload of hormone production, which is why stress plays such a big role in worsening symptoms.

But here’s the key: just because these symptoms are common doesn’t mean you have to suffer through them.

What You Can Do: Start Feeling Like Yourself Again

The good news? You can take control of your health and feel empowered through this transition. While every woman’s journey is different, targeted support makes all the difference.

✅ Balance Your Blood Sugar – Stable energy levels start with stable blood sugar. Focus on protein, healthy fats, and fibre to prevent crashes and mood swings.

✅ Support Your Gut – Your microbiome plays a key role in hormone detoxification. Eating fermented foods, fibre, and gut-healing nutrients can help ease digestive symptoms.

✅ Reduce Stress & Support the Adrenals – Chronic stress worsens perimenopause symptoms. Prioritize deep rest, nervous system regulation, and stress resilience practices to keep cortisol in check.

✅ Replenish Nutrients – Magnesium, B vitamins, omega-3s, and adaptogenic herbs can support hormone balance and energy levels (but quality matters, so be mindful of where you source them!).

✅ Move Intuitively – Instead of punishing workouts, focus on strength training, walking, and restorative movement to support metabolism and muscle tone.

✅ Personalized Support Matters – Every woman’s perimenopause journey is unique. Getting tailored guidance ensures you’re addressing the root causes of your symptoms—not just masking them.

It’s Time to Take Back Your Well-being

Perimenopause doesn’t have to be a decade of struggle. With the right support, you can feel energized, clear-headed, and in control of your health again.

If you’re tired of feeling off and want a plan designed for your body and lifestyle, I’d love to help. Book a 1:1 consultation today and let’s create a strategy to help you thrive through perimenopause and beyond.

💛 Click here to book your consultation. 💛