Navigating Perimenopause with Personalized Care
Perimenopause can feel like a confusing and unpredictable time. For many women, it’s a phase of life where something just feels "off." The problem is, there’s no set timeline for perimenopause. Symptoms can begin as early as the mid-30s or later, in your 40s, and can last for several years before menopause officially starts. It’s a time when hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone begin to fluctuate or decline, bringing with them a range of physical, mental, and emotional changes.
What Is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause refers to the transition period leading up to menopause, when a woman’s body starts to produce less estrogen and progesterone. It often begins in the mid-to-late 30s or 40s, but for some women, it can start earlier. Unlike menopause, which is defined by the absence of a period for 12 consecutive months, perimenopause can last anywhere from 4 to 10 years.
Common Symptoms of Perimenopause
The signs of perimenopause can vary from woman to woman, but common symptoms include:
Fatigue: Feeling drained, even after a full night’s sleep, is a hallmark of hormonal imbalance.
Poor sleep: Insomnia or trouble staying asleep can be linked to declining progesterone, which normally promotes calmness and restful sleep.
Low libido: Testosterone plays a big role in sexual desire, and its decline during perimenopause can cause a drop in libido, as well as energy and motivation.
Mood swings and anxiety: Hormone fluctuations can contribute to anxiety, irritability, and depression. It’s not uncommon to feel easily stressed or overwhelmed during this time.
Memory and cognitive changes: A common complaint during perimenopause is "brain fog"—difficulty concentrating or remembering things.
Weight gain: Many women report an increase in belly fat, often related to increased cortisol (the stress hormone) and declining testosterone.
Irregular or heavy periods: As estrogen levels decline, the menstrual cycle can become unpredictable, with periods that are heavier or lighter than usual.
Night sweats and hot flashes: These are perhaps the most well-known symptoms of perimenopause, caused by changes in how your body regulates temperature.
Joint pain: Hormonal changes can cause inflammation, leading to joint pain or stiffness.
The Role of Hormones: Estrogen, Progesterone, and Testosterone
Estrogen and Progesterone: These two hormones play central roles in regulating the menstrual cycle, maintaining mood stability, and supporting heart, bone, and brain health. A decline in estrogen can lead to symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood disturbances, while a drop in progesterone can make it harder to sleep and leave you feeling anxious or irritable.
Testosterone: While it’s often thought of as a male hormone, testosterone is equally important for women. It plays a crucial role in energy, motivation, cognitive function, and libido. Testosterone levels in women can begin to decline as early as age 30, and chronic stress can further accelerate this process. Symptoms of low testosterone include fatigue, cognitive decline, loss of muscle tone, decreased libido, depression, and a general lack of well-being.
Interestingly, too much testosterone can also cause issues. Symptoms of excess testosterone include acne, facial hair growth, thinning scalp hair, and increased irritability. Balancing hormone levels is key to feeling like yourself again.
Test, Don’t Guess
One of the most important messages to take away is this: test, don’t guess. Perimenopausal symptoms can overlap with other health issues like thyroid dysfunction or adrenal fatigue. Self-diagnosing based on symptoms alone isn’t enough. Testing allows us to pinpoint hormone imbalances and develop a personalized plan to address them.
At EverWell Center for Health and Longevity, we take a comprehensive approach to wellness. We don’t just look at sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. We also assess your adrenal health, thyroid function, and other factors like insulin resistance, nutrition, and lifestyle. Together, these systems impact how your body manages stress, energy, and sleep.
Nutrition and Lifestyle: Your Most Powerful Medicine
Hormonal balance isn’t only about supplements or medications. In fact, your most powerful medicine isn’t in a bottle—it’s in the choices you make every day. Food can be medicine, or it can be poison. What you eat has a direct impact on your hormones, inflammation, and overall well-being.
A diet rich in whole foods—fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats—can help reduce inflammation and support hormone balance. Processed foods, refined sugars, and excessive alcohol, on the other hand, can exacerbate hormonal issues and lead to poor health outcomes.
Much of the healing we need starts with nutrition and lifestyle. When you combine a whole-food, anti-inflammatory diet with stress management, proper sleep, and regular exercise, you give your body the tools it needs to thrive.
The Heart Attack at 50 Began at 20
One of the most powerful truths about health is that disease doesn’t happen overnight. The heart attack at 50 began at 20, with poor lifestyle choices and untreated stress or hormonal imbalances. That’s why the best time to take action is now. Don’t wait until you’re sick or dealing with a major health crisis to make changes. Being proactive about your health today can change your future outcomes.
How EverWell Can Help
At EverWell Center for Health and Longevity, we specialize in helping women navigate perimenopause with a full wellness workup that includes hormone testing, nutrition guidance, lifestyle recommendations, and personalized treatment plans. Whether you're experiencing mild symptoms or struggling with more severe issues, we’re here to help you feel your best.
Step One: Schedule a Discovery Call If you’re feeling like something is off—whether it’s weight gain, anxiety, brain fog, or sleep issues—don’t wait to seek help. We offer a free, 15-minute one-on-one discovery call to discuss your personal health history and determine the best course of action. You can schedule this call online or by contacting our office in Blue Ash, Cincinnati. We also offer telehealth appointments for Ohio residents.
By taking the first step and getting tested, you can get to the root cause of your symptoms and regain control of your health.
