WTF is The Big P? - Perimenopause Explained (Finally, Some Sanity!)

Okay, let's just put it out there: perimenopause. It's a word that's becoming an increasingly common part of the conversation, but for many of us, it can still feel like a mystery wrapped in a hormonal enigma. At the young age of 39, after missing my period a time or two and feeling like I was losing my mind – waking up at 3 am for no good reason – I spoke to my doctor. She let me know I was entering perimenopause, or as my mom likes to call it, 'the change' (insert side eye here). I didn't think I was old enough, but fun fact: perimenopause can begin as early as a woman's mid-30s.

What IS Perimenopause (and what it ISN'T): Perimenopause isn't some sudden switch that flips one day. It's actually the transition period leading up to menopause (when you haven't had a period for 12 consecutive months). Think of it as the hormonal warm-up act before the main event. This phase can last for several years – sometimes even a decade – and it's characterized by fluctuating hormone levels, primarily estrogen and progesterone.

You're Not Crazy, and You're Definitely Not Alone: If you've been feeling like your body and mind are playing tricks on you lately, please know this: you are absolutely not losing it. The hormonal shifts of perimenopause can bring on a whole host of symptoms that can feel completely out of the blue. Some of the most common ones you might be experiencing include those classic culprits:

• Mood Swings: One minute you're fine, the next you're feeling irritable, anxious, or even tearful for no reason at all.

• Night Sweats: Waking up drenched in sweat, even when the room isn't hot, or even when it's cold outside.

• Sleep Troubles: Tossing, turning, struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep – the perimenopause sleep struggle is real.

• That General Feeling of Imbalance: You might just feel "off," like your body and mind aren't quite in sync anymore, and it can be hard to pinpoint exactly why.

  
  

But those aren't the only curveballs perimenopause can throw our way. Here are three other common symptoms that women often face when realizing they're in this transition:

1. Changes in Your Period: This is often one of the first signs. Your cycles might become shorter or longer, heavier or lighter, or even skip months. It can feel completely unpredictable!

2. Brain Fog and Difficulty Concentrating: Feeling like your thoughts are cloudy, struggling to focus, or having trouble remembering things can be surprisingly common and incredibly frustrating.

3. Increased Fatigue: Even with enough sleep (if you're lucky!), you might find yourself feeling inexplicably tired and lacking energy.

   
   

The bottom line is, if you're experiencing a combination of these symptoms, perimenopause is a very real possibility. And the good news is, there are ways to navigate this to help you feel more balanced and like yourself again. Over the next four weeks, we're going to dive deep into all things perimenopause in a supportive and empowering series designed to help you feel more like yourself again.

Here's a sneak peek at what we'll be covering:

• Week 1 (That's today!): Perimenopause Exercise: The Best Types of Movement for Hormone Balance, Mood & Energy. We'll explore gentle yet effective ways to move your body that can make a real difference without sending your cortisol levels into a frenzy.

• Week 2: Perimenopause Brain Fog & Fatigue? These Natural Supplements Might Be Your Secret Weapon. We'll talk about some key natural supplements that can offer support, always with a strong emphasis on the importance of talking to your healthcare provider.

• Week 3: "Am I Losing It?" The Emotional Rollercoaster of Perimenopause (and How to Find Your Center). We'll tackle the emotional ups and downs with practical self-care strategies and a whole lot of understanding.

• Week 4: Finally, Sleep Again! Your Gentle Guide to Conquering Perimenopause Night Sweats & Insomnia. We'll share natural remedies and lifestyle tips to help you reclaim those precious hours of rest.

Ready to navigate The Big P with a supportive community and expert guidance? Make sure you don't miss a single post in this empowering series! Sign up for my newsletter below to get each week's installment delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll gain access to exclusive tips and resources to help you thrive during this transition. Let's do this together!