Is It Perimenopause? The Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Feeling off but not sure why? You’re not alone. For many women, the early signs of perimenopause can feel confusing, frustrating, and even scary. But here’s the truth: Understanding what’s happening in your body is the first step toward feeling like yourself again.
What is Peri-menopause?
Perimenopause is the transition phase leading up to menopause, and it can start as early as your mid-30’s. During this time, your hormone levels—especially estrogen and progesterone—begin to fluctuate. And those changes can affect everything from your mood to your metabolism.
The Earliest Signs of Hormonal Shifts (Beyond Hot Flashes)
When we think of menopause, hot flashes often come to mind. But perimenopause can show up in much more subtle (and surprising) ways:
Mood Changes: Increased anxiety, irritability, or mood swings that seem to come out of nowhere.
Sleep Disruptions: Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling unrefreshed.
Irregular Periods: Shorter or longer cycles, heavier or lighter periods, or even skipped periods altogether.
Weight Gain: Especially around the midsection, even if your diet and exercise habits haven’t changed.
Brain Fog: Difficulty concentrating or remembering things.
Low Libido: Changes in sexual desire or discomfort during intimacy.
Itchy Ears (and Other Odd Itchiness): Hormonal changes can make your skin drier, leading to itching in unexpected places like your ears, scalp, eyes, and even the roof of your mouth.
Burning Mouth Syndrome: Some women feel a weird burning, tingling, or numbness in their mouth and tongue, often triggered by fluctuating estrogen levels.
Electric Shock Sensations: Some describe feeling a sudden jolt or buzzing sensation in their head or limbs, possibly due to nerve changes from estrogen fluctuations.
These symptoms can be confusing, especially if they appear gradually. But recognizing them is key to understanding what your body is going through.
How Perimenopause Affects Mood, Metabolism, and Sleep
Hormonal fluctuations can cause a domino effect throughout your body, impacting your:
Mood: Changes in estrogen and progesterone can influence serotonin production, which affects your mood and emotional well-being.
Metabolism: Lower estrogen levels cause insulin resistance and increased visceral (intra-abdominal) fat deposition, making it easier to gain weight and harder to lose it.
Sleep: Night sweats, hot flashes, and general restlessness can make getting a good night’s sleep feel impossible.
These changes can feel overwhelming. But knowledge is power. The more you understand what’s happening, the better you can support your body through this transition.
Simple Ways to Support Your Body Through Perimenopause
The good news? There are simple, effective steps you can take to feel better.
Prioritize Sleep: Create a bedtime routine that promotes relaxation and quality sleep. Try cooling sheets, blackout curtains, or mindfulness techniques.
Optimize Nutrition: Include more plant-based foods, healthy fats, and high-quality protein. Magnesium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids can all support hormonal balance.
Move Your Body: Regular exercise helps boost mood, improve metabolism, and enhance sleep quality. Even short walks can make a big difference.
Manage Stress: Meditation, deep breathing, or simply taking a few minutes for yourself each day can reduce cortisol levels and promote hormonal balance.
Taking control of your health during perimenopause doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, consistent changes can add up to powerful results.
Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?
Perimenopause is a natural phase of life, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it. With the right knowledge and tools, you can feel empowered to take charge of your well-being.
Start by recognizing the signs, making small adjustments, and most importantly, giving yourself grace. This journey is yours to navigate.
I am here to support you through your peri-menopause and menopause journey. For a personalized consultation, use the link below.
Take Control of How You Feel
Menopause isn’t the end—it’s a new beginning.
Defy Menopause: Own the Change is a groundbreaking membership designed to help you take charge of your hormones and navigate this revolutionary stage with confidence.
Led by Dr. Tracy Verrico, a board-certified OB-GYN and expert in women’s hormone health.
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