WHAT IS PERIMENOPAUSE?
Since diving into the literature on hormones and women’s health a few years ago, I kept coming across the idea that most women start noticing changes in their body and mind around the age of 43. I was intrigued, especially because I hadn’t felt much of a shift in my late 30s or even after turning 40. I figured maybe I had dialed in my nutrition and exercise routine well enough to ‘sail through’ perimenopause without any major issues.
Well, now that I’m 43, I can say with certainty: the changes have arrived—and they’re no longer subtle enough to ignore.
Here’s what I’ve been experiencing:
Shorter menstrual cycles (I’ve gone from 35 days to 30 in the past year)
More intense PMS (I barely had any in my 30s)
Heavier monthly bleeding
Poorer sleep quality (waking in the night and feeling unrested in the morning)
Longer recovery times after intense workouts
A lowered immune system (more frequent colds or just feeling “off”)
Memory lapses (walking into a room and forgetting why I’m there)
Mental fog and lack of clarity
Increased irritability (like my kids’ shoes in the hallway driving me mad)
More stiffness in my body
More frequent headaches
Fatigue
Drier skin (no matter how much moisturizer I use)
Slightly more hair loss
Water retention, especially the week before my period
Feeling more stressed just by getting through daily tasks
The thing is, most of these changes aren’t obvious to others—but they’re deeply changing how I feel in my body and in my life. I’m still showing up, getting things done, learning, growing, and loving my life. I feel grateful for the people around me and the experiences I’m having. But the truth is, everything just takes more work now.
It takes more consistency and intensity to stay in shape.
It takes more discipline to maintain the level of nutrition my body now needs.
It takes more willpower to create new routines and break habits that no longer serve me.
It takes proactive care to keep my nervous system balanced.
It takes courage to set boundaries and say no.
It takes self-care to meet my own needs and put myself first.
It takes sacrifice to trade fun but draining habits for ones that are nourishing and sustainable.
It takes self-acceptance to stay confident in a body and mind that’s changing.
Perimenopause can feel scary because the changes come whether we’re ready or not. Hormonal shifts are part of the natural process—but the good news is: you’re not helpless. You have choices. Yes, it takes effort to face these transitions head-on, but doing so makes you stronger, wiser, and ultimately, more appreciative of life.
If you’re going through something similar, or recognize any of these symptoms in yourself, know that you're not alone. Every woman experiences this in her own way, but we can learn so much from one another. Finding a support system in your 40s and beyond is essential for staying grounded and well amidst constant change.
Don’t keep it all to yourself. This isn’t the time for perfection—it’s the time for honesty, connection, and real conversations. Follow along for more content around staying well throughout the Perimenopausal transition.