Perimenopause: Let’s Navigate This Journey Together

Have you been feeling a little off lately? Maybe you’re in your late 30s to 40s, waking up drenched in sweat at night, feeling more tired than usual, or noticing that your periods are becoming unpredictable and often heavier. These could be signs that you're entering perimenopause—a natural transition many women go through, but it can definitely come with its challenges.

What is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the phase before menopause when your body starts its hormonal shift. It’s a unique journey for every woman, characterized by changes in the hormonal interplay of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. You might find that your sleep is not as restful, your mood shifts feel erratic, and your energy levels have taken a dip. These experiences can be frustrating, but you’re not alone!

Signs You May Be Experiencing Perimenopause:

• Irregular or heavier periods: With less progesterone to regulate the growth of the endometrium, the uterine lining may become thicker before it's shed, leading to very heavy periods. Additionally, fibroids (benign tumors of the uterine wall) and endometriosis (the migration of endometrial tissue to other pelvic structures), both fueled by estrogen, may become more problematic.

  
  

• Night sweats or hot flashes: An estimated 35%–50% of perimenopausal women suffer sudden waves of body heat with sweating and flushing that last 5–10 minutes, often at night as well as during the day. They typically begin in the scalp, face, neck, or chest and can differ dramatically among women who have them; some women feel only slightly warm, while others end up wringing wet. Hot flashes often continue for a year or two after menopause. In up to 10% of women, they persist for years beyond that.

  
  

•  Mood fluctuations: Let’s be honest – feeling uncomfortable, distracting hot flashes, disappointment with changes in your body, such as vaginal dryness and weight gain – dealing with any of these symptoms can affect your mood and focus. You might even start to feel sad or depressed because of these changes. Or maybe you have increased anxiety as you anticipate a hot flash or worry about how vaginal dryness affects your intimacy. Multiple factors cause mood changes, but they can be worse in women with a history of depression, poor overall health, or significant life stress.

  
  

• Decreased energy, motivation, and sleep issues: During perimenopause, fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels disrupt the body's internal rhythms, leading to sleep problems. Hot flashes can wake you up at night, causing fragmented sleep. These sleep issues can make other symptoms like irritability and brain fog worse, making it harder to function, concentrate, and enjoy life. Many women report short-term memory problems and difficulty focusing during the menopausal transition.

  
  

• Changes in libido: When your three key hormones — estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone — begin to fluctuate unpredictably, various symptoms can occur. Estrogen may increase during perimenopause, leading to breast tenderness and heavy or irregular periods. Progesterone levels can decrease, resulting in headaches, mood swings, weight gain, and poor sleep. Testosterone often declines, causing low energy, reduced motivation, and decreased libido. All of these changes can cumulatively affect your overall libido and sexual health.

  
  

It’s essential to remember that all of these symptoms are perfectly normal (physiologically expected), but they don’t have to be something you endure. Many women feel that their symptoms are dismissed by healthcare providers, who often say, “You’re not in menopause yet; there’s nothing to do.” This isn’t the case! Perimenopause symptoms are treatable. You deserve relief and support during this transition.

Empower Yourself!

If any of this resonates with you, it’s imperative to take action. Ignoring these symptoms will only prolong your discomfort. At Focused Health and Wellness, we’re here to help you understand what you’re experiencing and explore effective strategies for relief.

You have the power to take control of your health and well-being during this time. Reach out to us today to discuss your symptoms in a supportive and caring environment. You deserve to enjoy this stage of life—let’s work together to make that happen! Your journey through perimenopause can be a time of growth and renewal, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.