Perimenopause: The Season Of Life No-One Warned You About
- beautifulandbalanc
- Oct 1
- 4 min read
I’m Toni, a degree-qualified nutritionist, personal trainer, and someone fiercely passionate about helping women understand their bodies - not just survive in them.
Today, we’re tackling something that blindsides so many women: Perimenopause.
That season where your body feels like it’s rewriting the rules overnight. One minute you’re cruising along, the next you’re snapping at people for no reason, gaining weight without changing a thing, waking up drenched in sweat, or just… feeling like a stranger in your own skin.
Sound familiar? You’re not broken. You’re not going crazy. You’re in perimenopause. And knowledge is power.
Let’s break it down — what’s really happening, why it feels so intense in today’s world, and what you can do right now to take back control.
What Is Perimenopause, Really?
Perimenopause is the hormonal transition phase that can begin as early as your late 30s. It’s the lead-up to menopause (defined as 12 months without a period). On average, it lasts 3–4 years, though some women breeze through in months, while others feel the effects for up to a decade.
Here’s the truth: symptoms vary wildly. Some women barely notice changes, while others feel like their body has been hijacked.
Why the difference? Because while the hormonal shifts are natural, the way we live today supercharges symptoms:
Chronic stress and “always on” lifestyles.
Environmental toxins in food, plastics, beauty and cleaning products.
Diets heavy in sugar, alcohol, and processed foods.
Poor sleep and less movement.
This isn’t about blame - it’s about understanding that many of the uncomfortable parts of perimenopause aren’t inevitable. They’re amplified. And with the right support, you can feel better.
The Four Stages of Perimenopause
Stage 1: Low Progesterone
Periods still regular, but sometimes no ovulation.
Progesterone (the calming, sleep-inducing, anti-anxiety hormone) drops.
Symptoms: poor sleep, irritability, stress sensitivity, headaches.
Oestrogen becomes more dominant, leading to bloating, fluid retention, belly weight gain, and heavier periods.
Stage 2: Fluctuating Oestrogen
Oestrogen levels swing from sky-high to rock-bottom.
Irregular, often heavier periods with intense PMS.
Symptoms: breast tenderness, vaginal dryness, low libido, hot flushes, night sweats, migraines.
Stage 3: Low Oestrogen — The Menopause Waiting Room
Oestrogen stays low, periods become lighter and more irregular.
Night sweats, hot flushes, insomnia become more common.
This is your body moving toward menopause - normal, but still challenging.
Stage 4: Menopause
12 months without a period = official menopause.
Oestrogen remains low, increasing risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, dementia.
Symptoms may linger, but this stage is an opportunity: lifestyle choices matter more than ever to protect your brain, bones, and heart.
Why Does It Feel Worse Today?
Our grandmothers went through perimenopause too - but not like this. Our modern environment makes symptoms harsher:
Stress: Always rushing, never resting.
Toxins: Plastics, pesticides, fragrances, cleaning products mimic oestrogen.
Liver load: Alcohol, sugar, caffeine overload detox pathways.
Insulin resistance: Processed foods and constant snacking spike blood sugar.
Your body isn’t failing you - it’s asking for support.
What You Can Do Now
This is not about “fixing” perimenopause. It’s about smoothing the ride, reducing the intensity of symptoms, and giving your body what it needs in this powerful transition. Some lifestyle habits to implement to help "smooth thie ride":
1. Manage Stress Like It’s Medicine
Stress is the number one amplifier of symptoms.
Learn to say no.
Delegate more.
Create boundaries around your time and energy.
Schedule rest and things that light you up.
Think of stress management not as a luxury - but as hormone therapy.
🎧 Listen here to find out about how stress and the modern day rush is the silent saboteur when it comes to your hormones, health and weight!
2. Give Your Liver Some Love
Your liver clears out old oestrogen. If it’s overworked, that oestrogen gets recycled back into your body, worsening symptoms.
Cut down alcohol and sugar (your body handles them differently now).
Eat more greens, cruciferous veg (broccoli, kale, cauliflower).
Swap plastic, chemical-heavy products for lower-tox alternatives where you can.
Keep caffeine in check (aim for 3 cups or less).
3. Balance Your Blood Sugar
Perimenopause makes us more insulin resistant. Stable blood sugar = stable mood, weight, and energy.
Build every meal around protein + healthy fats + fibre.
Stop skipping breakfast or surviving on coffee and toast.
Lift weights to improve insulin sensitivity.
Cut down hidden sugars (check food labels - “healthy” foods often aren’t).
Check out this handy handout to help take the guess work out of creating balanced meals.
Treatments: Decoding Your Options
For some women, lifestyle changes make a huge difference. For others, medical support is needed.
HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy):
Today’s bioidentical hormones are safer and more effective than the old versions.
Progesterone can help with sleep, mood, anxiety.
Oestrogen therapy may protect bones, brain, and heart.
Vaginal oestrogen creams or gels can relieve dryness and discomfort.
Natural support:
Herbs and supplements may help - but always work with a naturopath or women’s health practitioner.
The takeaway: There is no one-size-fits-all. If your doctor offers only one option, seek a second opinion.
The Bottom Line
Perimenopause isn’t the end - it’s a powerful shift.
Yes, it can feel like your body is betraying you. But you’re not meant to white-knuckle your way through. With knowledge, lifestyle shifts, and support, you can thrive in this season.
This is your body, your power. And it’s time you owned it.
Check out my TWO PART PERIMENOPAUSE SERIES where I discuss each of these topics in greater detail to give you a direction, solutions and validation in this messy middle aged part of life.
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