It’s Not Just You — Here’s What’s Happening in Your Body During Perimenopause

It’s Not Just You — Here’s What’s Happening in Your Body During Perimenopause

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “Why do I feel like a stranger in my own body?” — you’re not alone.

The mood swings. The brain fog. The bloating. The poor sleep. The sudden weight gain despite doing nothing differently. It’s frustrating, confusing — and far more common than we’re led to believe.

These aren’t just random symptoms. They’re part of a natural, but often misunderstood, hormonal transition called perimenopause.

Let’s walk through what’s really happening in your body — and why it matters.

Perimenopause: The Most Overlooked Stage of a Woman’s Life

Perimenopause refers to the years leading up to menopause, when your hormones begin to shift and fluctuate — often chaotically. It typically begins in your early to mid-40s, though it can start earlier, especially if you’ve experienced chronic stress, thyroid conditions, or autoimmune issues.

Unlike menopause (which is one day — the 12-month mark after your last period), perimenopause can last anywhere from 4 to 10 years. And yet, most women have no idea it’s even happening until they’re in the thick of it.

A 2022 UK survey found that nearly half of women aged 40–60 didn’t realise their symptoms were related to perimenopause — often being misdiagnosed or simply told to “ride it out”.

So, What’s Actually Going On in Your Body?

Understanding the hormonal shifts can take away some of the fear and frustration. Here’s what’s happening under the surface:

1. Oestrogen Becomes Erratic
Oestrogen doesn’t decline steadily — it spikes and plummets, often in a single day. This erratic behaviour can cause mood swings, breast tenderness, headaches, and disrupted cycles. It also affects serotonin, one of your key mood-regulating brain chemicals, which explains why anxiety and low mood are so common.

2. Progesterone Quietly Slips Away
While oestrogen is dramatic, progesterone exits quietly. This hormone plays a key role in sleep, calming the nervous system, and regulating periods. As levels drop, you might experience heavier, shorter, or more painful periods, along with rising anxiety or restlessness.

3. Your Brain Feels the Shift
Hormones have a huge impact on brain function — especially memory, focus, and emotional regulation. That’s why many women notice brain fog, word-finding issues, or forgetfulness during this phase. You're not losing your edge — your brain is adjusting to new chemistry.

4. Your Body Composition Starts to Change
Even if your eating and movement habits haven’t changed, you might notice a softening around your middle or harder-to-maintain muscle tone. Lower levels of oestrogen affect how your body stores fat and regulate insulin sensitivity. Protein needs also increase during this time, yet most women aren’t getting enough.

Fact: After age 40, women lose about 1% of muscle mass per year — which contributes to weight gain, fatigue, and even higher risk of falls or injury later in life.

5. Sleep Gets More Elusive
Falling asleep — or staying asleep — becomes a nightly struggle for many women. Hormonal fluctuations impact melatonin (your sleep hormone) and cortisol (your stress hormone), leaving you wired at night and exhausted during the day.

You’re Not Broken — Your Body’s Just Changing

One of the most empowering shifts we can make is understanding that perimenopause isn’t a malfunction — it’s a transformation. But your body is asking for something different now.

This is the time to:
– Eat more high-quality protein to support muscle, energy, and hormone production
– Support your body with targeted nutrients like magnesium, B vitamins, and adaptogens
– Focus on blood sugar balance, gentle strength training, and stress reduction
– Build daily habits that support your nervous system and gut health

The truth is, you can feel like yourself again — with the right support.

Why I Created Her Vital Blend

I personally reached a point where I was taking five different supplements just to feel okay — and still didn’t feel quite like me. I wanted something that was:
– Backed by science
– Easy to take daily
– Nourishing without overwhelming my system

So I created Her Vital Blend — a plant-based, protein-rich daily powder with everything your body needs to thrive during perimenopause and beyond. (Coming soon — and I can’t wait to share it with you.)

Start with the Perimenopause Wellness Checklist
If you're not sure where to start, download my free Perimenopause Wellness Checklist here: Download Now

It’s a simple, science-backed guide that helps you identify what’s missing — and what to focus on — so you can feel clearer, stronger, and more energised without the guesswork.

You deserve to understand what’s happening in your body — and to feel supported through every step of it.

Perimenopause isn’t the end of your vitality. It’s the beginning of a new chapter — and you get to write it on your terms.