Perimenopause is when your body starts getting ready for menopause. Think of it like your hormones are going through a significant change. As our recent guest on our TBW Podcast Conversations says, it’s another phase that we will go through (Listen to the conversation here). This can lead to various unusual experiences, which may differ for everyone. It’s not as if you suddenly become a different person, but rather that your body goes through a bumpy ride. Understanding what to expect and discovering simple ways to feel better can make a big difference. Let’s explore some common experiences and how to manage them naturally.
1. Crazy Periods:
- Your periods might be super heavy, super light, or just plain unpredictable.
- Gentle Solution: Track your periods so you know what to expect. Eat foods with iron, like spinach, if you’re having heavy bleeding.
2. Hot Flashes:
- Suddenly feeling hot, like a wave of heat.
- Gentle Solution: Try breathing exercises to cool down. Carry a small fan. Wear light, cotton clothes.
3. Trouble Sleeping:
- Waking up in the middle of the night or having difficulty falling asleep.
- Gentle Solution: Turn off screens an hour before bed. Do something relaxing, like reading. Try eating foods with magnesium, like almonds.
4. Mood Swings:
- Feeling sad, angry, or just plain emotional for no reason.
- Gentle Solution: Write down how you feel. Focus on feeling your feet on the ground to calm down. Do something creative, like painting.
5. Foggy Brain:
- Having trouble remembering things or focusing.
- Gentle Solution: Do brain exercises, like learning a new word. Eat foods that are good for your brain, like blueberries.
6. Dryness Down There:
- Feeling dry and uncomfortable.
- Gentle Solution: Use natural lubricants. Coconut oil, a natural emollient, can also provide relief. Make sure it’s pure, unrefined, and organic. Consider a sitz bath with calming herbs.
7. Achy Joints:
- Feeling stiff and sore.
- Gentle Solution: Do gentle exercises, like walking or swimming. Eat foods like turmeric and ginger.
8. Heart Fluttering:
- Your heart might beat fast or feel like it’s skipping a beat.
- Gentle Solution: Take slow, deep breaths. Drink calming herbal tea. Try to relax.
9. Weight Gain:
- Putting on weight, especially around your belly.
- Gentle Solution: Eat healthy foods and try to move more. Add some strength training. Eat plenty of protein.
10. Low Sex Drive:
- Not feeling as interested in sex.
- Gentle Solution: Talk to your partner. Try herbs like maca. Try to reduce your stress.
Perimenopause is a deeply personal and transformative journey—a bridge from one chapter of life to the next. It’s a time to tune in to your body, acknowledge the shifts, and lean into self-care. It’s not about fighting the tide but learning to move with the current, finding your rhythm with grace and resilience. By embracing simple, natural strategies and showing yourself some compassion, you can tap into a renewed sense of well-being and vitality. You’re not in this alone. Lean on your circle—friends, family, or a trusted healthcare provider—and honor the strength and wisdom that come with each phase. This isn’t just change; it’s becoming—powerful, beautiful, and yours to own.
