Perimenopause. If you’ve never heard the term, you’re not alone. Most women don’t realize that the hormonal shifts leading up to menopause can start as early as their mid-30s. Yep, mid-30s!

That means many women are walking around feeling tired, moody, foggy-brained, anxious, and achy, blaming it on stress, lack of sleep, or just “getting older”—when in reality, their hormones are quietly shifting behind the scenes.  

Sound familiar? If so, let’s talk. Because the sooner you recognize the signs, the better you can manage them.

What is Perimenopause, Anyway?

Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause, where your hormone levels (especially estrogen and progesterone) start fluctuating. Think of it as puberty in reverse—but with less acne and more hot flashes.  

This phase can last anywhere from four to eight years (yep, years), and while some women breeze through it, others struggle with symptoms that impact their daily lives.

How Early Can Perimenopause Start?

Most of us assume menopause hits sometime in our late 40s or early 50s. But perimenopause? That can sneak up on you in your 30s or early 40s.

The problem? Most women don’t connect the dots because no one talks about it. Instead, they think:  

• Why am I suddenly so anxious? 
• Why can’t I sleep like I used to?
• Why am I gaining weight even though my diet hasn’t changed?  

These aren’t random occurrences. They’re signs that your hormones are shifting. 

My Personal Journey: From Clueless to Passionate Advocate

I was CLUELESS about perimenopause—despite having two graduate degrees in nursing.

I had no idea that my endocrine system was shutting down due to toxins. I missed all the early warning signs and didn’t recognize what was happening to my body. What followed was premature menopause and years of health challenges—all because I didn’t know what to look for.  

If I had understood the early symptoms, I would have known to take action. And that’s why I’m so passionate about sharing this with women today.  

You deserve to understand your body. You deserve to feel your best. And you don’t have to suffer in silence. 

Early Signs of Perimenopause

Here’s where things get interesting. Perimenopause doesn’t show up with a neon sign—it comes disguised as symptoms that mimic everyday stress. 

If you’re experiencing any of these, your hormones might be calling for attention:  

1. Irregular Periods  

– Your cycle is suddenly shorter, longer, heavier, or lighter.  

– You’re skipping periods (even though you’re not pregnant).  

– Spotting randomly between cycles.  

2. Hot Flashes & Night Sweats

One minute you’re fine, the next you’re melting like an ice cream cone in July. And don’t get me started on night sweats that soak your sheets at 2 AM. 

3. Mood Swings & Anxiety

One day, you’re on top of the world. The next, you’re crying over a commercial. Sound familiar? Blame fluctuating estrogen and progesterone for that emotional rollercoaster.  

4. Sleep Struggles 

You’re tired but wired. Falling asleep is a challenge. Staying asleep? Even harder. Hormonal shifts can disrupt melatonin levels, making deep sleep feel like a distant memory.  

5. Decreased Libido & Painful Intercourse 

If your sex drive has mysteriously vanished, perimenopause could be the culprit. It’s not just in your head—lower testosterone levels can dramatically impact your libido and lower estrogen affects vaginal lubrication and sensitivity. 

6. Brain Fog & Forgetfulness  

Walking into a room and forgetting why you’re there? Losing your train of thought mid-sentence? Hormones impact brain function, and declining estrogen levels can make your memory feel fuzzy.

7. Unexplained Weight Gain

Even if you haven’t changed your diet or exercise routine, your metabolism is slowing down. Many women notice stubborn belly fat creeping in due to hormonal shifts affecting insulin and cortisol.

 8. Hair & Skin Changes 

– Hair thinning or shedding more than usual.  

– Dry skin that no amount of moisturizer can fix.  

– Breakouts like it’s high school all over again.  

The Impact of Unrecognized Symptoms

Ignoring perimenopause symptoms doesn’t just make life harder—it increases the risk of serious health conditions.  

1. Breast Health 

Estrogen fluctuations impact breast density and breast cancer risk. Keeping an eye on hormone levels is key. 

2. Brain Health  

Declining estrogen has been linked to memory loss, cognitive decline, and even Alzheimer’s risk.

3. Bone Health

Estrogen protects bone density. As levels drop, bones weaken, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. 

4. Heart Health

Estrogen helps keep cholesterol and blood pressure in check. Once it declines, heart disease risk rises significantly. Estrogen also impacts Nitric Oxide production that is critical for the health of our blood vessels (the endothelium).

What Can You Do?

1. Get Your Hormone Levels Tested

After years of using serum (blood), saliva, and urine samples to accurately test for hormones, I’m thrilled that there is finally one test that is a powerful tool for women. Yes, it costs more – yet you will understand more about your body than many docs even know to ask. I recommend the DUTCH test. The DUTCH Test gives a full breakdown of hormone levels, metabolism, and stress markers. It’s a game-changer for understanding what’s going on inside your body.

2. Care for Your Liver

Your liver detoxes excess estrogen, which is directly linked to your risk of hormone-related cancers (breast, uterine, ovarian, and even prostate for your men). Support your liver by:

✔ Eating cruciferous veggies (broccoli, kale) (do NOT overcook!)

✔ Reducing alcohol and processed foods.  (alcohol reduces your liver’s capacity to detox bad, cancer-causing estrogens!)

✔ Drinking lemon water, and detox teas like Dandelion to aid liver detox.  

3. Balance Your Endocrine System

– Manage stress (meditation, deep breathing).  

– Prioritize sleep (aim for 7-9 hours).  

– Cut back on sugar and processed foods.

4. Move Your Body 

Strength training + walking keeps hormones balanced and bones strong. 

5. Explore Supplements & Hormone Therapy

– Maca root, ashwagandha, and evening primrose oil help balance hormones.  

– Bioidentical hormone therapy (BHT) is an option that I feel all women should consider to optimize your health for decades to come. 

Final Thoughts

Perimenopause isn’t just about irregular periods—it’s a whole-body shift.

Tracking your hormones is key to managing symptoms and protecting your long-term health. So, are you clueless or curious? The choice is yours.  

CTA -If you want to support in optimizing your hormones through the years, reach out for a FREE 20-minute call @ ConsultLori.com