I don’t think you can throw a rock on social media without hearing women talking about weighted vests, hot flashes, eating enough protein, taking our chase berry, or any other perimenopause topic.
And I’m THRILLED.
My generation is normalizing menopause and perimenopause and advocating for ourselves. We are sharing resources, best practices, and all the tips and resources.
And I’m here for it.
What Is Perimenopause, Really?
Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause — when your body begins shifting away from its reproductive years. It can start as early as your mid-30s to early 40s and last several years.
It’s not a switch. It’s a slow dance of fluctuating hormones — and for many of us, the signs are confusing, subtle, and not always openly talked about.
Why So Many Women Miss the Signs
Doctors often dismiss the early symptoms as:
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“Stress”
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“Just getting older”
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“Anxiety or depression”
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Or worst of all — “It’s all in your head”
But if something feels off in your body… trust that inner nudge. It took me almost 2 years to get some kind of diagnosis and recommendations–that was 2 years of feeling “off,” out of control, and like a zombie.
And it didn’t have to be that way.
Let’s talk about the real signs of perimenopause that often go unnoticed.
10 Surprising Signs of Perimenopause (That No One Talks About)
1. You Feel More Anxious Than Usual
Even if you’ve never had anxiety before, perimenopause can trigger it.
Hormonal dips — especially estrogen and progesterone — impact your brain’s chemistry, especially serotonin, your feel-good hormone.
“I feel edgy and overwhelmed for no reason.”
Sound familiar?
2. Your Sleep Is a Mess
You’re tired but wired. You wake up at 3 a.m. and can’t fall back asleep. You are consistently exhausted.
This is often due to cortisol imbalances and nighttime drops in progesterone — which is naturally calming.
3. Sudden Food Sensitivities or Gut Issues
Hormonal fluctuations affect digestion, leading to:
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Bloating
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IBS-like symptoms
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Sensitivities to gluten, dairy, or alcohol
Your gut and hormones are deeply connected.
4. Brain Fog or Forgetfulness
Can’t find the word you’re looking for? Walking into a room and forgetting why? Feel like you literally would forget your face if it wasn’t attached?
Estrogen affects cognitive function and memory — so dips can leave you feeling mentally “foggy.”
Read: How Magnesium Changed My Life
5. You Cry More Easily (Or Feel Emotionally Numb)
Some days you’re teary. Other days you feel disconnected from yourself.
Perimenopause is emotionally intense — and it’s normal to feel like a stranger in your own skin.
6. PMS is Suddenly Worse Than Ever
Even if your cycles were predictable before, now your PMS can feel like:
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Rage. There are days where I literally feel as if I am the personification of Anger from the movie Inside Out.
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Depression
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Exhaustion
This can be a red flag that hormones are on a rollercoaster.
7. Your Periods Are Changing
Not just in timing, but:
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Heavier flow
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Shorter cycles
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Skipped periods
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Spotting
And yet… doctors may still say “you’re too young.”
You’re not. This is perimenopause.
8. You’re Experiencing Skin or Hair Changes
Lower estrogen means:
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Drier skin
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Thinner hair
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Acne (yes, even in your 40s)
Tip: Support your skin from the inside with omega-3s and collagen supplements.
9. Your Libido is Shifting
It may go up, down, or disappear altogether. Hormonal shifts affect your desire, arousal, and comfort.
10. You Feel a Deep Desire to Redefine Yourself
Perimenopause is more than physical — it’s spiritual.
You might feel:
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Restless or dissatisfied with “how things are.” I think it’s interesting that this time in our lives makes us very introspective and questioning if we are living up to our full potential. Are we settling? Are we living the life we want to lead? Are we just going through the motions and floating through life?
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A pull to start over, get quiet, or change your life. I’m not lying when I say I wanted to chuck it all in the trash can and move to Iceland a few months ago. The cold never bother me anyway (iykyk).
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A call to come home to yourself. I found a strong pull to return to things that brought me joy as a child. I started coloring again, spending more time outside, and found a new hobby in cooking.
This emotional rebirth is one of the most sacred parts of this season.
You Are Not Broken — You’re Transforming
You’re not alone if you feel like you don’t recognize yourself anymore.
Perimenopause is a major transition — and you deserve support, resources, and real conversations that honor your body’s wisdom.
What Helps Me Navigate This Season:
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Magnesium & adaptogens
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Nervous system regulation (breathwork, grounding, infrared sauna)
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Saying no more often
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Connecting with other women going through the same thing
Final Thoughts: Trust What Your Body Is Telling You
You don’t need to wait until you’re “officially” menopausal to start supporting yourself.
Your symptoms are not imagined.
Your journey is valid.
Your transformation is sacred.
Sending you love and light,
Jaime
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