Perimenopause is the time when a woman’s body starts transitioning to menopause, and it’s common to experience a lot of changes. These changes can feel confusing, especially since the symptoms can seem unrelated—like mood swings, itchy skin, or hot flashes. But all these symptoms are connected to what’s happening in your body.
Let’s break it down so it’s easier to understand.
What Happens During Perimenopause?
The main thing that happens during perimenopause is that two hormones, estrogen and progesterone, start to change. These hormones don’t just control your periods; they also affect many parts of your body. When these hormones go up and down, it can cause all kinds of symptoms.

Common Symptoms and Why They Happen

Here are some of the most common symptoms of perimenopause and what causes them:

Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
- Why: Your body’s thermostat, called the hypothalamus, is affected by lower estrogen levels. If you have an imbalanced gut and congested liver, you’ll experience this more as the body has trouble keeping up with it’s filtering job.
- What It Feels Like: You might suddenly feel really hot, start sweating, and then feel cold.
Irregular Periods
- Why: Your hormones are out of balance, so ovulation doesn’t always happen.
- What It Feels Like: Your periods might come more often, less often, or skip altogether.
Weight Gain
- Why: Changes in hormones can slow down your metabolism and change where your body stores fat.
- What It Feels Like: It might be harder to keep off belly fat.
Itchy Skin
- Why: Lower estrogen makes your skin drier and less elastic.
- What It Feels Like: You might feel itchy, especially on your arms or chest.
Hair Thinning or Loss
- Why: Hormonal changes can affect hair growth. Including the thyroid hormones!
- What It Feels Like: You might notice more hair falling out or thinner hair.
Digestive Problems
- Why: Hormones affect how your gut works. If your microbiome is out of balance, this will be worse!
- What It Feels Like: You might feel bloated, constipated, or have an upset stomach.
Feeling Tired
- Why: Hormonal changes can mess with your sleep and energy levels. If you are adrenally weak, you’ll experience this more than others! This is why we run a Dutch Test.
- What It Feels Like: You might feel exhausted even if you sleep enough.
Mood Swings
- Why: Hormones affect chemicals (neurotransmitters) in your brain that control emotions. This is why we look at an organic acid test as part of the Dutch Test!
- What It Feels Like: You might feel happy one moment and sad the next.
Brain Fog
- Why: Estrogen helps with memory and focus, so less estrogen can make thinking harder. (Dutch test will let us know exactly what’s happening with estrogen and other key hormones)
- What It Feels Like: You might forget things or have trouble concentrating.
Anxiety or Feeling Down
- Why: Hormones affect the parts of your brain that handle stress and mood.
- What It Feels Like: You might feel worried or sad for no clear reason.
Vaginal Dryness
- Why: Lower estrogen means less natural lubrication.
- What It Feels Like: You might feel dryness or discomfort.
Joint Pain
- Why: Estrogen helps keep joints healthy, so less estrogen can cause aches.
- What It Feels Like: Your joints might feel stiff or sore.

Why Does This Happen?

Estrogen and progesterone work with many parts of your body. When these hormones change, it’s like a ripple effect.

Here are some examples:

Your Brain: Hormones affect mood, sleep, and memory.
Your Skin and Hair: Lower estrogen makes skin drier and hair thinner.
Your Heart: Hormones help keep blood vessels healthy.
Your Joints and Bones: Estrogen helps keep them strong and flexible.
Your Digestive System: Hormonal changes can affect how your stomach and intestines work.

What Can You Do?

You can do a lot to feel better during perimenopause.

Here are some tips:

Eat Healthy Foods: Include foods like flaxseeds, soy, fish, and vegetables. Start with a Healthy Habits Kit, for the baseline supplements that will support digestion, hormones, energy and stress. This is sometimes all you need. (If in Canada, click here). LMK if you get a kit and I’ll get you started with ease.
Exercise: Staying active helps with mood, sleep, and energy.
Manage Stress: Try yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to stay calm.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking water and using clean moisturizers can help with dryness.
Visit Your Doctor: It’s important to rule out any serious health concerns. Doctors are trained to identify disease states, but it’s worth noting that perimenopause is not a disease. For addressing the underlying causes of your symptoms, other practitioners may offer additional insights and solutions.
Talk to a Hormone Specialist: As a Functional Diagnostic Nutritionist, I can run targeted lab tests to uncover the root causes of your symptoms and provide the information needed to make well-informed choices. Even if you’re considering Hormone Therapy, it’s essential to first support your liver, gut, and overall health and I can guide you through this process in my Hormone Harmony Program.
Begin with Digestion: You want to try some things on your own first. Consider the kit mentioned in step 1 and my Core Confident Resource.

Final Thoughts

Perimenopause is a natural part of life, but it can feel overwhelming when so many symptoms show up. Knowing what’s happening in your body can help you take steps to feel better. Remember, you’re not alone, and there are ways to make this time in your life easier and more comfortable.

Featured