Why You Feel So Off:

A Guide to Perimenopause

Perimenopause is a natural hormonal transition — but the symptoms can feel anything but natural.

If you’ve been wondering why your body, mood, and energy don’t feel like they used to, you’re in the right place.

Let’s break down what’s happening inside your body (in plain English) — and what you can do to start feeling like yourself again.

What Is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause — and it can begin earlier than most women expect, often in your late 30s or 40s.

During this phase, your hormones (especially estrogen and progesterone) start to fluctuate.

They no longer follow the predictable patterns you’ve had for decades.

Those shifts can set off a ripple effect throughout your entire body.

You’re not imagining it.

There is a reason you feel “off.”

Why Symptoms Happen

Perimenopause symptoms happen because your hormones are:

  • rising and falling unexpectedly

  • no longer working in balance with one another

  • affecting systems like sleep, stress, digestion, metabolism, and mood

Here’s a simple breakdown of the main hormonal players

Estrogen

Levels swing up and down dramatically. This affects mood, periods, sleep, joints, and even your brain.

Progesterone

This calming hormone often starts to decline earlier, making you more sensitive to stress, sleep disruptions, and anxiety.

Cortisol

Because your body is under more internal stress, cortisol becomes harder to regulate. This leads to fatigue, belly fat, irritability, and “wired but tired” nights.

Blood Sugar

Hormonal fluctuations make your blood sugar more sensitive, which increases cravings, energy crashes, and midsection weight gain.

Nothing is random — it’s all connected.

Common Symptoms Women Experience

You may notice symptoms that seem unrelated, but they all tie back to hormone shifts.

Here are some of the most common:

Sleep & Energy

  • Trouble falling or staying asleep

  • Waking at 3 AM

  • Afternoon crashes + chronic fatigue

Mood & Brain

  • Anxiety or mood swings

  • Irritability or feeling “on edge”

  • Brain fog + trouble concentrating

Weight & Metabolism

  • Belly fat that shows up out of nowhere

  • Slower metabolism

  • Stronger sugar or carb cravings

Cycle Shifts

  • Heavier, lighter, or inconsistent periods

  • Shorter cycles

  • “Surprise” early or late periods

Digestion

  • Bloating

  • Constipation or irregular digestion

  • New food sensitivities

Other Changes

  • Hot flashes

  • Night sweats

  • Dry skin

  • Vaginal dryness (GSM)

  • Low libido

If you’re experiencing several of these at once, that’s actually very normal — and it’s a sign your hormones need support.

The Good News — You Can Support Your Hormones Naturally

Perimenopause doesn’t have to feel chaotic.

When you support your body with the right habits, you can:

  • stabilize your energy

  • improve your sleep

  • calm your cravings

  • reduce anxiety

  • strengthen metabolism

  • reduce bloating

  • think more clearly

  • and genuinely feel more like yourself again

Your body isn’t failing you — it’s communicating with you.

Where to Start

If you’re ready to start feeling better, here are two simple ways to begin:

✨ 5-Day Energy + Balance Reset

Get back on track with simple daily habits that restore energy, mood, and motivation.

→ Learn about the 5-Day Reset

🌿 6-Week Rise + Reset Hormone Rebalance Plan

Build lasting hormone balance with a guided, step-by-step plan that supports every system affected in perimenopause.

→ Explore the 6-Week Plan

💛 Need more personalized support?

I offer 1:1 coaching for women who want deeper guidance.

→ Learn about Coaching