Reviewed By Blake Gilliam, CRNP
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Am I in perimenopause?
If you are asking this question, then you are probably noticing some changes that don’t feel quite right. Maybe your cycle is off, your moods are unpredictable, or your energy is nowhere near what it used to be.
This transition can start in your late 30s or early 40s and last anywhere from a few years to over a decade. Perimenopause looks different for everyone, but once you recognize the signs, you can take charge and start feeling like yourself again.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
If you’re experiencing irregular periods, mood swings, fatigue, or other hormonal changes, you may be in perimenopause. Understanding your symptoms and taking action with lifestyle changes, hormone testing, or BHRT can help you navigate this transition and feel your best.
What Is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the phase leading up to menopause when estrogen and progesterone levels shift unpredictably, throwing your body into a state of change.
This time before menopause can bring symptoms of perimenopause, including irregular periods, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and hot flashes.
It can last anywhere from four to ten years before menopause officially begins (which happens when you go 12 consecutive months without a period). Some women experience subtle shifts, while others feel like their bodies are in chaos.
Am I in Perimenopause? Take This Quiz
Answer yes or no to the following:
- Are your periods becoming irregular—longer, shorter, or heavier?
- Do you experience mood swings, anxiety, or sudden irritability?
- Are you struggling to fall or stay asleep, even when exhausted?
- Have you noticed unexplained weight gain, especially around your midsection? If weight gain is one of your concerns, you may find this article helpful: How to Combat Perimenopause Weight Gain.
- Do you feel constantly drained, even after a full night’s sleep?
- Are your PMS symptoms getting worse or more unpredictable?
- Do you have brain fog, forgetfulness, or trouble focusing?
- Has your sex drive dropped, or are you dealing with vaginal dryness?
- Are you experiencing hot flashes, night sweats, or sudden chills?
- Have you noticed your hair thinning or your skin becoming drier?
What your answers mean:
- Mostly yes: Your symptoms suggest hormonal fluctuations.
- Some yes, some no: You may be in early perimenopause.
- Mostly no: You may not be in perimenopause yet, but if symptoms persist, checking your hormone levels is still a good idea.
How Hormones Shift in Perimenopause
Your hormones control almost everything—your metabolism, mood, sleep, and energy levels. As perimenopause begins, fluctuations create a ripple effect, disrupting multiple systems in your body.
Key Hormonal Changes in Perimenopause
Hormonal shifts can lead to significant changes in mood, sleep, and overall well-being.
- Progesterone drops: You may feel more anxious, struggle with sleep, and notice irregular cycles.
- Estrogen spikes and dips: Hot flashes, mood swings, and unexpected weight gain can happen.
- Cortisol increases: Higher stress levels lead to fatigue, stubborn weight, and irritability.
These changes don’t start overnight, but they build up over time, affecting your daily activities and overall quality of life.
How to Take Control of Your Hormones
Perimenopause is a normal stage of life, but that doesn’t mean that you just have to ‘suck it up’ and deal with it. Here is what you can do to feel your best:
1. Eat for hormone support:
- Add healthy fats (avocados, nuts, olive oil) to boost estrogen levels naturally.
- Increase fiber (vegetables, flaxseeds, chia seeds) to help eliminate excess hormones.
- Balance protein and carbs to keep blood sugar stable and reduce cravings.
2. Reduce stress and sleep better:
- High stress raises cortisol, worsening hormonal shifts. Try meditation, deep breathing, or gentle movement.
- Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep to keep progesterone and estrogen balanced.
3. Adjust your workouts:
- Strength training helps maintain muscle and keeps your metabolism strong.
- Gentle workouts like yoga or walking lower stress and support recovery.
4. Consider functional medicine and BHRT
- Comprehensive lab testing reveals imbalances in estrogen, progesterone, thyroid, and cortisol. Blood tests can help identify hormonal fluctuations, insulin resistance, thyroid conditions, and other medical conditions that could be contributing to symptoms. If you suspect thyroid issues may be contributing to your symptoms, check out this article: Thyroid Disorders in Women: Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore.
- BHRT (Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy) helps to restore balance and relieve symptoms naturally. To learn more about BHRT, read Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy: Is It Safe?.
Take the Next Step Toward Feeling Better
At Madison Integrative Medicine, we specialize in functional medicine, hormone testing and hormone therapy women, to help you feel like yourself again.Book a consultation today at our wellness center in Madison, AL. Call (256) 325-0955 to book an appointment or visit us at 1230 Slaughter Rd Suite C, Madison, AL.
