Happy midlife woman holding flowers and smiling, embracing confidence and joy during perimenopause. Women's wellness, hormone balance, and self-care in midlife.

Perimenopausal Symptoms Suck—But You’re Stronger Than You Think

September 26, 20245 min read

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Perimenopausal Symptoms Suck—But You’re Stronger Than You Think

“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Embracing the Perimenopause Journey with Strength and Clarity

Let’s be real—perimenopause isn’t just a gentle wind blowing through your hormones. It’s a full-on identity shake-up with a side of hot flashes, brain fog, and emotional plot twists.

I thought I was doing everything “right”—eating clean, moving my body, managing stress. And still, my body was like, cute effort… but no. The symptoms hit hard: vaginal dryness, anxiety that came out of nowhere, 3 a.m. insomnia parties, and wild mood swings that made me question everything. I’d pour a glass of wine to numb the sadness, but spoiler alert: it only made my sleep (and mood) worse.

My testosterone tanked, estrogen turned unpredictable, and the hair loss? Let’s just say I spent more time crying in front of the mirror than I care to admit.

If you’ve been there, are currently there, or feel like you’re on the edge of that cliff—welcome. You’re not broken. You’re not alone. And no, this isn’t the end. It’s a beginning. Let’s reframe the chaos.

Reframing Perimenopause: A Power Shift in Disguise

🌿 A Shift Toward Wisdom, Strength, and Self-Assurance

Perimenopause might feel like a breakdown, but what if it’s actually a breakthrough?

1. Embrace Your Changing Body

Even when my hair was thinning and my skin felt dry no matter how much cream I slathered on, I realized—this body is still showing up for me. Strong. Adaptive. Wise.

Let’s stop fixating on the number on the scale and start celebrating the quiet strength that carries us through each day.

2. Celebrate Your Wisdom

You’re not just aging—you’re leveling up. Brain fog and all, this chapter brings clarity like never before. That gut instinct you used to second-guess? It’s now your superpower.

3. Redefine Your Purpose

This is a time to shift gears, not stall out. Whether it’s changing careers, letting go of toxic relationships, or finally writing that book—midlife is your reset button.

4. Cultivate Self-Compassion

Dr. Kristin Neff says self-compassion builds emotional resilience—and she’s right. Stop the inner mean girl in her tracks. Be your own biggest ally through this transition.

Navigating Perimenopause Symptoms with Resilience

This isn’t about slapping on a smile and pretending everything’s fine. It’s about meeting the mess with grace, grit, and a few well-earned f-bombs.

1. Prioritize Self-Care and Movement

Some days, self-care looks like a sweaty strength workout. Other days, it’s a walk around the block or lying on the floor with your legs up the wall. All of it counts.

Strength training is non-negotiable. It boosts mood, supports metabolism, and protects your bones like nothing else.

2. Find Your Support System

Girlfriends. Online communities. A sister who gets it. You don’t have to do this alone—and you shouldn’t. Emotional support reduces stress and even lessens symptoms. Science says so.

3. Learn Your Hormones’ Dance Moves

Knowing what’s going on inside your body is half the battle. When I finally figured out my testosterone had ghosted me and estrogen was riding a hormonal rollercoaster, I felt less crazy and way more empowered.

Books like How to Menopause by Tamsen Fadel and The New Menopause by Dr. Mary Claire Haver are goldmines of info. Highly recommend.

4. Be Your Own Health Advocate

If your doctor’s still stuck in the “just deal with it” era, it’s time to upgrade. Find someone who listens, tests, and offers up real solutions—whether that’s bioidentical hormones, adaptogens, or lifestyle tweaks.

5. Laugh Through the Chaos

I’ve never had a hot flash (miracles do happen), but trust me—there’s still plenty of ridiculousness to go around. Like brain fog so thick I put my phone in the fridge… twice. Or the time I burst into tears over a missing sock. Finding the humor in these hormone-fueled moments has helped me stay grounded when things felt off the rails.

Laughter really is a secret weapon—it shifts your mood, lowers stress hormones, and reminds you: you’re still you, just with a few new quirks.

“Life doesn't end with menopause; it's the beginning of a new adventure. Strap in and enjoy the ride.”
— Dame Helen Mirren

A New Chapter (That You Get to Write)

This isn’t about “getting back” to who you were. It’s about stepping into who you are now—with strength, intention, and a whole lot more wisdom.

💪 Action Steps to Support Your Journey:

  • Eat for hormonal harmony: Load up on protein, healthy fats, and fiber to keep blood sugar (and moods) steady.

  • Move that body: Strength training + walking = magic combo.

  • Guard your sleep like a dragon: Set up a calming nighttime routine, limit screens, and maybe skip the wine (yeah, I know...).

  • Work with someone who gets perimenopause: BHRT, supplements, and functional medicine can make a world of difference.

  • Build your sisterhood: Community is healing. Period.

Hormonally Yours,

Kimberlee Erin

Just a heads-up: I’m a Certified Menopause Coaching Specialist and Holistic Nutritionist, and while I love sharing what’s worked for me and my clients, this blog is for informational purposes only. It’s not a substitute for medical advice. Always check in with your healthcare provider before starting new supplements, hormones, or treatments—especially since every woman’s perimenopause journey is different. You deserve personalized care that truly fits you.

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