Perimenopause Isn’t In Your Head. It’s In Your Hormones: What Every Woman Should Know
You're Not Crazy. You're in Perimenopause.
If you're in your late 30s, 40s, or even early 50s and feel like your body and mind are changing in ways you can't explain, you're not alone. Maybe you've been told it's just stress, anxiety, or "getting older." But deep down, something feels off. The truth is: it might not be in your head. It might be perimenopause.
What Is Perimenopause (And Why No One Talks About It)
Perimenopause is the transition period before menopause—a time when your hormones begin to shift, often long before your periods stop. It can start as early as your mid-30s and last up to 10 years. During this phase, your estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels fluctuate wildly, leading to a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms.
Common Symptoms Include:
Brain fog and forgetfulness
Fatigue and poor sleep
Anxiety, depression, and mood swings
Irregular or heavy periods
Night sweats and hot flashes
Weight gain (especially around the belly)
Hair thinning and skin changes
Decreased libido
These are just some of the more commonly reported symptoms—more than 30 symptoms have been linked to perimenopause, and some symptom checklists include over 40. Every woman’s experience is unique.
Why You Might Be Misdiagnosed or Dismissed
Many women are prescribed antidepressants or birth control without a full evaluation. Traditional medicine often overlooks hormone-related symptoms unless you're in your 50s or have completely stopped menstruating. But hormone fluctuations can impact you well before menopause officially begins.
It’s Not Just Estrogen
Perimenopause isn’t just about declining estrogen. Often, it's the drop in progesterone that causes the first wave of symptoms. Progesterone calms the brain and supports sleep. As it dips, anxiety, insomnia, and PMS-like symptoms intensify. Cortisol, testosterone, DHEA, and thyroid hormones can also shift—impacting everything from metabolism to mood.
What About Labs?
While lab testing can provide helpful insights, it’s important to understand that normal labs don’t always mean your hormones are balanced. Hormone levels fluctuate daily during perimenopause, so we also rely heavily on your symptom pattern and personal history. Labs are a tool—not the whole story.
At Curing Grace Wellness, we take a whole-person approach. If labs are needed, we may take a look at labs such as:
Estradiol (E2), Progesterone, Testosterone, FSH, LH
Complete Metabolic Panel
Complete Blood Count
Insulin
DHEA-S and Cortisol
Prolactin
SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin)
Thyroid Panel with Antibodies
Vitamin D, B12, and Ferritin
Just to name of few…however it is always individualized. But more importantly, we listen. We validate your experience. And we work with you to connect the dots.
How to Support Your Body Now
Track your symptoms with a journal or app
Prioritize sleep (8 hours, dark room, screen-free bedtime)
Eat more protein and fewer processed carbs
Strength train 2–3x/week to combat weight gain and muscle loss
Manage stress with breathwork, adaptogens, and boundaries
When It’s Time to Get Help
If your symptoms are affecting your quality of life, you're not overreacting—you're overdue for support. Whether it's natural supplements, lifestyle adjustments, or bioidentical hormone therapy, there are ways to feel like yourself again.
How Curing Grace Wellness Can Help
We specialize in hormone health, functional medicine, and compassionate care. Through telehealth in FL, VA, AZ, CO, and IA, we help women like you decode their symptoms, create personalized care plans, and reclaim their energy, confidence, and joy.
Feel like something’s off - and tired of being dismissed?
Let’s take your symptoms seriously and work toward real answers.
👉[Book Your Perimenopause Consult]